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Game Design Maths

Design a platform game level on grid paper

Plan jumps, routes, hazards and collectibles using coordinates, scale and measurement.

Quick answer

You can design a platform game level on grid paper by using coordinates to place platforms, measuring distances for jumps, and planning the layout using scale.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use coordinates and measurements to plan and draw a platform game level on grid paper. Success signs:
  • You can identify and plot points using coordinates (x and y)
  • You can measure distances between points to plan jumps
  • You can draw platforms and obstacles on grid paper
  • You can create a simple path for a character to follow

Why this matters

Designing a platform game level uses maths in real ways that help you think about space, distance, and planning. Whether you're building with LEGO, playing Minecraft, or drawing a game, you use maths to make sure everything fits together. This kind of thinking helps you in school too, especially with shapes, space, and problem-solving. Game designers use these skills to make fun and fair levels for players to enjoy.

How it works

To design a platform game level on grid paper:
  1. Start with a grid paper that has squares (like graph paper)
  2. Choose a starting point and mark it with coordinates (x and y)
  3. Plan where platforms go by placing points on the grid
  4. Measure distances to know how far a character needs to jump
  5. Add hazards, collectibles, and goals
  6. Draw everything clearly on the grid

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're designing a game where a character must jump from platform to platform to collect coins and reach a treasure chest. Step 1: Choose your starting point Let's say your character starts at position (3, 2). This means 3 squares to the right and 2 squares up from the bottom-left corner. Step 2: Plan your platforms You want to place platforms at these positions:
  • Platform 1: (5, 3)
  • Platform 2: (8, 4)
  • Platform 3: (11, 3)
  • Platform 4: (13, 2)
Step 3: Add collectibles You place coins at:
  • Coin 1: (6, 3)
  • Coin 2: (10, 4)
Step 4: Add a goal You place a treasure chest at (15, 2). Step 5: Draw your level Using a ruler, you draw lines between the platforms to show where the character can jump. You mark the coins and treasure chest clearly.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Build a Treasure Hunt Level You are a game designer creating a level for a treasure hunt game. Your character must jump from platform to platform to collect coins and reach the treasure chest.
  1. Start at position (2, 1)
  2. Jump to platform at (5, 2)
  3. Jump to platform at (8, 3)
  4. Collect coin at (7, 3)
  5. Jump to platform at (11, 2)
  6. Collect coin at (10, 2)
  7. Jump to platform at (14, 1)
  8. Reach treasure chest at (15, 1)
Now, draw this level on your grid paper. Use a different colour for platforms, coins, and the treasure chest. Can you count how many jumps your character makes? What is the longest jump your character has to make?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to label the x and y coordinates correctly
    Why it happens: Children often mix up which axis is which
    Fix: Remember: x is horizontal (left to right), y is vertical (up and down)
  • Mistake: Not measuring distances between platforms properly
    Why it happens: Children might guess or estimate instead of counting squares
    Fix: Count the squares between platforms to check if a jump is possible
  • Mistake: Drawing platforms too close together or too far apart
    Why it happens: Children don't think about how far a character can jump
    Fix: Plan jumps by counting how many squares the character can jump
  • Mistake: Not thinking about where to place hazards or collectibles
    Why it happens: Children focus only on platforms and forget other elements
    Fix: Plan all elements together: platforms, coins, hazards, and goal

Parent and carer guide

To help your child with this activity:
  • Encourage them to use grid paper and a pencil
  • Ask questions like "How far is that jump?" or "Where should the coin go?"
  • Help them count squares to measure distances
  • Let them make mistakes and correct them themselves
  • Use real-life examples like walking from one room to another to explain coordinates
  • Keep the activity fun and creative, not like a test
If your child gets frustrated, take a break and come back to it later. The goal is to enjoy the learning process, not to get everything perfect.

Practice questions

  1. Plot the following points on grid paper: (1, 3), (4, 2), (7, 4), (10, 1)
  2. How many squares are between (3, 2) and (6, 2)?
  3. How many squares are between (2, 3) and (2, 6)?
  4. Which point is 5 squares to the right and 2 squares up from (1, 1)?
  5. What are the coordinates of a point that is 3 squares to the left and 4 squares down from (8, 7)?
Answers:
  1. Plot the points on grid paper
  2. 3 squares
  3. 3 squares
  4. (6, 3)
  5. (5, 3)

FAQ

What is a coordinate? A coordinate is a pair of numbers that tells you where something is on a grid. The first number is the x-coordinate (how far across), and the second is the y-coordinate (how far up).

Why do we use grid paper? Grid paper helps us measure distances and place things in the right spots. It makes it easier to plan and draw our game levels.

How do I know how far to jump? Count the squares between platforms. If there are 3 squares between platforms, the character needs to jump 3 squares.

Can I use any size grid paper? Yes! You can use any size grid paper, but bigger squares make it easier to see and plan.

What if I make a mistake? That's okay! Mistakes are part of learning. You can erase and try again, or even redesign a part of your level.