This project was created as part of the Level Design for Games course by CGMA, taught by Shane Canning.

Shane’s feedback and support throughout the course were incredibly helpful and really pushed me to think deeper about how to guide players and shape a meaningful space.

Back Then is a short, story-driven level where you play as Chip, a childhood robot who powers on after Yazan leaves for his first day at university.

The Level Set in a cozy student apartment inspired by Toy Story and Animal Crossing, Chip explores objects Yazan brought from his old room, trophies, books, and personal items, each tied to a memory.

Your goal is to find 6 puzzle pieces hidden across the apartment, complete a photo of you and Yazan, and leave it where he’ll see it when he returns, a quiet reminder of your bond.

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What I Focused On:

• Level layout and exploration pacing

• Simple platforming using vertical layers.

• Storytelling through objects and space.

• Blueprint systems for puzzle progress, collectibles, UI, and triggers.

• Creating a space that feels warm, personal, and alive.

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Tools & Info:

• Engine: Unreal Engine 5

• Tools: Unreal Engine 5, PureRef

• Character: Stack-O-Bot (from Unreal Engine Samples)

• Theme: Dramatic Scale

• Duration: A month and a half

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Special Thanks:

Big thanks to Esam & Baraa for helping me with ideas, mission flow, the direction of the level and finally for testing and presentation.

and to Fathi for designing the logo.

Also, a big thank you for my CGMA Classmates: Emil, Thomas, and Diogo, your thoughtful feedback during the course truly motivated me to keep improving the design.

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Itch.io Link

You Can Try the Game in This Link: https://yrsm20.itch.io/back-then