Create a Level Design in Voxels

Step-by-Step Guide to Working with Magic Palette

Welcome to Magic Palette! This guide will take you through the entire process of creating your own unique level designs and games using a combination of tools like MagicaVoxel, VoxEdit, Magic Palette and Game Maker. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you bring your ideas to life. Let's dive in!

Magic Palette can be used to create full Estates on The Sandbox and can load voxel models that are up to 288x288x128 voxels which is equal to 3x3 LANDs (9 LANDs). The app can process up to 10 Million voxels per model.

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Pre-Production

1. Idea Finding and Reference Material

The first step in creating a great level design is coming up with an idea. Start by brainstorming concepts for your game or environment. Sketch out rough designs or gather reference material for inspiration. This will help you stay focused and give your level a clear direction.

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2. Create a Moodboard

A moodboard helps visualize the overall look and feel of your level. Collect images, color schemes, and textures that match the theme or atmosphere you want to create. Working with a moodboard will keep you inspired and ensure consistency throughout the design process.

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3. Blocking Out Small Scale 3D Voxel Maps in MagicaVoxel

Once you have your concept and moodboard, it’s time to block out your design in MagicaVoxel. Start small by creating a basic 3D map that outlines the key structures and areas of your level. This is a rough draft, so don't worry about details yet—just focus on the overall layout.

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Voxel-based Level Design

4. 3D Voxel Draft of the Level Design

Now, refine your initial design into a more detailed 3D voxel draft. Focus on adding structures, pathways, and key areas where players will interact. This draft is a blueprint for your final level, so make sure it’s clear and easy to navigate.

5. Assign Colors and Create Your Own Palette for Materials in MagicaVoxel

Assign different colors to represent various materials or textures in your level. Create a custom color palette in MagicaVoxel that matches the moodboard you created earlier. These colors will serve as placeholders for the BLOCKs you’ll assign later in Magic Palette.

6. Working with Modular Designs and Shaders for Advanced Designs

For advanced designs, you can create modular sections of your level that can be reused in different areas. Experiment with shaders to add visual depth and complexity to your design. This approach will save time and make your level feel cohesive.

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Magic Palette - Assigning BLOCKs

7. Import Voxel Design into Magic Palette

Once your design is ready in MagicaVoxel, import it into Magic Palette. The app will automatically recognize your voxel model and allow you to start working with BLOCKs.

8. Learn How to Use the Palette Builder and Assign Blocks to Your Colors

In Magic Palette, you’ll use the Palette Builder to assign BLOCKs to the colors in your voxel model. Each color can be matched with a specific BLOCK type, giving your design texture and detail. This is where your color choices in MagicaVoxel come to life!

9. Refining Your Voxel Model and Working with Multi-Block Patterns

As you assign BLOCKs, you may want to refine your voxel model by adding multi-block patterns. Magic Palette allows you to layer different BLOCKs together to create more complex and visually appealing designs.

10. Export Your Model to Game Maker

When you're satisfied with your level design in Magic Palette, export the model to The Sandbox’s Game Maker. This will convert your voxel creation into a playable, block-based level, ready for further refinement and gameplay testing.

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Finalize your Level in Game Maker

11. Load the Model into Game Maker and Playtest

In Game Maker, load your model and start playtesting. Walk through the level as if you were a player, checking for flow, pacing, and any areas that need improvement.

12. Adjust Light Settings and See How the BLOCK Textures Appear

Game Maker offers various lighting settings that can dramatically change how your BLOCK textures appear. Experiment with different light sources and environments to see how your level looks in different conditions.

13. Test the Player’s Journey and Adjust the Voxel Model Where Needed

While playtesting, pay attention to the player's journey—are there any confusing areas or obstacles? Make necessary adjustments to the voxel model to improve navigation and gameplay experience.

14. Add Key Assets, Light Sources, Effects, and Game Logic

Finally, enhance your level by adding key assets, light sources, visual effects, and game logic. This is where your level truly comes to life, creating an immersive experience for players.

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By following these steps, you’ll be able to take full advantage of Magic Palette’s capabilities and create dynamic, engaging levels in The Sandbox. Whether you’re building simple landscapes or complex game worlds, this guide will help you achieve your creative vision. Happy designing! 🌟

This topic will be updated soon.

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Level-Up your Skills

Once you'd like to take your creations to the next level, we provide additional valuable tips and techniques for voxel-based level design. These tools and workflows will help you to stand out with your design and create truly immersive experiences. You can find them in the Advanced Level Design Tutorial section

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