Skip to main content

Concept Document

🎮 GDC: Park Clean-Up Game

Written by: Akram Taghavi-Burris | © Copyright 2024

Status: In Development

Project Concept​

Game Title: Park Cleanup
Genre: Casual Puzzle/Exploration
Core Objective: Collect trash bags and dispose of them in bins to clean the park.
Theme/Goal: Environmental awareness, park restoration, relaxation
Main Gameplay Focus: Exploration, puzzle-solving, goal completion


1. Player Control​

In this game, you control a park volunteer working to restore the park's beauty by cleaning up litter.

  • Controller Type: Keyboard (WASD for movement, mouse for camera control)
  • Perspective: Third-person
  • Basic Actions: Walk, pick up trash bags, interact with bins and gates, explore park areas
  • Special Interactions: Sort recyclables for extra points, interact with objects like benches and fountains for immersive environment

2. Game Mechanics​

The game mechanics guide the player's actions and challenges as they work to clean the park.

  • Core Mechanics: Collecting trash, navigating different park sections, sorting recyclables
  • Resources: Collected trash bags, bonus points from recyclables
  • Rules:
    • Resource Usage: Trash bags must be collected and placed in designated bins to clear sections.
    • Action Limitations: Players can only move a limited number of trash bags at once.
    • Penalties for Failure: No penalties for failure, but incomplete sections prevent progression to new areas.
  • Conflict:
    • Hidden trash or harder-to-reach trash bags
  • Boundaries: Physical boundaries of the park sections; gates lock until all trash is cleaned in that section
  • Outcomes:
    • Winning Conditions: Complete all park sections, fully restoring the park
    • Failure Conditions: Unable to clean a section completely (progress blocked until completion)
    • Rewards: Extra points for sorting recyclables, perfect cleanup completion

3. Game Loop​

The game loop describes the player's journey of cleaning up the park through a series of actions, decisions, and feedback.

  • Initial Action: Start in the park's first section
  • Player Decision: Explore the area, collect trash bags, and place them in the bins
  • ****: Progress towards the next section as trash bags are collected and deposited
  • Feedback: Visual progress indicator (trash collected, area cleaned), ambient sounds, positive reinforcement for actions
  • Repetition: Continue collecting and depositing trash until the entire park is cleaned

4. Sound & Effects​

The audio and visual effects enhance the immersive experience of restoring the park.

  • Action Sound Effects:
    • Picking up trash bags, placing them in bins
  • Environmental Sounds:
    • Ambient park sounds
    • Music played from radio in the park
  • Visual Effects:
    • Lighting and shadows reflecting the progress of cleaning
  • Optional Effects:
    • Particle effects when trash is disposed of in the bin (e.g., sparkles around bin)

5. User Interface​

The UI will provide players with essential information to help track their progress in cleaning the park.

  • Main UI Elements:
    • Collected trash count, remaining trash bags
  • Start Screen:
    • Game title with relaxing park ambiance and button options for Play and Quit
  • End Screen:
    • Summary of total trash collected
    • Option to restart or quit

6. Other Features​

The game includes features designed to enhance replayability and immersion.

  • Key Features:
    • Relaxing Gameplay: Players can take their time exploring and completing each section at their own pace
    • Replayability: Bonus challenges like sorting recyclables and completing sections without missing any trash
    • Accessibility Features: Adjustable text size, colorblind-friendly options, and simplified controls for ease of play