25 Level Designer Interview Questions and Answers

In the video game industry, a level designer is responsible for creating the environment, layout, and gameplay for a particular level or section of a video game. This can involve everything from scripting enemy AI behavior to designing puzzles and challenges.

If you’re hoping to break into the video game industry as a level designer, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions in your job interview. In this guide, we’ll give you some sample level designer interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your next job interview.

1. Are you comfortable working with a team of other developers to create games?

This question can help interviewers understand how you might fit into their company culture. Teamwork is an important skill for level designers to have, so it’s helpful if they are able to work well with others. Your answer should show that you value teamwork and collaboration.

Example: “Absolutely! I have plenty of experience working with teams to create games. In my current position, I work closely with a team of developers and artists to design levels that are both fun and challenging for players. I’m comfortable taking direction from other members of the team and providing feedback when needed. I also enjoy brainstorming ideas with the team and coming up with creative solutions to problems. Working in a team environment allows us to come up with better designs and more innovative game mechanics.”

2. What are some of your favorite games, and what do you like about them?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and see if your interests align with their company’s values. It also helps them understand what kind of games you enjoy playing, which can be a good indicator of how well you’ll fit into the gaming community at their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some games that are similar to the ones they make or publish.

Example: “My favorite games are those that have a strong focus on level design. I love exploring the different levels and discovering new ways to progress through them. For example, one of my favorites is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. I appreciate how each area has its own unique challenges and puzzles, as well as the way it encourages exploration and experimentation. It’s also incredibly rewarding when you finally figure out a difficult puzzle or find a hidden item.

I’m also a big fan of platformers like Super Mario Odyssey. I enjoy the creative use of obstacles and enemies in order to create interesting and challenging levels. It’s always satisfying to complete a level after overcoming all the obstacles and defeating the bosses.”

3. How do you think level design has evolved over the years?

This question can help the interviewer understand your knowledge of the industry and how you’ve contributed to its growth. Your answer should include a brief overview of major changes in level design, including any that you helped create or implement.

Example: “Level design has come a long way since its inception. As technology and gaming platforms have advanced, so too has level design. In the early days of video games, levels were often designed to be linear with few branching paths or interactive elements. Nowadays, level design is much more complex and varied. With modern game engines, designers can create intricate environments that are filled with dynamic elements like destructible terrain, physics-based puzzles, and AI-controlled enemies. Level designs also now feature multiple pathways and objectives, allowing players to explore and experiment in ways that weren’t possible before.”

4. What is your process for creating a new level?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and what steps you take to complete a project. Your answer should include details about your process, including any tools or software you use and how you collaborate with other team members.

Example: “When creating a new level, I like to start by gathering all the necessary information and resources. This includes researching the game’s genre, story, mechanics, and any other relevant details. Once I have this information, I can begin designing the layout of the level.

I usually start with a rough sketch of the level on paper or in a digital program. From there, I will refine the design until it meets the requirements for the game. During this process, I pay close attention to the flow of the level, making sure that players are able to progress through it naturally. I also make sure to include interesting elements such as puzzles, secrets, and obstacles throughout the level.

Once the basic structure is complete, I move onto the finer details. This includes adding textures, props, and lighting to bring the level to life. Finally, I playtest the level multiple times to ensure that everything works as intended and that the overall experience is enjoyable for the player.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you had to make a last-minute change to a level you designed. How did you handle it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle stressful situations and adapt to changes. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure and teamwork abilities.

Example: “I recently had to make a last-minute change to a level I designed for an upcoming game. The client wanted to add more of a challenge to the level, so they asked me to adjust some of the enemy placements and obstacles.

I knew that this would require a lot of work in a short amount of time, but I was up for the challenge. First, I took a look at the existing design and identified areas where changes could be made. Then, I worked with the team to come up with creative solutions that would meet the client’s needs while still maintaining the integrity of the level. Finally, I tested the new design to ensure it was balanced and fun.”

