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GAME DESIGNER & DEVELOPER

Tihomir Tilev

Crafting immersive gaming experiences through innovative design, compelling narratives, and player-focused mechanics

Explore the design breakdown of Skyward Dream.

Skyward Dream

Atmospheric Exploration

Level Design Solo Dev Deep Dive

A rigorous exploration of verticality and environmental storytelling. This project showcases my ability to create complex 3D spaces that guide players through purely visual cues.

The development of Skyward Dream was a case study in intentional level design. By limiting the player's tools, I emphasized the importance of architectural readability. I used the 'Rule of Three' to structure challenges and leveraged contrasting values to define pathing. Every corridor and open atrium was playtested to ensure the emotional beat matched the gameplay intensity. The design breakdown available here highlights how I transitioned from 2D floorplans to 3D blockouts, focusing on spatial pacing and landmarking to reduce player frustration in a vertical world. This project stands as a testament to my commitment to design clarity and the technical rigor required to bring a solo vision to a global platform like Steam.