M.Des.
Profile

Crafting Challenge and Flow: An Analysis of Puzzle Game Level Design Methods

  • Level Design
  • Puzzle Games
  • Solvability Testing
  • Game Flow
  • Mechanic Layering
TANUJ SANTOSH
Ms. Amrapali Hazra
This project examines level design strategies across three casual puzzle games- Garden Tails, A Froggo Story, and Tile Rush, to understand how challenge pacing, mechanic layering, and progression influence player experience. Conducted during a six-month internship at Zynga, the project involved hands-on design work across different gameplay philosophies. Garden Tails emphasised emotional storytelling and layered mechanics, Froggo focused on player discovery and FTUE alignment, while Tile Rush prioritised fast decision-making and spatial strategy. Over 370 levels were designed across the three games, supported by structured playtesting and clear documentation systems. A custom level-solving bot was developed to test solvability, calibrate difficulty, and simulate varied player behaviours, helping identify issues early in the design process. The project resulted in a practical, player-centered approach to puzzle level design that balances cognitive challenge with engaging and memorable gameplay.
TANUJ SANTOSH
TANUJ SANTOSH
TANUJ SANTOSH
Profile
TANUJ SANTOSH
M.Des.
Ms. Amrapali Hazra
Crafting Challenge and Flow: An Analysis of Puzzle Game Level Design Methods
This project examines level design strategies across three casual puzzle games- Garden Tails, A Froggo Story, and Tile Rush, to understand how challenge pacing, mechanic layering, and progression influence player experience. Conducted during a six-month internship at Zynga, the project involved hands-on design work across different gameplay philosophies. Garden Tails emphasised emotional storytelling and layered mechanics, Froggo focused on player discovery and FTUE alignment, while Tile Rush prioritised fast decision-making and spatial strategy. Over 370 levels were designed across the three games, supported by structured playtesting and clear documentation systems. A custom level-solving bot was developed to test solvability, calibrate difficulty, and simulate varied player behaviours, helping identify issues early in the design process. The project resulted in a practical, player-centered approach to puzzle level design that balances cognitive challenge with engaging and memorable gameplay.
TANUJ SANTOSH
TANUJ SANTOSH
TANUJ SANTOSH