1 Choose a theme that fits the contest criteria

The first step is to choose a theme that fits the contest criteria and the game genre you are designing for. A theme is a broad idea or concept that unifies your level, such as horror, fantasy, or sci-fi. You should pick a theme that matches the tone, style, and mechanics of the game you are working on, as well as the expectations and preferences of the contest organizers and audience. For example, if you are designing a level for a first-person shooter game with realistic graphics and physics, you might want to avoid themes that are too whimsical or abstract. On the other hand, if you are designing a level for a puzzle platformer game with cartoonish visuals and quirky gameplay, you might want to embrace themes that are more creative and playful.

2 Use motifs to reinforce your theme and create contrast

Once you have chosen a theme, you can use motifs to reinforce it and create contrast in your level. A motif is a recurring element or symbol that represents or supports your theme, such as a color, a shape, a sound, or an object. You can use motifs to create visual, auditory, or interactive patterns in your level that help the player understand and remember your theme. For example, if your theme is isolation, you might use motifs such as dark colors, empty spaces, silence, or locked doors to create a sense of loneliness and claustrophobia. You can also use motifs to create contrast and variety in your level by breaking or subverting them at certain points. For example, if your theme is isolation, you might use motifs such as bright colors, crowded areas, noise, or open doors to create a sense of relief or surprise.

4 Test and iterate your level

The final step is to test and iterate your level based on feedback and evaluation. You should test your level yourself and with other players to see how they react and respond to your theme and motifs. You should also compare your level with other levels in the contest and see how they use themes and motifs differently or similarly. You should ask yourself and others questions such as: Does your theme and motifs match the contest criteria and the game genre? Do your theme and motifs create a memorable and engaging experience for the player? Do your theme and motifs balance and integrate with your gameplay? Based on the answers, you should iterate your level and make changes or improvements as needed.