This is our current game design document template. We use it to start new game design documents, but feel free to add or remove any sections as you see fitting with your game. There are not strict rules as to how a document should be structured. The most important thing is that all the information about the game is there, so that everyone on your team can see what they need to do (if you have a team).
If you are looking for completed game design documents, see our game design document page.
Introduction
In One Sentence
This is your pitch. This is your most important sentence and should sum up your game in a nutshell. Choose this sentence wisely. E.g. the pitch for the movie Alien was: Jaws on a spaceship.
Abstract
Short abstract. Here you write a short summary about what the game is about. Not too long, not too detailed. Keep it short, and to the point.
Target Audience
Who is your key-demographic. People tend to ignore this section for smaller hobby games, but knowing your audience will help guide the design in the right direction.
Platform
Hobbyists most often make games for the Windows platform.
Unique Selling Points
This section lists the reason people will play your game. You should have at a minimum 3, preferably 5. There must be some reason people will play your game over the competition.
Game Mechanics
A game design document without a description of the core mechanics of the game is worth little. This is where you describe how actually to play the game, and what makes it fun and challenging.
Controls
How do you play the game.
Scoring
If any kind of reward system is in the game, describe it here.
Win and Lose Conditions
How do you win and how do you lose the game.
Level Design
In this section of the game design document describe each level of the game. How to complete it, sketches, etc.
Story
The game story. This can be very long or very short depending on the game. If there is a background story, make sure to add a section on that as well.
Characters
Description and sketches of the characters. Any background story on the character as well should be written here.
Visual Style
Description of the visual style. This section of the game design document is very important when the director is not the visual designer. Even when the same person, this section will be a great inspiration and motivator for the rest of the team, as well as help pitch the idea to any stakeholders.
The section should include visual references as well as concept art of locations, sketches etc.
Game screens
Sketches of all game screens.
Assets
A prioritized bulleted list of all graphical assets needed.
Audio Style
The game design document also needs to describe the musical style of the game. This is usually the director who has a "vision" which the audio designer will try to realize.
Narrative and Dialog
Assets
A prioritized bulleted list of all sound and music assets needed.
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