How to Make HARD Levels! - Super Mario Maker 2 Level Design

[@TobiasBergdorf]

Something I could've explained better is that a *TARGET AUDIENCE* is not the same as your *GENERAL AUDIENCE* . It's essential to have a clear idea of who you're making something for so that person can feel like it's made for them. There will be outliers, and this is a *good thing* . Just because you don't fit the description in this video doesn't mean I don't welcome you!

[@Arrowstotle]

Tobias Bergdorf I make courses that are anywhere from 2% to 50% clear rate. Mostly I just focus on creating fun courses that are fair for the player!

[@TobiasBergdorf]

@@Arrowstotle That's the best way to do it! By the way keep up the good work on your channel.

[@Arrowstotle]

Tobias Bergdorf Thank you! Your channel is one of the biggest inspirations for me. I really appreciate your content!

[@sirtechy5803]

My courses are mostly around 0-10 %, and have no trolls. I Dont like trolls myself, thats Why. I do like a challenge though and making my stage look good. Id like to see a video where you explain How to make a good story stage or How to make a music level (as i have Done both, and would like to see How you would target them)

[@Salem-Arrak]

With these guidelines and theories you set in mind, it would be interesting to stack them against shared levels to see how well a level is. I personally try to emulate the difficulty curve in some of my levels, and I would love to see how well they stack and how and where to improve.

[@izasira]

I make my levels for humans, generally.

[@GobouLePoissonBoue]

"Generally"

[@izasira]

Unfortunately, no. Only humans.

[@andrewcheng1948]

@@latlat5770 sometimes :)

[@Invaliput]

So GLaDOS can't Play them!?

[@EpigeoN_]

BlueSteem I Gaming PORTAL

[@cgrn17]

I’m a 16 year old living in the UK and now I feel excluded

[@amphattack4200]

C-Grn sorry man :(

[@BudsTheAwesome]

Same boat, here. Let's rebel together.

[@joaoedu1965]

I dont even speak english! i live in brazil and 12 yrs old

[@KnightoftheSorryFace]

I feel ya man

[@Yoreni]

@@joaoedu1965 you do speak english

[@aram9136]

Sorry, I’m not an 18-35 year old living in the United States. Unsubscribed, disliked, good riddance.

[@TrollMagic1987]

Lol

[@callumsylvester9921]

Same here I’m 13 and in the uk

[@claudio-maker2943]

I am younger than 18 and I live in Italy

[@DaShonuff]

im actually older than that audience but I fit most of your other target. i studied game design when I was in my 20's and studied drawing, painting and animation so I definitely am in the creative side.

[@skoopymemes9563]

@@claudio-maker2943 anche io

[@bloodydoll5897]

-isnt an 18-35 or male -doesnt live in us -speaks french and english i guess but whatever -DOES have a passion for video games dang, you got me heccing mind reader over here

[@justarandomguy8068]

I'm 12 years old. I'm Italian. I live in Italy. I love your videos.

[@Ranboso]

Oh ma ciao

[@justarandomguy8068]

@@Ranboso Ciao, italiano carissimo

[@Ranboso]

@@justarandomguy8068 sono maschio

[@justarandomguy8068]

@@Ranboso Lo so

[@S_WISE]

Liking that new editing. Very dark, glitchy and overall mysterious. Suits you well

[@cecillemilitante3115]

He's dark and glitchy?

[@umgarotoaleatorio7044]

"Dark editing" The video: cheerful music on the background that makes me feel *Ecstatic*

[@bruceu4649]

Has english speaking channel "His audience is u.s. dudes" While me: *Laughs in russian*

[@tyomich_zakuro]

Я тоже, брат х)

[@EkiTheIdiot]

*Joins laugh in Finnish*

[@cathacker13]

*chuckles in Czech*

[@Silver-Arm]

Me: Huehuehues in brazilian portuguese

[@joshix833]

Me: don't laughs in german

[@sebs4622]

It seems that the people you make content for don't know what a comment section is lol.

[@rainydeestar4806]

1:10 I know what you're trying to do, Tobias. You're trying to make us write in the comments our actual nationality and age. But jokes on you! I saw right through your little game

[@TobiasBergdorf]

I've been got!

