GDD -Game Design Document-Reading

Assigned readings for This week involved the discussion around the topic of game design documents. The necessity and the instructions to create game design documents was also provided.

 

What is a Game Design Document? 

 

This can be summarized as a tool that designers use to communicate their ideas regarding the game to team, their purposes can be summarized as a memory aid, defining the works of a game in detail, and noting each step/process of the game. Another purpose of the use of GDD is communication, using a GDD as a communication tool is a necessity for game developers, as there are many team members involved in the production of a game, having his document creates a good communication foundation for the team. There are many forms of game design documents and the type that the game developer will create will depend on the style of game being produced. These can include but are not limited to:

·      Game Design Overview

·      Detailed Design Doc

·      Story Overview

·      Concept Art Overview

 

 

How is a Game Design Document Written?

When writing a GDD a simple process is followed, you first begin by providing a game description. This is a Summary of what the game, the objective the summary is to give the readers and other team members a clear idea of the type of game that you are trying to produce.

Then depending on the game you are designing, for example an RPG, you would then need to introduce the storyline and plot, theme and plot progression etc.

Essentially, the GDD follows a typical structure, you would then complete the document by completing (but not limited to) the following sections in descending order; User skills, Game Mechanics, Items and power-ups, progression and challenges, losing, Art Style, Music and Sounds, demographics, marketing and funding and lastly platforms and monetization. 

 

These articles will prove useful for moving forward in game development, the need for the use of GDD has been highlighted as an important one and moving forward it will be used in the development of games. It can be seen as essential for have this document especially during the early game idea generation stages, having a clear concise document will all the stages of the game process will help with the progression of idea generation.

 

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