Title	流溢
Version Number	version 0.01
Date	2023年5月10日
Overview	[A brief summary introducing the game’s concept and objectives]

Revision History

Version	Date	Changes Made

1. Introduction

1.1. Game Concept

Game Concept captures the essence of your game, defining its core ideas, goals, and experience. It serves as a blueprint for the rest of the development process, guiding the team toward a unified vision.

1.1.1. High Concept

Craft a concise, one- or two-sentence pitch that captures the essence of your game. This should highlight what makes your game unique and engaging.

1.1.2. Game Summary

Expand on the high concept by summarizing the game’s setting, main characters, and primary objectives. Give readers a snapshot of what the game is about.

1.1.3. Core Experience

Describe the emotions and sensations you want players to experience. Discuss the atmosphere, themes, and overall feel of the game.

1.1.4. Objectives and Goals

Outline the main goals you aim to achieve with this game, both from a player perspective (what players should accomplish) and a development perspective (what the team aims to deliver).

1.2. Target Audience

Target Audience section focuses on identifying and understanding the players your game is designed for. By defining your audience, you can make informed decisions on gameplay, tone, and accessibility features that will resonate with them.

1.2.1. Demographics

Specify age ranges, gender distribution, geographic locations, and other relevant statistical data.

1.2.2. Psychographics

Specify age ranges, gender distribution, geographic locations, and other relevant statistical data.

1.2.3. Player Personas

Create detailed profiles of hypothetical players, including their motivations, gaming preferences, and what they seek in a game.

1.2.4. Accessibility Considerations

Consider any special needs or accommodations required to make your game accessible to a broader audience, such as colorblind modes or adjustable difficulty levels.

1.3. Genre(s)

Genre(s) section outlines the specific category your game falls under, establishing the framework for its design and player expectations. By clearly defining the genre and its conventions, you ensure your game meets, or innovates within, those expectations.

1.3.1. Primary Genre

Identify the main genre (e.g., action, adventure, puzzle) that best describes your game.

1.3.2. Sub-genres and Influences

Mention any sub-genres or specific influences from other games, movies, or media that inspire your design.

1.3.3. Genre Conventions

Discuss the typical features of these genres and how your game conforms to or diverges from these conventions.

1.4. Game Flow Summary

Game Flow Summary maps out how players will progress through the game. It outlines the key gameplay loops, progression systems, and overall player journey, helping to maintain balance and engagement from start to finish.

1.4.1. Core Gameplay Loop

Describe the fundamental activities players will engage in repeatedly.

1.4.2. Progression Systems

Explain how players advance through the game, such as leveling up or unlocking new content.

1.4.3. Game Structure

Detail the game’s format, whether it’s linear, open-world, mission-based, etc.

1.4.4. Player Journey

Summarize the player’s experience from start to finish, highlighting key moments and transitions.

1.5. Look and Feel

Look and Feel section defines the visual and auditory style of your game. This includes visual design choices like color palette and art inspirations, as well as audio elements that contribute to the overall atmosphere and mood.

1.5.1. Visual Style

Describe the art style (e.g., realistic, cartoonish, pixel art) and any stylistic influences.

1.5.2. Color Palette

Specify the primary colors and tones that will dominate the game’s visuals.

1.5.3. Mood and Atmosphere

Explain the emotional ambiance you aim to create (e.g., eerie, cheerful, intense).

1.5.4. Art and Design Inspirations

Reference any works or styles that inspire your game’s visuals.

1.5.5. Audio Style

Discuss the type of music, sound effects, and audio cues that will enhance the game’s atmosphere.

1.6. Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) highlights what makes your game stand out from the competition. Whether through unique mechanics or narrative elements, this section focuses on the features that differentiate your game in the market.

1.6.1. Key Differentiators

Identify the features or aspects that make your game unique.

1.6.2. Innovative Mechanics

Describe any new gameplay mechanics or systems you’ve developed.

1.6.3. Compelling Narrative Elements

Outline any unique story elements or narrative techniques.

1.6.4. Emotional Engagement

Explain how your game will connect emotionally with players.

1.6.5. Value Proposition

Summarize the benefits and value your game offers to players.

1.7. Competitor Analysis

Competitor Analysis section involves researching and analyzing other games in your genre or market. By understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps of competitors, you can position your game for success and innovation.

1.7.1. Market Overview

Provide a summary of the current market landscape for your game’s genre.

1.7.2. Direct Competitors

Identify games that closely resemble yours and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.

1.7.3. Indirect Competitors

Mention games that, while not directly similar, compete for the same audience.

1.7.4. Competitive Advantages

Highlight how your game offers something different or superior.

1.7.5. Lessons Learned

Discuss insights gained from competitor successes or failures.

1.7.6. Market Gaps

Identify unmet needs or opportunities your game can address.