[@claudio-maker2943]

I would’ve say that on a poll

[@boot-cs3sn]

@@TobiasBergdorf rip grammar

[@alysdexia]

@@boot-cs3sn RIP diction/lecsis.

[@saigesmart4167]

Love the analogy that troll levels are like puzzles. Couldn't figure out why I liked them but now I know lol

[@quads4407]

I speak french I'm less than 18 year old I live in france But I like video games and I am creative

[@rainydeestar4806]

I'm the only french here you little canard

[@mystora7159]

Im dutch but i also speak english im under 18 and too much personal info bye

[@ichamsakkar4249]

Hey stop copying me

[@zulianfr]

Comme moi !

[@lienep7917]

Y'a plein de français dans la communauté Mario Maker internationale...

[@Sergio-dv3lf]

Hey im spanish! I started watching you since last week and i love your videos! Thank you for all this incredible time

[@pandagamer3093]

I started when nintendo said that their gonna reveal super mario maker 2 lol😂

[@JelloJio]

Hi Spanish

[@rauwolovlosti3635]

1:10 nothing of this is me 😂

[@adrien3295]

I don't live in USA but in France lol Edit : I love SMM2 English videos because the French SMM2 video aren't the best imao

[@DemsW]

@@glowsham rpz

[@zulianfr]

Donc tu est fr ?

[@adrien3295]

@@zulianfr oui pourquoi je mentirais ?

[@zulianfr]

@@adrien3295 non je demandais juste.

[@Gamer-GuyGG64]

1 important part of difficulty balancing is checkpoint placement a few good places are A. as a reward for completing a particularly tough task. B.right before the climax. C. As preperation for a tricky challenge This helps add more leniency while keeping the difficulty in tact and makes sure the player doesn't have to do anything they already mastered. But if you more care about making short bursts of challenge Allah super meat boy no checkpoints is more ideal

[@pip3guy]

I'm your biggest fan and I'm an Aussie LUL

[@ectoOLDACC]

Difficulty Ratings: Auto Easy Normal Expert Super Expert Kaizo Extreme Kaizo Super Ultimate Extreme Kaizo PangeaPanga

[@TobiasBergdorf]

This is... accurate.

[@GobouLePoissonBoue]

Auto Easy Normal Harder Normal Expert Super Expert Troll Kaizo Troll Kaizo Hotel Trivago

[@holyroller67]

Auto Music Trash Autoscroll (Slow) Autoscroll (Medium) Easy Normal Multiplayer Co-op Quiz Tough Trash Multiplayer Versus Expert Autoscroll (Fast) Starter Kaizo Super Expert Kaizo Tougher Kaizo Extreme Kaizo Alpharad Labyrinths Ultimate Kaizo PangaeaPanga HotelTrivago

[@GobouLePoissonBoue]

There's also kaizo trash.

[@ectoOLDACC]

and TAS

[@trambus1144]

Been scrolling down the comment section and it seems I'm not the only Frenchie after all.

[@pandagamer3093]

I'm the only Norwegian🙄🇧🇻

[@emguag]

Casper Gulliksen Wrong

[@Platinum_XYZ]

2:08 I'm hoping you've noticed but incase you haven't, that version of the Course World song is one of the first results on KZbin, and there's a mistake in it. For some reason there's actually 2 different versions of Course World playing together at the same time in that video, and the 2 variations weren't meant to mix, and they don't sound good together. When it started playing, it was like a huge distraction instead of a natural change to another song, since 2 not exactly the same songs were playing. If you wanted to use Course World music, just capture the audio from your Switch.

[@TobiasBergdorf]

Interesting. I had no idea it was two songs mixed together but I can hear it now. I downloaded the entire SMM2 soundtrack a while ago and assumed it was someone who just ripped the files off their switch.

[@Andres33AU]

This is a great video, and I am happy that this kind of thing is talked about in creator games, because I like to believe that I follow these rules when making my own stages. One thing as well that I think about with target audience is somehow trying to balance the difficulty in a way where newbies can still learn and play it, meanwhile veterans are still finding it somewhat challenging as well. I made a fairly quick and easy level, but realised a lot of players died in one particular spot where you either had to hold the run button and jump from a high platform, or hold the jump button off of a Bullet Bill to spring you across. To most players this is common knowledge, because jumping further while running or off an enemy are fundamental mechanics that we already know from other Mario games, but to very new players, it may not be something they're aware of, so the extra challenge I find is sometimes how I can introduce those fundamental mechanics to new players, though Nintendo did a great job with the single-player levels!

