What a Mid-level } should know

Designs AI systems based on behavior trees: tactical behavior, team coordination, adaptation to player actions. Configures NavMesh for complex levels with dynamic obstacles. Balances AI difficulty for different difficulty levels through parametric tuning.

Designs analytics event system for full game system coverage. Analyzes funnel metrics, level heatmaps, player resource distribution. Conducts A/B tests of balance changes and interprets results. Uses cohort analysis to evaluate changes.

Develops in-game economy systems: resource balance, sink/source models, progression curves. Models economy in spreadsheets with player behavior simulation. Conducts A/B tests of monetization mechanics. Balances reward schedules for optimal engagement.

Designs complex game systems: combat system, crafting, skill trees, quest systems. Balances mechanics through spreadsheet modeling and playtesting. Creates secondary loops and meta-game. Understands player psychology and applies motivational frameworks (SDT, Bartle taxonomy).

Designs narrative systems: branching dialogues, player choice consequences, narrative pacing. Creates compelling characters with character arcs. Uses narrative tools (Ink, Twine, Yarn Spinner) for implementing branching stories. Integrates narrative with gameplay mechanics.

Designs physics systems for gameplay: ragdoll, destruction, vehicle physics, cloth simulation. Configures physics layers and collision matrix for optimization. Creates custom physics for game feel: tweaked gravity curves, coyote time, input buffering for responsive controls.

Designs and conducts structured playtests: usability testing, balance testing, difficulty curve evaluation. Creates test plans for game systems. Analyzes playtest data (video recordings, metrics, questionnaires) and formulates actionable improvements. Automates basic balance testing.

Designs comprehensive UX systems: onboarding flow, control schemes for different platforms, accessibility features. Creates UI/UX documentation with wireframes and interaction specifications. Conducts usability testing and analyzes interaction heatmaps. Ensures consistent UX language.

Designs complex levels: multi-path layouts, vertical gameplay, risk/reward zones. Creates encounter design: enemy placement, cover systems, difficulty pacing. Works with navigation meshes for AI. Balances levels through playtesting: timing, challenge, reward distribution.