Game Design Document Skeleton

TITLE PAGE

  • * Game Title
  • * Studio/Team Name
  • * Document Version & Date
  • * Team Contact Information

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    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    INTRODUCTION

  • Mission Statement: Game vision and goals.
  • Target Audience: Demographics, platforms, and player personas.
  • Production Overview: Timeline, milestones, and budget overview.

    • GAME OVERVIEW

  • Core Gameplay Loop: A concise explanation of repeated player actions.
  • Game Story and Lore: Narrative summary and tone/style overview.
  • Genre and Style: Key inspirations and defining aspects.
  • Unique Selling Points: Features distinguishing this game in the market.
  • Platform(s): Distribution platforms and system requirements.

    • DESIGN DETAILS

    Game Mechanics

  • Core Mechanics: Movement, combat, puzzles, etc.
  • Systems Design: Crafting, progression, skill trees.
  • Economy Design: In-game currency, resource management.
  • AI Design: NPC behavior and intelligence layers.

    • World and Level Design

  • World Overview: Setting, themes, and environment styles.
  • Level Structure: Open-world, linear progression, or hybrid.
  • Environmental Interaction: Player interactions with objects and surroundings.

    • Player Experience

  • Player Characters: Abilities, customizations, and progression.
  • Accessibility Features: Options for differently-abled players.
  • UX/UI Design: Interface mockups and usability goals.

    • Monetization (if applicable)

  • Monetization Models: Premium, free-to-play, or subscription.
  • In-App Purchases and DLC: Cosmetic items, expansions.
  • Live Services: Seasonal events, battle passes, updates.

    • TECHNICAL DETAILS

  • Game Engine: Selected engine and reasons for choice.
  • Required Features: Physics, rendering, networking, etc.
  • Tools and Middleware: AI integration, procedural generation tools.
  • Scalability and Optimization: Plans for different hardware tiers.

    • PRODUCTION PLAN

  • Staffing: Team structure and key roles.
  • Workflow and Tools: Project management software and pipelines.
  • Milestones: Pre-production, alpha, beta, gold release.
  • Risks and Contingencies: Identified risks and mitigation plans.

    • ASSETS & AUDIO

  • Art Assets: Concept art, models, animations.
  • Audio Design: Music, voice acting, sound effects.
  • CGI and Cutscenes: Cinematic assets, style guides.

    • TESTING AND FEEDBACK

  • Quality Assurance: Test plans for functionality, usability, and balance.
  • Player Testing: Focus groups, early access, and beta tests.
  • Feedback Loops: How player data informs iterations.

    • APPENDICES

  • Market Research: Trends and competitive analysis.
  • Glossary: Game-specific terms and references.
  • Legal and Compliance: IP ownership, licensing, and platform requirements.