[@pandagamer3093]

Taaat ah lat tf texst

[@Sevrgpro]

2:00 holy shoot it's ymai I remember him from rouges stream lol

[@sirk603]

TF, how did I find you in the comment section lol

[@Sevrgpro]

The Kitten Gamer hey kitten lol

[@sirk603]

Rg pro hello G A M E R

[@stefanandrejevic2570]

1:14 nope, you only guessed the last one for me xD

[@Silver-Arm]

Even though it might not be your first language, you do speak english

[@seabassthegamer6644]

@@Silver-Arm No, Stefan here can TYPE English. We don't know if he can SPEAK English. I'm obviously just being silly here, but does being able to type a message in a language count as being able to "speak" it?

[@Silver-Arm]

@@seabassthegamer6644 I'm not sure

[@MomhatezWow]

19 y/o guy from us who speaks english and i’ve never felt more called out

[@momoohil9361]

Great video! Love reading the comments, it’s so cool to see people from all over the world ( and age rang) connecting together with a common interest . Awesome 😎

[@evank3718]

60 year old man who likes Nintendo: :)

[@pandagamer3093]

Probably not

[@Codj910]

Sorry I just a 12 year old who likes super Mario maker

[@fiere7936]

Im 13

[@JJ-zo7jv]

Young codj910 it’s good to be as cultured as yourself at such a young age

[@jacobymcguire4928]

@@JJ-zo7jv im 8 reeee

[@JJ-zo7jv]

Jacoby Mcguire even better. I loved Mario Wii when I was 8. Cherish the moments my friend :)

[@Codj910]

Thank you for not thinking it’s weird

[@Soullessgingerftw1]

Holy shit, I'm an English-speaking 18-35 male living in the USA with a passion for video games, particularly Nintendo, and I'm creative

[@klevkaisetsu4883]

Sorry but your content is so delightful that even french people are watching it. (I'm serious, I love what you are doing on this channel)

[@KailynnKat]

German and a woman, but otherwise that was really accurate! xD

[@beeboyy]

Moin nice du bist also deutsch

[@KailynnKat]

@@beeboyy Moin! Ja, in der Tat ! :D

[@AverageEggmonEnthusiast]

16 and a woman! High five fellow Mädchen! ✋🏻

[@Sebast]

Also german xD

[@AmeliaOak]

I’m American but I’m also a female. I don’t know why he thinks Mario is a game geared toward males but okay? Lol

[@JJ-zo7jv]

Holy crap what kind of dark magic?? What else do you know about me? Great banger again. In regards to enemy placement, don’t place more enemies, place *less* more effectively.

[@TheLoginatoR]

you got everything right except for age. I am in my young teen stages but I still love these videos, and the item break downs help me to find out about stuff I've never even heard of so keep em coming! I still have a lot to learn.

[@rals_0]

Hes probably going by youtube analytics, and most youtube users lie about their age.

[@MattTheCommenter]

I'm from the UK and I'm not 18, I guess I'm not a fan :(

[@Werewolf1982]

I just recently bought Mario Maker and you know me exactly how I feel That's awesome dude

[@zuxungold4208]

Holy ancestors you described my traits so much it's almost scary xD

[@GendoIkari_82]

Wrong! I'm 37. :)

[@zulianfr]

I am 14y and I'm French... But I love you!

[@zulianfr]

Thank for the heart. That prove you don't just make vid and don't take care about your public.

[@andynelson9060]

I think this might be your best video yet! The editing was really good and the video itself was well said.

[@kermitsudoku6446]

i always try to make levels for newer players. i always let my 12yo cousin play my level to see if its too hard

[@Ranboso]

Cool idea

[@MettanAtem]

I've tried out a few things, but I find I work best making "traditional" levels, just getting to the end while avoiding hazards along the way. No need to think about where you're going, just get past whatever's in front of you. Or above, or below, maybe behind if there's something coming from that direction.

