Technical Design Document Skeleton

Technical Design Document Skeleton

1. Title Page

  • Project Name: Game title.
  • Document Title: Technical Design Document.
  • Version and Date: Include version number and date for tracking.
  • Team/Author Information: Technical lead(s) and contact information.

2. Table of Contents

3. Introduction

  • Overview: Brief description of the game and its technical goals.
  • Purpose of the TDD: Define what the document covers and its importance.
  • Target Audience: Engineers, developers, QA team, etc.

4. Technical Overview

  • Game Engine: Selected engine (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, proprietary) and why.
  • Platform(s): Target platforms and their unique technical considerations.
  • Languages and Frameworks: Programming and scripting languages used.
  • Third-Party Tools and Middleware: Physics engines, AI frameworks, sound libraries, etc.
  • Key Technology Highlights: Innovative technologies (e.g., procedural generation, ray tracing).

5. System Architecture

  • High-Level Architecture:
    • Overview diagram of the game systems and their interactions.
  • Core Modules:
    • Define key systems like rendering, physics, AI, networking, etc.
  • Data Flow:
    • Explanation of how data moves between components.
    • Include diagrams where applicable.
  • Scalability:
    • Plans for performance optimization and scalability across platforms.

6. Gameplay Systems

  • Gameplay Core:
    • Technical breakdown of core gameplay mechanics (movement, combat, etc.).
  • Physics and Collisions:
    • Approach for handling collisions, rigid body dynamics, etc.
  • AI Systems:
    • NPC behavior trees, decision-making, pathfinding, and state machines.
  • Camera System:
    • Details on camera control, transitions, and viewpoints.
  • Input Handling:
    • Input devices supported and how inputs are processed (keyboard, controller, touch, etc.).

7. Graphics and Rendering

  • Visual Style Goals: High-level goals for graphics fidelity.
  • Rendering Pipeline:
    • Deferred or forward rendering? Details of shaders and materials.
  • Performance Optimization:
    • Techniques to maintain frame rate (LOD systems, culling, etc.).
  • Lighting and Shadows:
    • Dynamic, baked, or hybrid approaches.
  • Visual Effects:
    • Post-processing, particle systems, special effects.

8. Audio Systems

  • Audio Middleware: Tools like Wwise, FMOD, or custom systems.
  • Sound Design Pipeline:
    • Integration of background music, SFX, and voiceovers.
  • Dynamic Audio Systems:
    • Adaptive music and sound behavior based on gameplay events.

9. Networking and Multiplayer (if applicable)

  • Multiplayer Architecture:
    • Client-server or peer-to-peer setup.
  • Matchmaking: Techniques for lobbies, ranked matches, etc.
  • Synchronization:
    • How game states are maintained across clients.
  • Anti-Cheat Measures:
    • Preventing exploits and ensuring fair play.

10. Save and Load Systems

  • Save Formats: JSON, binary, or custom solutions.
  • Cloud Saves: Support for cloud sync with platforms like Steam, Xbox Live.
  • Load Systems:
    • Fast-loading strategies (e.g., streaming assets).

11. Content Management

  • Asset Pipelines:
    • Tools and workflows for importing and managing assets.
  • Procedural Generation (if applicable):
    • Tools, algorithms, and integration with assets.
  • Localization Support:
    • Strategy for translating and adapting content.

12. Performance and Optimization

  • Performance Goals:
    • Target frame rate, resolution, load times.
  • Optimization Techniques:
    • Memory management, GPU/CPU usage, asset compression.
  • Testing Tools:
    • Tools and benchmarks used for performance analysis.

13. Tools and Workflow

  • Development Environment:
    • IDEs, version control (e.g., Git), and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Debugging Tools:
    • Tools for troubleshooting issues.
  • Build Process:
    • Automated builds, packaging, and deployment pipelines.

14. Risks and Contingency Plans

  • Known Technical Risks:
    • Challenges in development (e.g., untested technologies, scalability issues).
  • Backup Plans:
    • Alternative approaches for critical systems.

15. Appendices

  • Glossary: Technical terms and acronyms.
  • References: Links to relevant resources, API documentation, etc.
  • Revision History: Changes made to the document over time.

Tips for Creating a TDD

  • Keep it Modular: Use a structure that can evolve as the project progresses.
  • Be Visual: Diagrams, flowcharts, and tables are invaluable for clarity.
  • Focus on Clarity: Avoid overly technical jargon unless necessary.
  • Review and Iterate: Update the document regularly as the project evolves.