# Intentional Computational Level Design

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1904.08972 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1904.08972/

## Key facts

- Cited by 9 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 18 Apr 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 9 of 9)

- [Measuring Diversity of Game Scenarios](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.15192/) (2024)
- [Predicting Personas Using Mechanic Frequencies and Game State Traces](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.13351/) (2022)
- [Game Mechanic Alignment Theory and Discovery](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.10247/) (2021)
- [On Linking Level Segments](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.05057/) (2022)
- [Persona-driven Dominant/Submissive Map (PDSM) Generation for Tutorials](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.05217/) (2022)
- [Analysis of Robustness of a Large Game Corpus](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.03940/) (2025)
- [The Quest for Content: A Survey of Search-Based Procedural Content Generation for Video Games](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.04710/) (2023)
- [Evolutionary Machine Learning and Games](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.16172/) (2023)
- [Procedural Generation of First Person Shooter Maps using Map-Elites](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.30570/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The procedural generation of levels and content in video games is a challenging AI problem. Often such generation relies on an intelligent way of evaluating the content being generated so that constraints are satisfied and/or objectives maximized. In this work, we address the problem of creating levels that are not only playable but also revolve around specific mechanics in the game. We use constrained evolutionary algorithms and quality-diversity algorithms to generate small sections of Super Mario Bros levels called scenes, using three different simulation approaches: Limited Agents, Punishing Model, and Mechanics Dimensions. All three approaches are able to create scenes that give opportunity for a player to encounter or use targeted mechanics with different properties. We conclude by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and compare them to each other.