Have you ever wondered how game developers keep track of all their game information? From graphics to audio and storyline, it all becomes a part of the game’s design document!
In theory, this is a method through which the game developers keep track of their ideas and thoughts for themselves or their entire team. Unfortunately, for some time now, many developers have considered it a time-consuming, challenging, and useless practice.
However, it is also a crucial one. So here are some of the best practices in which you can document your game.
1. The Game’s Title
This part can be a little tricky for you since people are not sure of the game’s title at the very start. They usually figure out the name once the game is ready or halfway done. However, if it becomes quite challenging, then you can finalize a few attractive names and finalize one later.
2. Main Idea of the Game
Make sure you know what the main genre of the game is; FPS, survival, adventure, simulation, etc. After that, start plotting down the main points without going into many details so you know what you are talking about.
Also, it is highly recommended that you make an index to better navigate through the document and save some time.
3. Details
Start working on the details of the game, such as the locations of where it will be set in, the basic settings, mechanisms, and what your target audience will be.
Once that is done, move towards hatching out the details of the game’s narrative. This will include the game’s history, story, lore, characters, events, and different challenges and quests.
4. Gameplay
This part of your video game design document includes information on specific areas of the game, such as the mechanics, character interactions with the environment, the player’s interaction with the game, etc.
5. Game’s Features
As you can judge from the name, this part will hold all the different features you plan to include in your game. This is an essential part of the game because features are the life of the game and include graphics, sound and music, visuals, level designs, etc.
Conclusion
Before writing a video game design document, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want from the game and ensure that it is unique. It can be however long you want it to be as long as it is clear to you and the people who are viewing it.
Your only goal when writing a game design document is that you should describe each detail in an accurate manner instead of only making it attractive. Lastly, you can keep updating your Game Design Document as the game also receives updates or needs changes.