2. Gameplay Design

2.1. Core Gameplay Loop

Core Gameplay Loop defines the fundamental activities that players will engage in repeatedly throughout your game. This section focuses on the primary mechanics and interactions that form the backbone of the player experience, ensuring consistent engagement and enjoyment. By outlining the core actions and their outcomes, you establish how players will interact with the game world on a continual basis.

2.1.1. Overview

Provide a summary of the core loop.

2.1.2. Primary Actions

List the main activities players will perform repeatedly.

2.1.3. Objectives and Rewards

Explain what players aim to achieve and how they are rewarded.

2.1.4. Feedback Loop

Describe how the game responds to player actions to reinforce the loop.

2.1.5. Core Loop Diagram

Include a visual representation if possible to illustrate the loop.

2.2. Controls

Controls section details how players will interact with your game using various input devices. This includes the default control schemes, button mappings, and any customization options available to the player. By clearly defining the control interfaces, you ensure that gameplay is intuitive and accessible, providing a smooth and user-friendly experience across all supported platforms.

2.2.1. Input Devices

List all supported devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, controller, touch).

2.2.2. Control Schemes

Provide default control mappings for each device.

2.2.3. Customization Options

State whether players can remap controls and how.

2.2.4. Sensitivity and Settings

Include options for adjusting control sensitivity.

2.2.5. Accessibility Features

Mention features like simplified controls or alternative input methods.

2.2.6. Tutorials and Onboarding

Describe how you will teach players the controls.

2.3. Progression Systems

Progression Systems section describes how players advance and develop within your game. This encompasses leveling mechanisms, skill trees, unlockable content, and other systems that provide a sense of growth and achievement. By outlining these elements, you illustrate how the game maintains player interest over time through rewards and increasing capabilities.

2.3.1. Experience and Leveling

Explain how players gain experience and level up.

2.3.2. Skill Trees and Abilities

Detail any skills or abilities players can unlock.

2.3.3. Unlockables

List items, areas, or features that become available as players progress.

2.3.4. In-Game Economy

Outline how players earn and spend in-game currency.

2.3.5. Story Progression

Describe how the narrative advances with progression.

2.3.6. Progression Pacing

Discuss the intended speed of progression and how it’s balanced.

2.4. Difficulty and Balance

Difficulty and Balance section addresses how your game challenges players while maintaining fairness and accessibility. This includes the design of difficulty levels, scaling of challenges, and balancing of game mechanics to cater to a range of player skill levels. By carefully calibrating these aspects, you ensure an engaging experience that is neither too easy nor overly frustrating.

2.4.1. Difficulty Settings

Describe different difficulty levels and what changes with each.

2.4.2. Enemy and Challenge Scaling

Explain how challenges increase as players progress.

2.4.3. Resource Distribution

Detail how resources (health, ammo, etc.) are allocated to maintain balance.

2.5. Feedback Systems

Feedback Systems section explores how your game communicates information and responses to the player through visual, auditory, and tactile cues. This includes elements like the HUD (Heads-Up Display), sound effects, animations, and haptic feedback. By effectively designing feedback mechanisms, you enhance player understanding, immersion, and satisfaction.

2.5.1. Visual Feedback

Explain HUD elements, visual effects, and animations that respond to player actions.

2.5.2. Audio Feedback

Describe sound effects and audio cues used for feedback.

2.5.3. Haptic Feedback

Mention any controller vibrations or tactile responses.

2.5.4. User Interface Notification

Outline how alerts and messages are presented.

2.5.5. Environmental Feedback

Discuss how changes in the environment signal information to the player.

2.5.6. Error and System Messages

Detail how errors or important system messages are conveyed.

2.5.6. Tutorial Prompts

Explain how guidance is provided during gameplay.

2.6. Replayability

Replayability section focuses on features that encourage players to return to your game after initial completion. This includes elements like multiple endings, procedural generation, unlockable modes, and achievements. By incorporating these features, you increase the game’s longevity and provide players with new experiences, fostering long-term engagement.

2.6.1. Multiple Endings

Explain how choices lead to different outcomes.

2.6.2. Procedural Generation

Describe any randomly generated content.

2.6.3. New Game Plus

Mention modes that unlock after the first completion.

2.6.4. Unlockable Modes

List additional modes or difficulties that can be unlocked.

2.6.5. Collectibles and Achievements

Outline items or goals that encourage exploration.

2.6.6. Player Choice and Agency

Explain how decisions impact subsequent playthroughs.

Include any competitive or cooperative elements.

2.6.8. Mod Support (if applicable)

State if and how the game supports mods.

3. Game Mechanics

3.1. Core Mechanics

Core Mechanics section delves into the fundamental systems that drive your game’s primary gameplay experience. This includes the essential rules, actions, and features that players will interact with most frequently. By clearly defining your core mechanics, you establish the backbone of your game, ensuring that the primary gameplay is engaging, intuitive, and cohesive.

