Calibrate level dimensions against the playable character and camera

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The principle

Establish reusable spatial measurements with the actual controller and camera. Recheck affected spaces when movement or viewing assumptions change.

Applies when

Traversal, cover, sightlines, or modular construction depend on shared dimensions.

Does not apply / Exceptions

Measurements are project-specific, not universal architectural rules. Deliberate discomfort or unusual proportions may be appropriate; preserve functional access unless blocking it is intentional.

Rationale

Clearance and apparent scale are different problems. A doorway can pass collision tests yet feel cramped; a movement change can invalidate an otherwise familiar jump.

Implementation

Build a small metrics test map containing passages, steps, slopes, jumps, and representative cover. Check both physical passage and perceived comfort. Record tested controller and camera settings alongside the dimensions.

Editorial application: keep a compact change checklist. If a jump parameter changes, revisit required gaps; if the camera changes, revisit visibility and perceived clearance. Record expected and observed results separately so a passing old test is not mistaken for current evidence.

Disagreement

Consistent dimensions improve reuse; deliberate variation can support particular experiences. Treat measurements as defaults with documented exceptions.

Notes

Confidence 3: practitioner guidance. No fixed door width, jump distance, or field of view is prescribed. The change checklist is an editorial application, not a quoted production method.