GDD Template

This is based on Indie Game Clinic’s video covering Game Design Documents. Watch their video to get the detailed context behind each section. Copy the source of this Markdown file or copy-paste it into your document editor of choice.

What Is “<game-name>“?

This is a high-level design description of the game. Avoid superlatives. This is the “elevator pitch”, explaining the broad strokes of the game concept. Refer to other games as required.

Design Pillars

“What things are ‘holding up’ this project? What things are central to the success of this project?” Consider referencing 2-3 design pillars here.

Reference the 14 Forms of Fun from gamedeveloper.com

Power

Competition

Problem Solving

Audience and Market

Who is this game for? Who is it not for? Identify your target audience. Are you building the right game for the right platform?

Core Gameplay

Provide more details here about how the player will interact with the game. Tie the gameplay and theme together. Justify why it’s in there, but be concise.

Controls

WASD? Touch controls? Controller? VR? Explain what each control will do.

Gameplay Balance & Pacing

What are the key things to keep in mind while doing the initial development? What are some potential pitfalls?

Character Designs

Describe what sort of art style you are aiming for. Include images for inspiration and direction. What sort of functional requirements do the characters need? (Colours, etc) 2D? 3D?

Setting & World

How will the world be constructed? What sort of features will there be?

Tone & Aesthetics

Describe the visual style, iconography, colour palette, and “feel”. Provide inspiration pictures.

Narrative

What is the story about? Is there a story at all?

Business Model

How will you make money? Is this a one-time purchase, or subscription? Are there microtransactions? What are the expected ways of funding the project? What are the expected ongoing costs? How much do you plan on charging? Are you rewarding your players for purchases?