6. If we were to play one of your levels, what would make it stand out?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of level design and how you can apply it to the company’s projects. When answering this question, try to think about what makes a level unique or interesting. You may also want to mention any specific features that make your levels stand out from others.

Example: “If you were to play one of my levels, the first thing that would stand out is the level design. I have a strong understanding of game mechanics and how they can be used to create interesting and engaging experiences for players. My levels are designed with an eye towards creating challenging yet rewarding gameplay.

I also pay close attention to detail when designing levels. I make sure that each area has its own unique look and feel, while still fitting into the overall theme of the game. This helps to create an immersive experience for the player as they progress through the level.

Lastly, I strive to ensure that my levels are balanced and fair. I take great care in making sure that all elements of the level are properly tuned so that it provides a challenge without becoming too difficult or frustrating. This allows players to enjoy the level and come away feeling satisfied with their accomplishments.”

7. What would you say is your greatest strength as a level designer?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities as a level designer. They want to know what you’re most passionate about in your role, so they can decide if you’d be a good fit for their company. Before your interview, think of two or three things that you feel are your greatest strengths. Make sure these strengths align with the job description.

Example: “As a level designer, my greatest strength is my ability to create engaging and immersive levels that players can enjoy. I have extensive experience in designing levels for both single-player and multiplayer games, as well as crafting puzzles and challenges that are both challenging and rewarding. My attention to detail ensures that the levels I design are balanced and fun while also providing an interesting narrative.

I am also very passionate about creating levels that are visually appealing and unique. I take pride in making sure every level has its own distinct look and feel, which helps to draw players into the world of the game. Finally, I’m always eager to learn new techniques and technologies to improve my level design skills. With each project I work on, I strive to push myself to become better than before.”

8. How well do you handle criticism?

As a level designer, you may work with other designers and developers to create the best gaming experience for players. Your interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to collaborate with others and accept feedback. Use your answer to show that you can take constructive criticism in stride and use it to improve your design skills.

Example: “I understand that criticism is an important part of the level design process and I welcome it. I believe that feedback from others can help me to improve my work, so I’m always open to constructive criticism. I take all comments into consideration and use them to make changes where necessary. I also try to learn from mistakes and apply what I’ve learned in future projects.”

9. Do you have any experience using level editing tools?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with a variety of tools and software. Use this opportunity to highlight any specific skills you have that make you an ideal candidate for the role.

Example: “Yes, I have extensive experience using level editing tools. I have been designing levels for the past 5 years and have used a variety of different tools to create my designs. I am familiar with both 2D and 3D level design software such as Unreal Engine 4, Unity, and Maya. I also have experience in scripting languages such as C#, Python, and Lua.

I understand the importance of creating levels that are both visually appealing and functional. I strive to create levels that provide an enjoyable and challenging experience for players. I pay close attention to detail when it comes to making sure all elements of the level work together seamlessly.”

10. When designing a level, what is your process for deciding what obstacles to include?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your decision-making process and how you apply it in the workplace. Use your answer to highlight your critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to make decisions quickly.

Example: “When designing a level, my process for deciding what obstacles to include starts with understanding the game’s core mechanics and objectives. I use this knowledge to create an obstacle that is both challenging and fun for the player. I also consider how the obstacle will fit into the overall design of the level, making sure it adds to the atmosphere and flow of the level. Finally, I take into account any technical limitations or restrictions that may be present when creating the obstacle. This helps me ensure that the obstacle can be implemented correctly within the game engine. By taking all these factors into consideration, I am able to craft unique and engaging obstacles that are tailored to the specific needs of each level.”

11. We want our levels to be accessible to players of all skill levels. How would you make a level more beginner-friendly?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to create a fun and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. Use examples from previous projects or describe how you would approach this challenge if it’s something new to you.

Example: “I believe that creating a level that is accessible to players of all skill levels starts with the basics. When designing a beginner-friendly level, I make sure to provide clear objectives and instructions for the player. This helps ensure that they understand what their goals are and how to achieve them.

