What is Blockout?

A Blockout (also called graybox or whitebox) is a rough, playable version of a level, built with simple geometry and placeholder elements. It exists to test the gameplay, flow, and structure — before art, lighting, and polish are added.

It’s not about beauty. It’s about feel, function, and failure — fast.

1️⃣ Definition

A blockout is a low-fidelity spatial prototype, used to evaluate layout, scale, pacing, and interaction loops inside a 3D (or 2D) environment.

📍If your blockout feels fun with cubes and ramps, you're on the right track.

Source

2️⃣ Why Blockouts Matter

Purpose	What It Unlocks	Example
Test gameplay early	Combat, traversal, rhythm	DOOM (2016)’s arenas iterated before art
Spatial clarity	Sightlines, pacing, pathing	Uncharted 4 prototyped cover and climbing
System validation	Loops inside real geometry	Mario 3D World blockouts test jump arcs
Art/Tech alignment	Avoid wasted production effort	Locked blockout = safe handoff for art
Iteration speed	No polish → fast feedback	10 bad levels in graybox > 1 overpolished failure

📍Blockout isn’t “pre-art” — it’s core design in its rawest, most honest form.

3️⃣ Blockout Components

Element	Description
Simple geometry	Boxes, planes, primitives (no decoration)
Scale references	Player capsule, jump height, enemy size
Navigation elements	Ladders, ramps, doors, climbables
Gameplay zones	Combat arenas, stealth paths, resource nodes
Triggers / logic	Basic scripting for events, AI, hazards
Debug feedback	Labels, arrows, placeholder FX or sound

📍Use metrics: player speed, jump distance, FOV — and test edge cases early.

4️⃣ Blockout Workflow

Define fantasy / mechanic the level supports
Sketch layout (2D or top-down)
Build blockout in-engine with metrics
Test loop: core systems, navigation, tension beats
Iterate until playtestable and readable
Lock layout for art, VFX, sound
Art pass begins after the design is proven

📍Never “block out the art.” Block out the gameplay — and only then worry about art.

5️⃣ Tools and Methods

Tool	Use
Unity – ProBuilder	Fast level construction with modular pieces
Unreal – BSP / Modeling Mode	Geometry blocks and shapes for collision
Custom editors	Grid-based level editors with visual metrics
Placeholder kits	Grey cubes, ladders, doors, FX markers

📍Your blockout should be fully playable — just not pretty.

✅ Blockout Design Checklist

Are layout and pacing readable with no textures?

Does the level support the core loop (stealth, combat, puzzle)?

Are traversal, sightlines, and cover spaces working as intended?

Can it be tested with real mechanics (AI, combat, physics)?

Are debug cues and markers helping, not hiding?

📍If you can’t play it now — it’s not a blockout. It’s just a sketch.

Summary

Term	Blockout
What it is	A rough, interactive prototype of a level built with placeholder assets
Why it matters	Validates design decisions before costly polish
How it works	Through layout, metrics, mechanics, and playtesting
Design goal	Build a level that plays great even without art

📍A blockout is the skeleton of a level. If it doesn’t hold up before the visuals — the visuals are just makeup on a broken bone.