Attractors in Level Design

Attractors are some of the simplest motivational tools in a level designer's kit.

Macro Attractors

Macro attractors are things like weenies, VFX, and large enemies that draw players attention and invite players' curiosity and desire. When playtesters see these macro level attractors, they should be saying things like "I want to go there", "what is that?", or "I want to fight that!"

Weenies / POIs

The cathedral's prominence draws the player's attention and invites them to explore.

VFX

Bright VFX captures the player's attention and makes them investigate.

Enemies & Movement

The dragon highlights the level's objective and invites the player to fight it.

Micro Attractors

Micro attractors are things like inviting geometry, lighting, loot, and pick-ups. You can use these attractors to force specific perspectives on players or to subtly guide them into hidden areas while still making them feel secret. Well placed micro attractors can create feelings of relief or satisfaction.

Inviting Geometry

The hole in the walls invites the player's curiosity and encourages them to explore.

Inviting Lighting

Inviting lighting draws players into the temple.

Loot

The item placement (visible just infront of the player to the right) draws players into this perspective, which sets them up for an acrobatic assassination of this elite enemy.

Pickups

These pickups on the ground draw the player into this alley, allowing them to feel like they organically discovered this space that leads to a secret infiltration route

By layering micro & macro attractors, you can ensure players are always motivated by short-term and long-term goals