In addition, I strive to create an environment that encourages exploration and experimentation without punishing mistakes. This can be done by providing helpful hints or tutorials throughout the level, allowing the player to learn as they go. I also try to design levels with multiple paths so that players can choose the difficulty level that best suits their skillset. Finally, I focus on making sure there are plenty of checkpoints throughout the level, so players don’t have to start from the beginning if they get stuck.”

12. Describe your process for creating a compelling enemy encounter.

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to create a fun and challenging experience for players. You can describe the steps you take when designing encounters, including how you determine what enemies are appropriate for certain levels and how you design them to be more difficult than previous ones.

Example: “When creating a compelling enemy encounter, I like to start by thinking about the player’s journey. What kind of experience do I want them to have? Do I want it to be intense and action-packed or more strategic and thoughtful? Once I have an idea of what type of experience I’m aiming for, I’ll then move onto designing the level layout. This includes considering things such as line of sight, cover points, chokepoints, and other environmental elements that can be used to create interesting encounters.

Next, I will begin to think about how the enemies should be placed within the environment. I consider their behavior patterns, how they interact with each other, and how they react to the player’s presence. Finally, I use scripting tools to bring all of these elements together into one cohesive experience. This allows me to fine tune the enemy’s behavior and ensure that the encounter is both challenging and fun for the player.”

13. What makes a good level ending?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to create a satisfying conclusion for the player. This can be an important part of level design because it helps players feel like they’ve accomplished something and encourages them to continue playing. To answer this question, you can think about what makes a good ending in a video game that you’ve played before.

Example: “A good level ending is one that leaves the player feeling satisfied and fulfilled. It should be memorable, exciting, and challenging. A great way to achieve this is by creating a climactic moment or scene that ties all of the elements of the level together. This could be done through an intense battle with a boss character, a puzzle that requires the player to use their knowledge from throughout the level, or even just a stunning visual display. Whatever it may be, the goal is for the player to feel like they have accomplished something meaningful in completing the level.

Additionally, a good level ending should also provide some sort of reward for the player. This could be anything from unlocking new content, gaining access to special items, or simply providing a sense of closure after a long journey. By giving players tangible rewards for completing levels, it encourages them to keep playing and gives them more incentive to come back for future playthroughs.”

14. Which games do you enjoy playing the most, and why do you think that is?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your gaming preferences and how they align with their company’s offerings. It also helps them understand what you enjoy doing as a level designer, which is creating fun experiences for players to interact with.

Example: “I enjoy playing a variety of games, but the ones that I find myself coming back to time and again are those with strong level design. Games like Super Mario Bros., Portal 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild all have incredibly well-crafted levels that keep me engaged for hours on end.

The reason why I think these games stand out is because they offer something unique in terms of level design. They provide interesting puzzles and challenges that require creative solutions, as well as cleverly designed environments that make exploration fun. This combination of elements makes each level feel fresh and exciting, which keeps me coming back for more.

As a Level Designer, I strive to create experiences that are just as engaging and enjoyable as the ones found in my favorite games. I believe that level design should be both challenging and rewarding, while also providing an immersive environment that encourages players to explore and discover new things. With this approach, I’m confident that I can bring a high quality of level design to any project.”

15. What do you think is the most important skill for a level designer to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine what skills you value most in your role as a level designer. When answering this question, it can be helpful to identify one or two specific skills and explain why they are important for someone in this position.

Example: “I believe the most important skill for a level designer to have is an understanding of game mechanics and how they interact with each other. Level design involves creating levels that are both fun and challenging, which requires knowledge of the game’s rules and how different elements work together. A good level designer should be able to identify potential problems before they arise and create solutions that make sense within the context of the game. They should also be creative in their approach to designing levels, coming up with interesting ideas that keep players engaged. Finally, a level designer should have strong communication skills so they can effectively collaborate with other members of the team.