[@ade1174]

I've had experiences making a hard level organically and then not so much. I made a grinder blue platform level in SMW that was naturally hard and people loved it. But a hard level backfired for me with a claw desert night level with dry bones that turned out to be frustrating for people. So this is a welcome video.

[@mr.bullionnaire9748]

Good stuff man. I've definatly improved on my level making skills. Keep up the good work 👌👍

[@CreativeSteve69]

hey Tobias thanks for making this lv. I had made my first lv a month ago and after that I got addicted to creation mode and wanna make a hard fun challenging course. :) like your content by the way they come in handy.

[@wasabilai9405]

Well i'm not creative, but want to get creative and that's why i'm here! I like how you included troll level and talked about it for a bit. There is a lot of misunderstanding to this genre and it is definitely my favourite type of level, so ya :D

[@NaffyZacky]

1:10 - I speak Indonesia - Less than 18-35 years old - Live in Asia But yep, I like video game stuff specifically Nintendo. Great video by the way.

[@TobiasBergdorf]

Haha thanks. I wasn't trying to alienate anyone, clearly a lot of people don't fit that demographic. I just wanted to demonstrate that having an idea of who you're making content for goes a long way.

[@UmberBee]

I was fucking terrified when you described all those details, and every single piece of information was correct about me, I thought you were about to say my name and dox my address next

[@GobouLePoissonBoue]

As you can see Tobias, there's a lot of us French people on your channel. Be proud :)

[@KC_Garcia]

You: "If you're watching this you probably live in the U.S." Me: **Laughs in Canadian**

[@adi-je9gu]

1:13 im a 15 year old girl, living in Spain but anyway, go on 😂

[@suzysfavorites]

When he said I was creative it almost made me cry it was so nice it made my week

[@crazycardenas6417]

Suzy Curley honestly that so sad you’re depressing

[@marcodile0]

More like how to make a GOOD hard level

[@magikarperxd4724]

I'm Spanish 12 and live in Spain *YOU FOOL YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD PREDICT ME I'M INPREDICTABLE*

[@deadaccxd4111]

Althought this is for super mario maker 2,it also helps for super mario maker 1 Great vid it really helped me with my levels

[@sirtechy5803]

I make expert rated stages, sometimes super expert, and sometimes narrative stages ( Like you played, Toxic Story )

[@sirtechy5803]

Im Not 18+ though😂

[@littlebigcomrade]

Good thing I’m colorblind against koopas. Extra challenge!

[@allen_n150]

i know this video was for mario maker. but i am making a 2d platformer and this helped me

[@moritzworle2751]

1:14 im native German speaker under 18 and living in Germany

[@campfire9760]

Great video, very useful. Kinda short but it delivers the essentials

[@meriotroid]

I fit most of you channel demographic except I'm not over 18 lol

[@haronka]

Not-adult gang!!!

[@mariasaraleguy6755]

On the ropic on troll levels, Mayro removed a jump involving a downwards shooting cannon in the level “my first auto level”, stating: “Troll levels are about guiding the player to the goal, but kill them very often along the way.”

[@lazerified]

I dont live in USA lol

[@stonesheep_1412]

Same, i live in austria not in USA

[@beetrootsoup3130]

I'm not 18-32 :/

[@somepersonmcsomebody7501]

*I live in Antarctica...*

[@davex2444]

You look really friendly

[@TobiasBergdorf]

Thank you?

[@Wilco2998]

For me: I live in the Netherlands Speaks Dutch (native) and speak English (second language) Also, my target audience normally is someone that plays mario casually. Only 1 level of mine was meant for speed runners but that level is still beat able by casually players

[@cappiecappie770]

Wilco Spruijt we hebbeb een N E D E R L A N D E R

[@Ranboso]

Can you share your creator's id?

[@Wilco2998]

@@Ranboso my maker ID is 0N8-QLG-KQG

[@pandagamer3093]

Dutch?

[@pandagamer3093]

@@cappiecappie770??? Also, my name is also Casper

[@jucom756]

1:10 yes i have a pasion for video games and am creative... All the rest is wrong tho

[@jaguero92]

**Comentario salvaje en español aparece**. Tengo 27 años y soy de Costa Rica. 3.0 update gave me an excuse to return to SMM2 and world maker feature is challenging me to make more good old-school Mario standard levels. Great video, very informative!

