Assignment 1.3

🎥 Video Outline

• What is a GDD?

  • A Game Design Document (GDD) is a blueprint for your project.
  • It explains your game’s vision, mechanics, art style, and production plan.

• Core Sections to Include:

  • Game Overview — working title, genre, hook.
  • Narrative Summary — premise, player role, tone.
  • Core Gameplay Loop — from Assignment 1.2.
  • Features List — short, realistic list of mechanics your slice will demonstrate.
  • Art & Style Guide — reference images, palette, visual identity.
  • Technical Notes — engine, team tools, constraints.
  • Production Plan — milestones and roles.

• Why it Matters:

  • Aligns the team.
  • Helps scope realistically.
  • Becomes the document you refine for the pitch in Unit 2.

• Tips for Writing:

  • Keep sections short but clear.
  • Use visuals where possible.
  • Think of it as something you could hand to another team and they’d understand the game.

📚 Resources

• GDD Template — Download Here
• Example GDDs and professional templates will be provided in class for reference.

🛠️ Workshop Goals

Workshop 1

• Review your narrative concept (A1.1) and core loop (A1.2).
• Open a template or blank doc for your GDD.
• Draft the following sections: Overview, Narrative, Core Loop.
• Gather style references (images, color palettes, example games).

Workshop 2

• Add Features List, Technical Notes, and Production Plan.
• Combine references into a short style guide section.
• Share with peers for early feedback.
• Upload your working draft to Canvas / portfolio.

If you finish early:

• Add diagrams (flowcharts, annotated screenshots).
• Draft optional stretch features (things you’d add with more time).

📑 Deliverables

• Draft Game Design Document including:
  • Game Overview
  • Narrative Summary
  • Core Gameplay Loop
  • Features List
  • Art & Style Guide (images/palette)
  • Technical Notes + Production Plan
• Upload draft GDD to Canvas and Portfolio as:
  “Draft Game Design Document”