Working on Unspottable, we're trying to build new levels using the same core gameplay mechanic so the players are not lost with every new level, but adding a new twist in the gameplay so it's feels new and new strategies can be created with every level.

To do that we usually brainstorm to get a bunch of ideas, any ideas, there always a lot of bad ones but some feel good enough to make to the next stage: Prototyping.

This post shows the evolution of one of the Unspottable levels.

[b]1. We come up with the idea:
[/b]"It would be cool to have a level where it's a bit dark and some lights the characters, so players have to avoid them!"

[b]2. Prototype the gameplay mechanic specific to that idea:
[/b]

[b]3. We then play the prototype, and tweak it to make sure it's fun and there isn't any loophole in the gameplay.
[/b]In that case:
- working on the number of spotlights
- the speed of spotlights and path patterns, to avoid players staying too much in the corner or making it too easy for them to avoid them.

- Addition of an extra hiding mechanic to let people hide again after they throw a punch, in that level, turning all the lights off for a few second so it gets too dark to keep an eye on characters.

[b]4. After initial playtests with other people, if we decide the level is fun enough, we move on the art part of the level.
[/b]

[b]5. We make sure we make a silly gif based on the level to relax.
[/b]https://twitter.com/UnspottableGame/status/1241380022121836550

[b]6. We've got a new playable level!
[/b]


It's our first game so some of this is probably not the best example but that's pretty much how we do it, please comment if you have any advice!