"Video Game Design Document"

How To Create A Game Design Document?

Introduction:

Imagine you are making your dream game, a horror, dark, and full of heart attacks but as time progresses, you find it hard to manage project files, workload and leads to burnout.

This is because you don't have a clear vision, your ideas are scattered. But don't worry, most newcomers make the mistake of not writing their ideas on paper.

In this article, I will tell you about what is a game design document, why we should make it, what to include, how to create a game design document, and how it can help you and your team stay on the same page in the development process. If you want to know how to become a game designer check out our article. It's a complete guide.


What Is A Game Design Document (GDD)?

A game design document also known as GDD, is a detailed and complete description of a game for all members of the development team. It outlines the basic structure of the game from mechanics to storytelling, sound design, UI/ UX, marketing and budget, and much more.

Why Should You Make A Game Design Document?

The first advantage of making a game design document is that it gives clarity and direction, making everyone on the same stage. It also improves efficiency by providing clear guidelines and reducing the risk of misunderstanding. Another advantage is that it improves the communication between developers, stakeholders, and collaborators.

How To Create A Game Design Document?

What Should Be Included In A GDD? 

Now, you are wondering what we should add to a game design document and how to make it. Relax, a GDD generally includes:

Game Concept:

Detailed information about the game's concept, genre, story, and settings.

For example, if you are making a horror game, decide what the concept will be, such as an old grandma with his baseball bat.

Game Mechanics:

Write about the gameplay mechanics, what will be controlled, core, primary and secondary mechanics, objectives, and reward system.

Narrative:

In this section, write in detail about the story of your game. What will be the plot, characters, missions, and dialogues?

Art and Style:

Before you start making your game, you must decide about the art style.

For example, In Assassin's Creed game, Ubisoft made different building assets and used the same assets to create different building.

Marketing:

The number one skill of being a successful game developer is to know how to sell your game. Before you start, you should know about how you're gonna sell your game. Find your target audience and study about your competition.

For example, if you are making a horror game, find out which horror game is trending on YouTube and Twitch, play these games, and make your game better from them.

I give examples of horror games in my articles because I personally like to play and make horror games. If you want to know how to design horror games then comment below.

Who Is Responsible For Creating The GDD?

Generally game designers or lead developers design and write game design documents. However, all of the members of the team such as programmers, artists, level designers, and sound designers are involved in brainstorming sessions and meetings.

But for indie gamers, you are the designer, programmer, and artist. So you have to make it by yourself. You can also take some feedback from your friends and family and improve your game idea before you even start making it.

You may also like: Top 20 game design books

How To Create A Game Design Document?

How To Create A Game Design Document?

Now, you know about what is a game design document, its advantages, and its importance in game development. Let's talk about how to make a game design document.

First, a GDD is a written document with some images. So you can use any tool, any notepad such as Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or even your mobile text app. For images, you may use Photoshop, canva, and some mobile apps like pixellab.

1. Conceptualization:

Write down your ideas, and read them again and again until they sound good.

For Example:

I am making a horror game. The concept will be simple, the soul of some girl who was killed by his lover, is in the house.

2. Basic details:

Write about basic details like name, budget, teammates, and other stuff.

For Example:

The name of my game will be “SINISTER”. I will spend around 100k $ and hire developers, especially sound designers to create haunted sound effects.

3. Mechanics:

Write about the mechanics in detail before you start writing code. It will create a clear vision of how the game will look like.

For example:

My horror game will be simple and for pc that can be controlled via mouse and keyboard. The player will be first person and will be played as a normal human being who is trapped inside a haunted house. For the witch, I will portray her preaching to the devil and having a face covered with blood.

4. Rules:

In this section, write about the rules of your game. How the player will progress and what rewards will you give him. It is important to note that rewards can hook the player to the game if used in the right way.

For example:

For my game, like most other horror games. The player will have 5 days to escape the house. If he is caught by the devil, the game finishes. I will also give him some rewards such as giving extra bullets to shoot the devil.

There are so many things that are still left such as story and other factors. I want you to go ahead and write it by yourself.

This is a short example of how I write documents for my games as a designer here in Northgamezarudio. We are working on our game “Sinister” and will be out soon.

Can a GDD Change During Development?

Yes, you can edit your GDD whenever you feel like changing it. In the beginning, you write your ideas but when you work on them and get feedback after playtesting. You will change many of these ideas.

How Does A GDD Help With Team Communication?

GDD has a very huge effect when making a game with a team. It keeps everyone aligned together. As everyone can access and they give a clear understanding of what they are making and the deadlines they have. This improves communication and collaboration among teammates.

What Is The Difference Between A GDD And A Pitch Document?

Well, both are the same things that are documented about your game. But the major difference is that a GDD is more detailed and for team members to understand the game. A pitch document is a short description of your game for investors and stakeholders in your game. If you are an indie game developer or few people then you don't need to make a pitch document, just focus on GDD.

Best Game Design Document Software:

Gdd is a simple text document with some images. So you can use any text app or software. These software have their mobile versions also. Some of them are given below.

Game Design Documents Template:

This is a very short, basic and simple article about GDD, but I am giving you a link to a pdf file below about game design document template, it will help how a GDD looklike. Please check it out to understand better and deeply.

Conclusion:

In short, a game design document is a backbone for your game in keeping all the members on the same level. It helps understand the game development process, both developers and investors.

If you are making a game that requires more than 1 month to build then you should make a GDD first.

In this article, I tried my best to explain in detail why you should do something GDD. I am a game designer at Northgamestudio, and I have created many GDD.

If you like this article about game design documents, then please support us by subscribing to our blog. I am passionate about game design and help other fellow game designers by writing. If you want to know more about game design visit game design school. 

If you read till here, please also tell me about my english wrinting skills in the comments below.

Thank you for reading.