Game Documentation

Good game documentation is essential for ensuring that everyone working on the game production is on the same page and working towards the same goals. These documents serve two purposes:

  • Memory aid
  • Communication tool

The most crucial game document is the Game Design Document or GDD.  The GDD is comprised of several documents that are revised during each phase of the development process and includes the following information:

  • The core idea of the game
  • Team tasks and timeline
  • The game atmosphere (mood & tone)
  • The goal of the game
  • Plan for implementation

Throughout the stages of the game production, the GDD evolves into a variety of different types of documents these including:

Evolution of Game Design Document

Other documents that are typically developed in a game production include:

Other Game Design Documents

Rules for Good GDD

When writing a good GDD it is important to follow these rules:

  • Know your target – who are you writing this version of the document for? Your development might need more technical details provided while the publishing team is less concerned about the actual development, but more so about costs and gains.
  • Keep it short – Nobody has time to read a ton of pages, keeping the documents short and well organized will help everyone stay abreast of the details and easily find the information they need to get their task done.
  • Prioritize the design – focus on the overall design of the game. Development details will change over time.
  • Illustrate – Pictures are worth more than words. Whenever possible use images, even reference art to illustrate what you are aiming for.
  • Don’t micromanage – while it is important to stay time on task, things change, and the development/design team needs to be able to release their creativity on the project.
  • Use user stories – get feedback from playtesters to help illustrate how and why the game will succeed.
  • Separate code from content – going back to knowing your audience, keep the technical information separate from the overall content of the game.
  • Invest in a good format – Use a format that works for everyone on your team.
  • Use clear terminology – To ensure everyone is referring to the same thing, use clear and consistent terminology for documentation. For example, does the game use gold or cash, these could both be in the game, so you will have to set guidelines as to when and where each term should be used.
  • Kill redundancy – do not keep repeating the same information in different documents, keep things short, clear, and precise.
  • Avoid weak language – show your drive to succeed, but using language such as “we will” instead of “we hope”.
  • Capture your reasoning – provide an explanation for choices and direction.

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