With my experience as a level designer, I am confident that I possess all of these skills. I have a deep understanding of game mechanics and know how to use them to create engaging and enjoyable levels. My creativity allows me to come up with unique ideas that challenge players while still being accessible. I also have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with others to bring our shared vision to life.”

16. How often do you play games?

Game developers often play games to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in their industry. Employers ask this question to see if you are a gamer yourself, as it shows that you have an interest in video games and can relate to the company culture. To answer this question, share which games you’ve played recently and what your favorite game is.

Example: “I play games on a regular basis, usually several times a week. I’m always looking for new experiences and ways to challenge myself as a Level Designer. Playing games helps me stay up-to-date with the latest trends in game design and gives me insight into how different levels are designed. It also allows me to test out my own ideas and see what works and what doesn’t. By playing games regularly, I can keep my skills sharp and be prepared for any challenges that come my way when designing levels.”

17. There is a bug in the level you’re working on, but the deadline is still a few days away. What do you do?

Bugs are a common occurrence in the game development process, and it’s important to know how you would handle them. This question is an opportunity for you to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “When faced with a bug in the level I’m working on and a looming deadline, my first step is to assess the severity of the issue. If it’s an issue that can be fixed quickly without compromising the integrity of the game, then I’ll take the time to fix it myself. However, if the bug is more complicated or could potentially cause more issues down the line, I will prioritize reporting it to the development team so they can investigate further.

In either case, I make sure to document the bug thoroughly, including screenshots and detailed descriptions of what happened and how it occurred. This helps the development team better understand the issue and allows them to work towards a solution faster. Finally, I also ensure that I am available for any follow-up questions or feedback from the development team as needed.”

18. How do you ensure that your levels are balanced for all players?

A level designer’s job is to create a fair and balanced experience for all players. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand how to do this effectively. In your answer, explain the steps you take to ensure that each of your levels is as close to perfect as possible.

Example: “When creating levels, I always keep the player experience in mind. My goal is to create a level that is challenging but not too difficult for all players. To ensure balance, I use playtesting and feedback from other designers. During playtesting, I observe how players interact with the level and identify any areas where they may be struggling or getting stuck. This helps me make adjustments to the level design so that it’s more balanced and enjoyable for everyone. I also take into account feedback from other experienced level designers who can provide valuable insight on how to improve the overall balance of my levels. By taking these steps, I’m confident that my levels are well-balanced and accessible for all players.”

19. Are there any particular level design techniques or philosophies that you prefer to use?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level design philosophy and whether it aligns with their company’s. When answering this question, you can describe a specific technique or philosophy that you prefer to use in your designs and explain why you like using it.

Example: “Yes, I have a few particular level design techniques and philosophies that I prefer to use. First and foremost, I believe in creating levels with an emphasis on player experience. I strive to create levels that are both engaging and challenging for the players, while also ensuring they are enjoyable and rewarding. My goal is always to make sure that each level has its own unique identity, allowing it to stand out from other levels in the game.

I also focus heavily on making sure my levels are well-balanced and fair. This means taking into account all of the different elements within the level such as enemy placement, item placements, power-ups, etc., so that no one element can overpower or dominate the others. Finally, I like to ensure that my levels are visually appealing and easy to navigate, which helps to keep the players engaged throughout their playthrough.”

20. What is the most challenging part of designing a new level?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach challenges and solve problems. Your answer should show that you are able to overcome obstacles and adapt to new situations.

Example: “The most challenging part of designing a new level is understanding the overall vision for the game and how it will fit into the larger narrative. It’s important to consider all aspects of the game, from art direction to mechanics, in order to create a cohesive experience that fits within the world of the game. This requires an understanding of the genre, target audience, and other factors that influence the design process.

