Level
From Styleguide
level
The term has two separate connotations, one related to the structure of a game, the other to the statistical advancement of a player's character.
In terms of game structure, a level is an individual, self-contained area, action sequence or scenario into which a game has been subdivided for the sake of design or programming. Levels, in this sense, are usually loaded independently from one another. Certain games are separated into missions, stages or worlds rather than levels – go by the description used by the game itself whenever possible.
In terms of a player's character, a level is one of a number of discrete, consecutive and measurable achievement milestones that generally provide additional powers, resources and attribute improvements. Character levels are especially important in role-playing games, where levels also indicate player stature. Raising this level is referred to as leveling up.
In cases where there may be confusion between these two connotations, use game level and character level.
Example: By the time players reach the third level of Devil May Cry 3, they’ll have endured more challenges than are contained in most other games in their entirety.
Wrong: area.
