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DalRiata is an adventure and stealth game driven by a thrilling storyline. The game is set in a lush, medieval Scotland: in the aftermath of a clan war, the player must traverse the moors, sail through the fjords, and infiltrate the enemy camp to free the captured prince.
This game was developed in close collaboration with 20 other people, ranging from game artists and game designers to programmers and music and sound designers. Since the team was large and well-rounded, I was able to focus on the detailed design of the enemy detection system and stealth-related features. I communicated with all the different teams to ensure they fully understood the creative vision and to iterate on the mechanics.
I also worked closely with the 2D and 3D game artists on level creation. As I was responsible for level design, I ensure to maintain a strong connection with the narrative in order to convey the intended emotions at every moment.
05 / 2025 - 06 / 2025
In this game, I carried out three distinct game design tasks. Firstly, I defined the game’s creative vision with the entire team. I identified the game’s key selling points, determined which ones were most urgent from a production standpoint, and made sure everyone was on the same page.
The game is divided into five levels: three on land, focusing primarily on exploration and stealth, and two on water, featuring unique movement mechanics and precision gameplay. I worked on the stealth mechanics with the programmers to create a system that is both intuitive for the player and allows for a variety of playstyles.
Among other things, I designed the decoy system. The protagonist's spear can be used to kill enemies, but it also allows for a non-lethal approach to every situation. When thrown, if it doesn't hit anyone, it acts as a decoy, and enemies gather around it for a few moments, allowing the player to reposition themselves before returning to retrieve it.
05 / 2025 - 06 / 2025
DalRiata is a stealth-adventure game in which you travel across the Scottish moors and infiltrate an enemy clan.
- Lethal approach -
The spear can be used to kill.
- Non-lethal approach -
The spear can be used to lure.
The level design for this project is closely tied to the narrative, as it must support the character’s journey and their understanding of the living world they discover. Moreover, it is divided into two phases: one on foot and the other by boat. Finally, I had to take into account all the various, complex mechanics that make up a stealth game, such as the noise system, line of sight, weapons, movement, verticality, and so on. For example, I placed checkpoints after every key challenge to minimise frustration and make progress smoother.
Eventually, I decided to divide the experience into three islands to alternate between land and water phases, and then focused on designing the land parts. I made a section of the first island without the spear and even without enemies, to familiarise the player with the controls and the basics of the game. This entire sequence serves as a hidden tutorial with low-risk scenarios. The second island is trickier, with a larger number of enemies, more complex areas, and timing-based challenges. Finally, the third island acts as a “boss” level and features several spectacular phases.
05 / 2025 - 06 / 2025
DalRiata is a stealth-adventure game in which you travel across the Scottish moors and infiltrate an enemy clan.
- First island -
Free-from-enemies area, to get grips with the basics.
- First island -
Regular checkpoints to encourage a variety of approaches.
- Second island -
Timing-based challenges with verticality.
- Second island -
Transition area between the land section and the boat section.
- Third island -
Cinematic shots with a camera on a track.
- Third island -
Most challenging, high-tension sections.
​ This short 30-minute game isn’t just about the protagonist’s quest to find the prince; it depicts 13th-century Scotland. It portrays two clans whose interests and ways of life are diametrically opposed. One is warlike while the other is pacifist. To convey this duality, I depicted them with historical accuracy. I researched their way of life to assign them different but meaningful symbols and to arrange their villages as they might have been at the time. I then made the most of these symbols through camera positioning and text boxes.
To evoke the sense of a journey, I assigned each level a different lighting and weather setting that shows the day progressing alongside the player. I also gave each island a distinct atmosphere to reflect the increasing difficulty. This way, the player is truly immersed in their journey through the wilds of Scotland.
Finally, I wanted the player to be at a disadvantage even though their character is a great warrior. So I designed the spear as a unique item that must be picked up manually, and I configured the enemies to move quickly and be able to kill with a single blow. These settings really bring the stealth element to life.
05 / 2025 - 06 / 2025
DalRiata is a stealth-adventure game in which you travel across the Scottish moors and infiltrate an enemy clan.
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