When it comes to video game design, the importance of settingand ambience cannot be overstated. Exploration is fundamentalto the medium, and it is vital that virtual locations be as compelling, dynamic, and visually engaging as possible. Every location must reflect the themes of the game and help create the tone of the story and gameplay, while also subtly directing and reacting to the player's actions.In Next Level: Game Design, some of the best concept artistsin the industry showcase fantastical locations designed for videogames across genres. Many of the featured artists have workedon critically acclaimed games, while others present tantalizingvisions of game worlds yet to be realized. All provide readerswith inspiration for approaching their own interactive worlds, and serve as reminders that gaming is a medium whose potentialwe have only just begun to explore.