A game design document (GDD) is an important document that records game design and development, and is an indispensable tool in the game development process.
So what is a game design document?
A typical GDD will include the following sections:
- Game overview
- Core gameplay
- Worldview and story background
- Level design
- Characters and items
- Visual and sound design
- User experience
- Development plan
- Technical requirements and test feedback
The importance of GDD:
Ensures that designers, programmers and illustrators, as well as other members, understand the structure of the game
Provides a clear development plan for the team
Helps allocate budgets and time
Identifies potential problems in advance to avoid rework during development