Level Design with Blender and Unity 3D

On January 22, 2019

Release date:2017, February

Duration:05 h 28 m

Author:Stone River eLearning

Skill level:Beginner

Language:English

Exercise files:Yes

What Will I Learn?
Design a level
Create 3D models ready to be put into a game engine
Create textures for 3D models
Construct a level in Unity 3D using 3D models

Requirements
Students who have an interest in learning the basics of using Unity 3D

Description
Level design is a critical component to all games, but a component that can be difficult to get right. Anyone with graphics experience can in theory create a functioning single level game; but creating a game that’s interesting and enjoyable as well as functional takes some finesse. Mastering Blender and Unity 3D is a sure fire way to make your game level design all of this, and more.

Develop your level design skills to the highest standard

Understand game level design in both conceptual and practical terms
Design 3D models for game levels
Create textures through Photoshop
Construct and operate a full game level on Unity 3D
Construct multi-level games using versatile programs
Blender and Unity 3D are both open source programs used by games designers all over the world. Developed by their community of users, they construct games that operate on almost all platforms; from consoles and desktops to mobile and websites. Gaining a knowledge of both programs is hugely beneficial to any game developer, as it fine-tunes your insight and intuition for creating multi-faceted, compelling and exciting game levels. Whether you’re still coming to grips with level design or already have a wealth of experience under your belt, learning level design with Blender and Unity 3D will ensure your skills are up to date and flawless.

Course Overview
This course includes over 66 lectures and 5 hours of content, suited to anyone with a basic understanding of Blender and Unity 3D. If your interests lie in level design, 3D modelling or texturing, then this course is for you.

You’ll first learn about the concepts and best practices of level design, from setting goals and getting references to planning and mapping out your level in Photoshop. You will then move on to modular design and complete basic object manipulation tasks; the first step to creating a full game level.

You will go through each aspect of level design in detail; floors, ceilings, walls, focal points, props and other objects, filling in your level as you learn. Then, you’ll add intricate texture to each of these elements, bringing your level design up a notch from basic to something much more professional looking.

Reviews and quizzes have been incorporated into each section of this course so that the material covered is constantly refreshed. On completion, you will take away an up to date skill set in Unity 3D and Blender. You will have an understanding of graphics software, game engines, game level design, and how all of these elements work seamlessly to create fun and engaging games.

What Will I Learn?
Students who have an interest in learning the basics of Level Design
Students who have an interest in learning 3D modeling
Students who have an interest in learning texturing

Table of Contents

Introduction to the course 13:46
Introduction to the Course 01:22
What is Level design 01:37
Setting goals and getting references 01:16
Planning out your level 01:26
Draw out a level in Photoshop 05:57
Review of Designing a Level 02:08
Section 1 Quiz 5 questions

Modular Design in Blender 48:28
Modular Design and Modeling Introduction 00:23
Modular Design and Asset List 01:46
Navigating in Blender and Basic Object Manipulation 05:23
Making the Floor Piece 10:39
Making the Ceiling Piece 03:27
Making some Wall Pieces 08:24
Making the Wall End and Wall with Opening Pieces 05:30
Making the Catwalk Pieces 10:30
Modular Design Review 02:26
Section 2 Quiz 5 questions

Creating the Focal Point 18:54
Creating the Focal Point Introduction 00:16
Designing the Focal Point 01:20
Making the Focal Point 08:26
Adding Detail to the Focal Point 08:01
Focal Point Review 00:51
Section 3 Quiz 5 questions

Creating Props 25:21
Creating the Props and Miscellaneous Objects Introduction 00:20
Why and how to fill in a level 01:54
Making the Box 02:47
Making a Table 06:33
Making the Variations of Props 05:06
Making the Miscellaneous Pieces 03:44
Review of Props and their Uses 04:57
Section 4 Quiz 5 questions

Texturing our Level 56:00
UV unwrapping Introduction 00:15
Texturing Overview 03:48
UV unwrapping Modular Environment Pieces 10:47
UV unwrapping Props 08:07
UV unwrapping miscellaneous Pieces 02:59
UV unwrapping the focal point 10:48
Putting UVs in a atlas and other ways to reduce textures 07:30
Improving the Prop Layouts 04:47
Baking AO 05:30
Texturing Review 01:29
Section 5 Quiz 5 questions

Creating Textures 01:01:53
Creating the Textures Introduction 00:28
Creating Textures and Color Theory Overview 02:37
Creating the Wall Texture 08:51
Creating the Catwalk Texture 08:18
Creating the Ceiling and Floor Texture 05:38
Creating the Box Texture 03:53
Creating the Table Texture 08:15
Creating the Pillar and Fuel Canister Textures 10:05
Creating the Base Texture for the Focal Point 05:52
Adding Detail to the Focal Point Texture 05:31
Creating Textures Review 02:25
Section 6 Quiz 5 questions

Building the Level in Unity 01:39:11
Building the Level with Unity Introduction 00:28
Intro to Unity 04:09
Exporting FBX and creating Unity Project 04:05
Exporting the Modular Environment Pieces 03:41
Exporting the Props and other Pieces 01:06
Importing Focal Point Texture and Creating a Material 05:24
Importing the rest of the Textures and Creating the other Materials 05:36
Making a Focal Point Prefab 03:22
Making the Rest of the Prefabs 02:09
Creating the Terrain 08:05
Making the Platforms 10:20
Placing the Platforms and Platforming Sections 08:33
Creating the First two Buildings and Interiors 09:40
Creating the Final Building and Interior 07:02
Adding the Props to the Level 07:01
Lighting The Level 08:25
Finishing Touches 07:07
Building the Level Review 02:58
Section 7 Quiz 5 questions