Fallout 4 Level Design Dissertation
For my Bachelor’s thesis, I studied the level design work completed for the game “Fallout 4” developed by Bethesda Game Studios. This project, completed in 2024, involved replicating the studied workflow and then implementing a new playable area into the game using the Creation Kit modding software. Seen below is a full playthrough video of the implemented level.
YouTube link to playthrough: https://youtu.be/QrPDUKRPK4M
Why Level Design?
To me, level design is one of the key areas of Games Development that directly impacts how entertaining a gameplay experience truly is. By carefully designing and balancing level pacing, layout, rewards and encounter placements, a level designer can create memorable moments of gameplay through a variety of means. This area of game design has always been fascinating to me.
Adapting and Succeeding.
As this project involved using pre-existing software and assets including modular kits and scripts, I had to quickly adapt to the new development environment I found myself in. This was one of my greatest strengths when completing this project, as I was able to learn a lot in a short amount of time about the engine environment as well as how to make good use of it for my project purposes.
The Results.
Throughout this project, I maintained a structured work schedule in order to mimic the level design workflow found at Bethesda Games Studios to the best possible extent. This helped me stay organised, as well as deliver a final project implementation that I can say I am proud of. The result of my Dissertation was a first-class mark.
if you would like to read my full dissertation, please request it by contacting me via email.
