This week, we'll take a look back at the Pre-Production Stage of the game development cycle. Since that stage stars the Game Design Document, we begin the first of our two-part lesson on "Hairy-Chested He Man Game Design Documents." We'll delve into what a Game Design Document is, how they relate to game prototypes, preparation before writing one, and the style guidelines for a proper look and feel.
With our lab time, we might take a look at Game Maker tutorial 15 (Cursed Undead) and will certainly work on your Course Project Game.
The link below is the homework assignment due at the beginning of the next class session.
These links feature the supplemental material that you are responsible for knowing before the first exam (that takes place at the beginning of Week 8). Be sure to click on every link in this section!
Article: The Anatomy of a Game Design Document, Part 1 by Tim Ryan
Unfortunately, design documents are sometimes ignored or fall short of their purpose, failing the producers, designers, artists, or programmers in one way or another. This article will help you make sure that your design document meets the needs of the project and the team.
This supplemental link is well worth reading, particularly if you're making an analog game for your Graded Course Project Game.
Web Site: Game Design Documents
Several sample game design documents are linked to this site.
Article: Design Document Fundamentals, Part 1 by William Anderson
Here is another good anal-retentive checklist for your Game Design Document with a slightly different take on things. This brief two-part article offers additional perspective on the subject of how to build your GDD.
Bibliography: General Course References
