There's an old saying that goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" and this adage rings especially true in the ever-competitive world of game development. Fortunately, there's a time-tested tool at your disposal that can serve as the robust blueprint you need for success: the game design document. But what does game design document creation entail? How do you go about writing a game design document? In the course of this article, we will unravel the mystery surrounding this crucial designing tool and offer insight on how to write a game design document.
Understanding the Game Design Document
The first stage of any successful game development process commences with 'idea generation'. And the lifeline that transforms this nebulous idea into a tangible reality is the Game Design Document (GDD). Essentially, a GDD is a highly detailed description of your unique game concept. It shelters all the key elements of your game, such as mechanics, narrative, characters, aesthetic style, and even implementation details, among others. It is essentially the 'Bible' that your entire development team will refer to throughout the production process.
Why is Writing a Game Design Document so Important?
The importance of drafting a comprehensive game design document simply cannot be underestimated. Think of it as a detailed map or GPS navigate your project development journey. A well-written GDD ensures that all team members are on the same page, minimising misunderstandings and discrepancies that could potentially derail your project. It also acts as a treatise of your vision, aiding in explaining your game concept to potential investors or publishing partners.
Now that we've laid the foundation for understanding the significance of a game design document, let's delve into the nuts and bolts of how you can create one. Here is where we will answer the burning question - 'How to write a game design document?'.
Game Design Document Creation: Getting Started
Creating a game design document might seem like a daunting task, especially if you're doing it for the first time. However, fear not! Here are some initial steps you can take to make the process less overwhelming:
Brainstorm your concept:
Before you even put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), you need to have a clear idea of exactly what you're looking to create. This means brainstorming all the aspects of your game - the storyline, mechanics, characters, the overall design, as well as the platform you're looking to release it on. The more detail you have at this stage, the smoother the writing process will be.
Research:
Once you've chalked out a rough sketch of your game in your head, the next pivotal step is forging ahead with comprehensive research. This can involve everything from studying successful games within your chosen genre, analysing your target audience and their preferences, to familiarising yourself with the capabilities (and limitations) of your chosen platform.
Remember, any effort spent in the initial stages of game design document creation can save you incalculable time and resources down the line.
Why is a Game Design Document Important?
At the heart of any successful game development project, the game design document (GDD) acts as the reference guide, rulebook, and roadmap combined. It serves as your game's blueprint, outlining its core concepts and detailing every element from the gameplay mechanics to the artistic style.
A well-documented GDD ensures that every person involved in the project, be it programmer, designer, artist, or marketer, is on the same page. It gives a clear picture of what the game is all about, aids in visualizing the goal, and promotes smoother operation. The importance of a GDD cannot be overstated. It acts as a communication tool between the teams, crystallizes ideas, and provides a structure to measure progress against.
Components of a Good Game Design Document
A comprehensive GDD should touch upon all aspects of the game. This should range from the game's concept, story, characters, gameplay mechanics, level designs to technical specifications and marketing strategies. It's like a recipe: taking a bit from everywhere to combine to form a mouth-watering end product—the game.
A solid GDD usually includes the following components:
- Game Overview: This is where you describe what your game is all about. It should include a concise description of the game, its genre, as well as its unique selling points. This section should work like an elevator pitch, instantly hooking whoever is reading it.
- Gameplay and Mechanics: This section is what will decide whether your game is fun to play or not. It will detail the core mechanics and gameplay elements, control schemes, player abilities, and progression systems.
- Story and Characters: If your game has a narrative, this is where you reveal it. Character descriptions, plot arcs, and story progression, these all take center stage in this section.
- Visuals and Art: This section will describe the visual style your game is going for. For example, if you're making a cartoony platformer, you would detail the vibrant colors, exaggerated character designs and the responsive animation style.
- Sound and Music: Sound can drastically shape a player's experience. Here, you list out the types of sound effects, background scores, ambient sounds, and in-game music that will go with the game visuals and theme.
- Monetization and Marketing: If you plan to monetize your game, this is where you describe how. Whether you're going for a premium game, a freemium game or using in-game ads, it should be stated here. Also, you should also outline your marketing plan and promotional strategies.
Keeping It Alive and Updated
The GDD should not be seen as a static document. Rather, it should emerge and develop together with the game. As you step into each phase of development, the document should reflect new decisions, insights, changes, and additions made throughout the life of your project. Always remember: a great GDD is clear, concise, and continually updated to ensure the highest chances of success for your video game project.