Furthermore, creating levels with interesting and varied gameplay can be difficult. There needs to be a balance between challenge and reward, as well as providing enough variety so players don’t become bored or frustrated. Ensuring the level is fun and engaging while still being accessible to all types of players is key. Finally, I understand the importance of playtesting and iterating on levels until they are just right. Through this process, I’m able to identify any issues and make adjustments accordingly.”

21. We want our levels to be engaging and memorable. How would you go about creating this kind of experience?

This question is an opportunity to show your creativity and problem-solving skills. You can answer this question by describing a specific situation where you had to create memorable levels.

Example: “Creating an engaging and memorable level experience requires a lot of thought and consideration. First, I would start by understanding the game’s core mechanics and what makes it unique. Then, I would think about how to use those mechanics in interesting ways throughout the level design. This could include using obstacles or enemies that are challenging but not too difficult, as well as creating puzzles or objectives that require players to think outside the box.

I also believe it is important to create levels with a sense of flow and progression. This means having logical pathways for the player to follow and making sure there are no dead ends or areas where progress can be blocked. Finally, I would strive to make each level visually appealing and distinct from one another. By adding small details like environmental storytelling elements, interactive objects, and dynamic lighting, I can help make each level feel immersive and memorable.”

22. How do you handle feedback from both developers and players?

As a level designer, you may work with other members of the development team to create levels that are fun and challenging for players. Interviewers ask this question to see if you can accept feedback from others and use it to improve your designs. Use examples from past experiences where you received constructive criticism and used it to make positive changes to your design or process.

Example: “I believe feedback from both developers and players is essential to creating a successful game. When I receive feedback, I take it seriously and use it to make improvements to the level design. First, I listen carefully to understand what the feedback is about and why it was given. Then, I evaluate how this feedback can be used to improve the level design. Finally, I implement changes that address the feedback in order to create an even better experience for players.

I also understand the importance of communication when working with developers and players. I always strive to keep everyone informed on the progress of the project and any changes being made based on their feedback. This helps ensure that all stakeholders are satisfied with the end result.”

23. Do you have any experience with scripting in-game events and/or dialogue?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with a specific skill that is important for level designers. Scripting in-game events and dialogue are two of the most common tasks performed by level designers, so it’s likely you’ll have some experience with these processes. Your answer should include an example of when you used scripting to complete a task successfully.

Example: “Yes, I have experience scripting in-game events and dialogue. My most recent project was a 3D platformer game where I scripted various levels with unique objectives, enemies, and puzzles. I also created the story arc for the game by writing dialogue for characters and designing conversations between them. This included creating branching paths based on player choices, as well as setting up triggers that would activate certain events or dialogue sequences.”

24. Have you ever created a level based on a pre-existing story? If so, how did you approach it?

This question can help interviewers understand your creativity and problem-solving skills. Use examples from past projects to explain how you used the story as inspiration for your level design.

Example: “Yes, I have created levels based on pre-existing stories. My approach to creating these levels is to first understand the story and its characters. I research the world of the story, including any relevant history, culture, and geography that might be important for my level design. Once I have a good understanding of the story, I begin to plan out the layout of the level. This includes deciding where objectives should be placed, what obstacles or enemies will appear, and how the player can progress through the level. Finally, I use scripting and other tools to bring the level to life and make sure it fits with the overall narrative.”

25. Describe a time when you had to think outside the box to solve a problem during the level design process.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach challenges and solve problems. Your answer should include a specific example of when you had to think outside the box, what your solution was and the result of your actions.

Example: “I recently encountered a problem during the level design process that required me to think outside of the box. I was creating a platforming level and needed to create an obstacle course for the player to navigate. The challenge was that I had limited space in the environment, so I had to come up with a creative solution.

To solve this issue, I decided to use verticality as my main focus. Instead of having the obstacles spread out horizontally across the map, I used elevation changes to make it more interesting. By stacking platforms on top of each other and adding jumps between them, I created a challenging yet fun obstacle course that fit within the confines of the environment. This allowed me to maximize the available space while still providing an engaging experience for the player.”