[@mqcastro24]

16 yo female living In Brazil... I'm a bit far off from your target but I like the channel a lot! congrats

[@randomguyontheinternet7940]

If tou want to make a gimmicky course here is what you do. 1.Have a normal enemy section 2. Introduce the gimmick in one or two puzzles. 3. Give the gimmick some down time, put some new challenges, a mid-boss whaatever suits the stage theme. 4. Bring back the gimmick in a harder environment, for example claws can be combined with a spike floor, some enemies or just a normal section. 5. Understand the gimmick, don't make the gimmick/ gizmo the only challenge in the stage. Make it a portion of the challenges. Understand how it should be used, no one likes riding lifts making jumps over a pit. Put it under some ground and make the player fight off enemies.

[@randomguythatexists2244]

I make traditional levels that may be too hard for new players. Sometimes I might get complaints about the level being too hard or a lack of understanding of the course’s gimmick.

[@xandergruver]

1:11 I'm 16 and I like watching your videos.

[@AndreaS-hs6zq]

me, an 18 year old female: **sweats nervously**

[@ethanhawksley9097]

That description was nearly on point, jesus

[@fri5108]

I'm 12 years old kid who live Nintendo games and games in general. I live in south america, I just know english so i see your videos, I have a superior IQ and the creative depends of the thing. You don't say nothing of that dislike (JK I just start seeing your vids and for that thing of viewers estereotipes I just sub) nice vid continue making , are pretty good) 10/10

[@silly2449]

I like to make chill levels that everyone can enjoy

[@noahgmorgan]

Could you do a video just on good boss fight design?

[@Hemaaatite]

I don’t live in the U.S and I’m not 18-39 year old.. But I’m still subscribed! :)

[@charlozeberlingo9623]

Bruh I’m Canadian, speak French, as 14 years old, is not really creative but likes video game Good job, you got 1/5

[@jmichaelb3632]

I think there is such thing as a good kaizo block without making it a bad level design, as long as you can avoid it without interrupting the flow of the level and dont do too many, it can make for a nice touch on a section that may seem too easy at first glance, but is made a bit harder from having to avoid an unmarked hidden block.

[@Jaredeger]

4:50 killed me lol

[@EpigeoN_]

Dang gotta come back in 8 years

[@TobySullivan]

this is epic thank you fellow toby

[@artificialidiot1654]

The Zelda games: They introduce new mechanics in each new dungeons, they teach you how, where and when to use them, then they test your skills with it. After you complete that, you go to another dungeon with greater difficulties and newer mechanics.

[@castleclasher1236]

I'm from Germany so my native language is german. But I really enjoy good supermario maker videos. Doesn't matter if they are in english. 😁

[@izikeye4089]

I am in the USA, speak English 18-34, and have a passion for Nintendo Games. Also, creative.

[@bkgames2]

The four things that arem ost likely for watcgers of this Channel. I dont speak english on a day to day basis, im not even a teen, i dont live in The US but, i have a passion for video games

[@D0U8LE_H]

I adore your videos, man! Keep it up! :)

[@randomperson5579]

If you're making a really hard level the key is to make your audience cry. Mario says: If they don'ta cry they don't get tha pizza pie.

[@seriousgamer1343]

