Game Design Document

This week I created a game design document for my game. I created a site map on Dundoc. This was a very useful website as it gave you a structured template which I then put in all the information for my own game. 

Bananas, Source: Pixabay

The main headings I used in my document were;

-Game Introduction

-Technical

-Artwork (design)

-Audio & Sound F/x

And each of these contain sub headings also. 

I found this a very useful task as it made me think about elements of the game that I didn't think of before. It was also useful to have all the elements laid out in an organised matter.

My Game Design 

Games GDD

Games GGD, Source: Pixaby

This week I learned all about all design and everything we should take into consideration when creating a game, I read an article called 'Design Considerations' by Greg Aleknevicus. This article was a real eye opener, as it made you think about design elements that you just take for granted when playing another game.

Components - 

There are many components that must be considers when designing a game, with colour being a huge factor. Many people suffer from colour blindness so using colours that don't clash with each other is very important. As this won't help everyone, using different shape to determine differentiation will make the game play easier for someone who suffers with colour blindness. Each icon in the game must be distinguishable. Avoiding clutter is important in a game.

The Box - 

When creating a box for your game it must be visually pleasing for the player. It is important to list the name of the game on the outside of the box as this will make it easy to read from far away which will attract the attention of the buyer. You must make sure that the back of the box contains a photo of actual game play and not a photo that has been set up to look aesthetically pleasing.

Cards - 

Playing cards are a huge element to many games so the design is very important. Placing numbers on all four corners is an important component as then it can be determined which card it is, no matter which way the card is held, also make the numbers large and legible. It is a good idea to include extra cards in a deck, this allows for if any card is lost.

Theme - 

Have the theme work with the rules rather than against them.

Rules - 

Always blind test your rules, this will make sure there is no assumptions for someone who doesn't understand the game. Do not wrote intentionally vague rules, so players are fully aware of how the game is supposed to be played and cannot make up their own rules. Include a detailed list of the games components in the rules. Include examples of game play, this makes it easy to address  issues of uncertainty.