Basic Level Design: Survival Action Shooter Game

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 “The Last Stand: Aftermath”

To illustrate how to craft a compelling LDD in Notion, this guide will use The Last Stand: Aftermath as the core example. It’s a survival action shooter game, from the creators of The Last Stand: Union City.

“After you are infected by the zombie virus, set out to explore the apocalypse and find hope for your colony. You can make a difference. Don’t give up.”

By using The Last Stand: Aftermath 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 – The Last Stand: Aftermath