How I Structure My Levels Step 1: Introduction: Here, a single mechanic is introduced in a safe environment so that, if the player fails, they're funnelled back to the beginning to be able to try again. If the mechanic in question is slightly more complex to grasp initially, using indicators near or above the starting area, such as patterns of coins, arrows, or tracks to explain what the player is supposed to do in order to overcome the initial hurdle, might be helpful. Step 2: Expansion: Now that you know that the vast majority of players experiencing your level are familiar with the mechanic you want to teach and utilize, expand on that initial concept by adding interceptions, more distance between shifting ground, etc. Ideally, in this step you should only include partial safe-ground, as it should encourage the player to step out of their comfort zone and take a larger risk. In terms of difficulty, relatively low is ideal for both of these steps. Step 3: Miniboss: Now that the player is familiar with the how the mechanic works and how it was expanded upon, test that knowledge with a miniboss. It doesn't just have to be your generic Boom Booms or Pom Poms either. If the central mechanic of your stage is based around a particular enemy or type of jump, it's crucial to ensure the arena is designed in such a way as to test the players' knowledge about that mechanic. Step 4: Twist The familiarity the player has bred with that mechanic can now be turned on its head. For example, if you're making a level where you spin jump from spiny to spiny and have to deliberately control how you use your mid-air momentum, it might be interesting to see how the player fairs when that exact same enemy falls from above and a spin jump needs to be performed on top of the enemy in order to survive. Step 5: Test: Test the players current knowledge about the mechanic and how it was used and then expanded and twisted upon. Ideally, this step should contain very little to NO safe ground. However, make sure to place a checkpoint prior to this point so that the player doesn't have to start this section all over again. Step 6: Major Boss: Theoretically, a major boss should serve four purposes. One: to serve as a fun climax prior to the conclusion (more on that later). Two: to test ALL of the knowledge the player has learned and absorbed over the course of the stage. Three: to serve as a tense and a challenging climax to a cleverly designed level. Four: to give the player a chance to experience catharsis through intentionally frustrating design. Step 7: Conclusion: The conclusion should wrap up all the loose ends and serve as an echo to the beginning of the stage. So if, for instance, your stage is about spin jumping from enemy to enemy while controlling your mid-air momentum between landings, it should have two or more enemies hanging from swinging claws designed in a semi-staircase-like fashion. From here the player can either choose to ignore it and reach the goal from the bottom, or embrace the conclusion. These, of course, are just tips and you can design your level in whatever way you see fit that's in service to what you're attempting to do with your level in the first place.

[@NerdiestAlpaca]

1:08 I'm 16 and Canadian. You got the rest right though

[@tinor3902]

AWSOME !! =) !!

[@MSCDonkeyKong]

4:49 ive seen deviations from rules work in a game before, but it was only because the game was telling the story, and because the rule was a limiting factor given to a character due to a fear it has, and then it made a scripted section where the player wouldnt have lived without the rule deviation. in mario maker this would be hard to create however so its probably best to just not deviate from rules

[@TheAzorg]

Language - yes, as a second language so I dunno, you tell me x) Age - correct Gender - yup Country - sorry sir, but I'm from Europe ;p Passion - yes For Nintendo games - naah, just for games in general Creative - maybe, I don't own Mario maker, nor switch to play it on. But I do draw things and if you consider it creative then fine, you're right :) Have a good one, still love your content ^^

[@Darkenixx]

I don't know if its caused by the difficulty drop or not, but my Auto levels get tons more likes then my other levels. So, after a while I went sticking to Auto's only.

[@mayonnaise2396]

Damn, that was all accurate. Only off by a couple years!

[@natanecarrasco7467]

I just loved how you assumed that your audience is all Male. Sounds great. Girls play video games too you know. 😤

[@TobiasBergdorf]

I can't tell if this is satire or not, but clearly girls play video games too. I was just going off of my analytics, which say 90% of my audience is male.

[@natanecarrasco7467]

@@TobiasBergdorf That was just me in an angry moment after I heard what you said. I just really hate when people assume stuff like that. I don't hate you or nothing.

[@natanecarrasco7467]

@DiamondCrafting thank you. I wasn't trying to be mean I was just trying to make a point. Im one of the few girls that actually plays GTA. I love it.

[@davr1]

"18-35yo male" "Lives in the US" "You're creative" >Me, 13, from Europe, not creative at all

[@MxMaker]

4:56 Thank you

[@FlowieFX]

Speaks english -> I can speak english, but my main language is Dutch 18-35 yo Male -> 14 yo Male Lives in the U.S. -> I live in the Netherlands Passion for video games -> ✔️ Nintendo games -> ✔️ Creative -> ✔️ Joy in creating things and sharing that with the rest of the world -> ✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️ Pretty accurate :D

[@near5148]

I'm trying to design difficulty but I haven't played in awhile so I play levels

[@hiiistrex2838]

1:13 whoa whoa whoa there

[@InnerToast]

I just want to learn the basics on mm2. that's why i watch you :/