Game design document sample

A Game Design Document serves as a roadmap for your game’s journey. In a GDD, you’ll find everything from the game’s concept and mechanics to its story, art style, and technical requirements. It’s a crucial tool for keeping everyone on the same page and steering the project in the right direction. To learn more about game design check out The ABCs of Video Game Design: A Beginner’s Guide.

Here’s a sample Game Design Document (GDD) created for a simple game involving shooting the letters of the alphabet.


Game Title: Cosmic Alphablast

1. Game Overview

1.1 Game Concept

“Cosmic Alphablast” is an educational and entertaining game designed for kids. Players embark on a space adventure where letters resembling asteroids are falling, and they must shoot these letters in alphabetical order. The game also features an additional mode where players are given random words to shoot in the correct alphabetical sequence.

1.2 Target Audience

The primary target audience is children aged 6-10, with a focus on promoting literacy and alphabet recognition in a fun and engaging way.

1.3 Platform

Desktop

2. Gameplay

2.1 Game Modes

2.1.1 Alphablast Mode

Objective: Shoot falling alphabet asteroids in the correct alphabetical order.

Controls: Tap on the screen to shoot the corresponding letter.

Challenge: As the game progresses, the speed of falling letters increases, adding difficulty.

2.1.2 Wordhunt Mode

Objective: Shoot letters to form a given word in the correct order.

Controls: move cannon left and right.

Challenge: Each level presents a new word, and players must quickly shoot the letters in the correct sequence to complete the word.

2.2 Power-ups

Shield: Provides temporary protection from shooting the wrong letter.

Bonus Points: Special letters with bonus points.

2.3 Scoring System

– Points awarded for shooting letters in the correct order.

– Bonus points for consecutive correct shots.

– Points deducted for shooting the wrong letter.

3. Audio and Visuals

3.1 Graphics

– Colorful and vibrant space-themed backgrounds.

– Fun and engaging asteroid-shaped letters.

3.2 Sound

– Upbeat background music.

– Positive reinforcement sounds for correct shots.

– Alert sound for shooting the wrong letter.

4. User Interface (UI)

4.1 Main Menu

– Play (option to choose game mode)

– Settings (sound on/off, reset progress)

– High Scores

4.2 In-Game HUD

– Score display

– Lives remaining

4.3 End Game Screen

– Score summary

– Option to play again or return to the main menu

5. Monetization

5.1 In-App Purchases

– Ad-free version

– Cosmetic upgrades (different cannon designs)

6. Technical Specifications

6.1 Development Platform

– Unity game engine

6.2 Supported Platforms

– desktop

6.3 System Requirements

– Basic smartphone and tablet specifications

7. Marketing

7.1 Promotional Strategies

– Collaborations with educational platforms

– Social media campaigns emphasizing the educational value

8. Conclusion

“Cosmic Alphablast” aims to combine entertainment and education, providing a engaging way for kids to learn and reinforce their alphabet recognition skills. Through exciting gameplay and visually appealing design, the game creates an enjoyable space adventure for young players.


We hope this GDD sample gives you an idea of some points to keep in mind while creating a Game Design Document. All the best!

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