Dishonored 2 Devs Explain the Clockwork Mansion is an episode of On the Level by Game Maker's Toolkit. In this episode, host Mark Brown interviews Arkane designers Dana Nightingale and David Di Giacomo about the design of the Clockwork Mansion in Dishonored 2. The Clockwork Mansion is a level in the game that features a building that can shift and change its layout, making it a unique and challenging environment for players to navigate.
The designers explain that the Clockwork Mansion was inspired by the idea of a "moving puzzle box". They wanted to create a level that would challenge players to think creatively and use all of the tools at their disposal to progress through the level. The mansion is run by a series of clockwork mechanisms that control its various moving parts, and players must learn how to manipulate these mechanisms to progress.
One of the key challenges in designing the Clockwork Mansion was ensuring that the level was still readable and understandable to players. The designers wanted to create a level that was complex and challenging, but not so confusing that players would become frustrated or lost. To achieve this, they used a variety of visual cues and design elements to help guide players through the level.
Another challenge was ensuring that the level was still fun and engaging for players, despite its complexity. The designers wanted to create a level that was challenging, but not so difficult that players would become discouraged. To achieve this, they carefully balanced the difficulty of the level with the player's abilities and the tools at their disposal.
Throughout the interview, Nightingale and Di Giacomo provide a wealth of insight into the design process behind the Clockwork Mansion. They discuss the various challenges they faced, the design decisions they made, and the lessons they learned along the way. They also provide some interesting insights into the broader design philosophy of Arkane Studios, and how they approach game design as a whole.
Overall, Dishonored 2 Devs Explain the Clockwork Mansion is a fascinating and informative look at the design of one of the most unique and challenging levels in Dishonored 2. Nightingale and Di Giacomo provide a wealth of insight into the design process, and their passion and expertise shine through in every word. This video is a must-watch for anyone interested in game design, or who simply wants to learn more about the design of one of the most memorable levels in recent gaming history.
