Creating Your First Game Design

A GDD is an essential tool for any game developer, whether solo or a team. It can be your blueprint for your game to organize your thoughts and have a plan for the development process. We will take you through creating your first GDD for a Unity project within this article.

What is a Game Design Document?
A GDD is a complete document that describes the entire concept of your game. It should therefore include:

• Concept and story of the game
• Gameplay mechanics
• Style and graphics
• Sound and music
• Level design
• User interface
• Technical details

Step 1: Game Overview
Write your GDD with a brief description of your game to be used for including

• Game title
• Genre
• Target audience
• Platform(PC, mobile, consoles)
• Brief description (1-2 sentences).

Tip: Make your game overview very short and fascinating. Think about it as an elevator pitch for your game.

Step 2: Story and Setting

Describe the narrative elements of your game:

• Backstory
• Main plot
• Characters
• Setting and world-building

Step 3: Gameplay Mechanics

Detail the core gameplay elements:

• Player actions and controls
• Game objectives
• Progression system
• Game modes (if applicable)

Step 4: Art Style and Visual Elements

Describe the visual aesthetic of your game:

• Art style (e.g., realistic, cartoonish, pixel art)
• Color palette
• Character designs
• Environment designs

Step 5: Sound and Music

Outline your audio plans:

• Music style
• Sound effects
• Voice acting (if applicable)

Step 6: Level Design

Describe your approach to level design:

• Level structure
• Environmental hazards or obstacles
• Progression of difficulty

Step 7: User Interface

Plan out your game’s UI:

• HUD elements
• Menu designs
• Control scheme

Step 8: Technical Specifications

Include technical details relevant to your Unity project:

• Unity version
• Target frame rate
• Minimum system requirements
• Third-party plugins or assets

Warning: Don’t get too bogged down in technical details at this stage. Focus on the core elements of your game first.

Tips for Creating an Effective GDD

1. Be clear and concise: Use simple language and avoid unnecessary jargon.
2. Use visuals: Include concept art, diagrams, or flowcharts to illustrate your ideas.
3. Keep it flexible: Your GDD should be a living document that can evolve as your game develops.
4. Collaborate: If you’re working in a team, make sure everyone has input and access to the GDD.
5. Use version control: Keep track of changes to your GDD over time.

A game design document is an extremely important first step in game development. It organizes your thoughts, communicates a vision, and helps plan the development process. Keep in mind that your GDD is going to be an evolving document – feel free to revisit and revise it as your game grows. Game designing!