This guide is designed for aspiring level designers and game designers who also take on level design responsibilities. It offers a structured approach to creating an effective Level Design Document (LDD).
Case Study “BATTLETECH”
To illustrate how to craft a compelling LDD in Notion, this guide will use BATTLETECH as the core example. It’s a turn based tactical game centered around strategic Mech combat. Developed by the creators of the award winning Shadowrun Returns series, alongside franchise founder Jordan Weisman, battletech represents a modern evolution of tactical Mech warfare.
By using BATTLETECH as a case study, I’ll show you how to:
- Structure a clear, actionable LDD
- Communicate design intent effectively
- Support collaborative iteration throughout development
Pre-Documentation Analysis
Before diving into the LDD, it’s essential to thoroughly analyze the game. Key components to review include:
- Game Specifications
- Gameplay and Core Loops
- Game Mechanics
- Game Economy
- Core Features
- Key Assets
- Storyline and Lore
- Missions and Objectives
- Characters and Factions
A solid understanding of these elements ensures that your Level Design Document aligns with the overall game design and communicates a cohesive vision.
Why Use Notion for LDD ?
I strongly recommend using Notion as your primary tool for game documentation. With its intuitive interface, rich content formatting, and seamless real-time collaboration, Notion is one of the most versatile platforms for generating, organizing, and sharing game design materials. Whether you’re working solo or as part of a team, Notion keeps everything accessible, structured, and connected.
Ready ? Let’s head to Notion – BattleTech Level Design Document