Jack Burrows: Level Design and the Love of Games

Introduction to Jack Burrows and Level Design

Level design is the art of creating interactive environments that guide, challenge, and delight players. It's a complex discipline that sits at the intersection of creativity, psychology, and technical skill. More than just arranging obstacles and pathways, level design is about creating meaningful experiences that resonate with players on an emotional level.

From QA to Level Design: A Journey of Passion and Persistence

Jacks' journey began in the often-overlooked world of quality assurance (QA). Unlike many who view QA as a mere stepping stone, he embraced the role as a critical learning opportunity. Each bug report, each playthrough, became a masterclass in understanding game mechanics, player interactions, and the intricate details that make a game truly exceptional.

The transition from QA to level design wasn't just a career move – it was a natural progression driven by his deep love for game experiences. Jack learned to see games not just as products, but as living, breathing worlds waiting to be explored. His QA background gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to anticipate player behaviors and design levels that feel both challenging and intuitive.

The Principles of Masterful Level Design

Understanding Flow

Flow is the magical moment when a player becomes completely immersed in a game's world. Jack draws inspiration from classic games like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, where level design creates a seamless, almost rhythmic experience. It's about creating environments that feel both challenging and rewarding, guiding players through an experience that feels natural and exciting.

The Art of Iteration

No level is perfect on the first attempt. Jack emphasizes the importance of continuous feedback and iteration. Each design goes through multiple revisions, informed by playtester experiences, peer feedback, and a critical eye for detail. This approach ensures that levels aren't just technically sound, but genuinely enjoyable.

Adaptive Design

One of the most challenging aspects of level design is creating spaces that work for multiple gameplay styles. In a game like Marvel Rivals, this means designing levels that feel equally engaging for different characters with unique abilities. It's a delicate balance of providing opportunities for various playstyles while maintaining overall game balance.

Creative Process and Ambition

Ambition in level design isn't about creating the most complex environments, but about creating meaningful experiences. Jack looks to games like Metroid Prime as examples of ambitious design – worlds that feel alive, interconnected, and full of discovery.

However, ambition must be tempered with realism. Understanding one's tools and limitations is crucial. It's about setting achievable goals while still pushing creative boundaries. Inspiration comes from everywhere – music, other games, personal experiences – but the key is translating that inspiration into tangible design elements.

Storytelling Without Words

Some of the most powerful storytelling in games happens without a single line of dialogue. Jack believes in the power of environmental storytelling, drawing inspiration from games like Bioshock and Halo. A carefully placed debris, a subtle environmental clue, can tell a more compelling story than extensive cutscenes.

The Human Element of Level Design

At its core, level design is about understanding human emotion and experience. It's about creating spaces that evoke feelings – excitement, tension, wonder, relief. This requires more than technical skills; it demands empathy, creativity, and a deep understanding of player psychology.

Looking to the Future

For aspiring level designers, Jack offers simple yet profound advice: stay curious, remain humble, and never stop learning. The game industry is constantly evolving, and the best designers are those who can adapt, innovate, and always put the player's experience first.

As technology advances and player expectations grow, level design will continue to be a critical component of creating memorable gaming experiences. It's not just about creating levels – it's about creating worlds that players will remember long after they've put down the controller.