1 Show, don't tell

One of the most basic principles of level design is to show, don't tell. Instead of relying on text, voice, or menus to explain your mechanics and features, use the environment, the visuals, and the sound to demonstrate them. For example, if you want to introduce a new weapon or ability, place it in a context where the player can see its effect and purpose, such as a target, a puzzle, or a challenge. Or if you want to introduce a new enemy or hazard, show it in action before the player encounters it, such as through a cutscene, a scripted event, or a glimpse from afar.

3 Provide feedback and reward

A third effective way to introduce new mechanics and features is to provide feedback and reward. This means that you give the player clear and immediate signals that they are using them correctly and effectively, and that they are achieving their desired outcomes. For example, if you introduce a new combat mechanic, you can provide feedback through sound effects, visual effects, animations, or damage indicators, that show the impact and result of the player's actions. Or if you introduce a new exploration feature, you can provide reward through collectibles, secrets, upgrades, or story elements, that encourage the player to use it and discover more.

4 Challenge and vary

A fourth effective way to introduce new mechanics and features is to challenge and vary. This means that you test the player's understanding and mastery of them, and that you introduce new twists and combinations that keep them fresh and interesting. For example, if you introduce a new platforming mechanic, you can challenge the player by increasing the difficulty, complexity, or speed of the obstacles and puzzles that require it. Or if you introduce a new stealth feature, you can vary the player by changing the environment, the enemies, or the objectives that involve it.

5 Balance and pace

A fifth effective way to introduce new mechanics and features is to balance and pace. This means that you consider the overall flow and rhythm of your game, and that you avoid overloading or underusing your mechanics and features. For example, if you introduce too many new mechanics and features at once, you can overwhelm the player and make them feel lost or frustrated. Or if you introduce too few new mechanics and features throughout your game, you can bore the player and make them feel repetitive or unfulfilled.

6 Learn from others

A sixth effective way to introduce new mechanics and features is to learn from others. This means that you study and analyze how other games in your genre or style have introduced their mechanics and features, and that you apply the best practices and lessons learned to your own game. For example, if you want to introduce a new puzzle mechanic, you can look at how games like Portal, The Witness, or The Talos Principle have taught and challenged their players with their puzzles. Or if you want to introduce a new narrative feature, you can look at how games like The Last of Us, BioShock, or Half-Life 2 have used their environments, characters, and events to tell their stories.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?