3.1.1. Primary Gameplay Elements

Describe key mechanics like movement, combat, or puzzle-solving.

3.1.2. Game Rules and Systems

Outline the rules that govern gameplay, such as physics or scoring.

3.1.3. Progression Mechanics

Explain how core mechanics evolve or become more complex.

3.2. Side Mechanics

Side Mechanics section explores additional systems and features that complement the core gameplay. These mechanics enhance the player’s experience by providing variety and depth, such as mini-games, side quests, or optional challenges. By outlining your side mechanics, you can enrich your game world and offer players alternative activities that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

3.2.1. Optional Activities

Detail mini-games, side quests, or bonus challenges.

3.3. Interaction Mechanics

Interaction Mechanics section focuses on how players interact with the game world, characters, and environmental elements. This includes systems like dialogue options, environmental interactions, and social features. Defining these mechanics helps create a more immersive and responsive game world, allowing players to build deeper connections with the game’s narrative and its inhabitants

3.3.1. Player-Environment Interaction

Describe how players can manipulate or be affected by the environment.

3.3.2. Player-NPC Interaction

Detail conversation systems, trade, or relationships with non-player characters.

Explain any multiplayer or social interaction features.

3.3.4. Feedback and Cues

Discuss how interactions are signaled to the player.

3.4. Economy and Currencies

Economy and Currencies section outlines the financial systems within your game, detailing how players earn, spend, and manage in-game resources. This includes defining the types of currencies, methods of acquisition, and their uses—such as purchasing items, upgrades, or unlocking new content. A well-designed economy adds strategic depth and provides players with meaningful choices that impact their progression and overall experience.

3.4.1. In-Game Currencies

List and describe each type of currency.

3.4.2. Resource Management

Explain how players manage resources like health, mana, or materials.

3.4.3. Trading and Commerce

Describe systems for buying, selling, or trading items.

3.4.4. Economic Balance

Discuss how you will prevent inflation or resource scarcity.

4. Story and Narrative Design

4.1. Themes

Themes section explores the central ideas and messages that underpin your game’s narrative. By defining the core themes, you provide depth and cohesion to the story, ensuring that all narrative elements contribute to overarching concepts that resonate with players on a deeper level. This helps in creating a meaningful and impactful experience that goes beyond surface-level storytelling.

4.1.1. Primary Themes

List the main themes you wish to explore.

4.1.2. Sub-Themes

Mention additional themes that support the primary ones.

4.1.3. Symbolism and Motifs

Describe recurring symbols or motifs.

4.1.4. Emotional Tone

Explain the emotions you want to evoke in players.

4.2. Plot Structure

Plot Structure section outlines the overall narrative framework of your game, detailing how the story unfolds from beginning to end. This includes the setup, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. By mapping out the plot structure, you ensure a coherent and engaging storyline that effectively drives the player’s journey and maintains their interest throughout the game.

4.2.1. Narrative Arc

Break down the story into its key components (exposition, rising action, climax, etc.).

4.2.2. Story Beats

List significant events that drive the narrative forward.

4.2.3. Timeline

Provide a chronological sequence of events.

4.3. Story Arcs

Story Arcs section delves into the individual narrative threads within your game, including the main plot and any subplots. It shows how these arcs interweave and progress over time, adding complexity and richness to the overall narrative. By defining story arcs, you can maintain narrative consistency and pacing, ensuring that each thread contributes meaningfully to the game’s story.

4.3.1. Main Story Arc

Summarize the primary narrative thread.

4.3.2. Subplots

Describe additional storylines that complement the main plot.

4.3.3. Interconnections

Explain how different story arcs interact or influence each other.

4.4. Character Arcs

Character Arcs section focuses on the development and transformation of key characters throughout the game. It outlines their personal journeys, challenges, and growth, ensuring that characters are dynamic and relatable. By crafting detailed character arcs, you enhance emotional engagement and investment from the player, as they witness characters evolve in response to the game’s events.

4.4.1. Protagonist Arc

Detail the journey and transformation of the main character.

4.4.2. Antagonist Arc

Describe the antagonist’s motivations and evolution.

4.4.3. Supporting Characters

Outline the growth of secondary characters.

4.4.4. Relationships

Discuss how relationships between characters change over time.

4.5. Narrative Perspective

Narrative Perspective section defines the point of view and narrative style through which the story is conveyed to the player. This includes choices like first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient perspectives, which affect how the player experiences the story and connects with characters. By establishing the narrative perspective, you can control the flow of information and shape the player’s understanding and emotional response to the narrative.

4.5.1. Point of View

Choose the narrative perspective (first-person, third-person, etc.).

4.5.2. Narrative Voice

Describe the tone and style of narration.

4.5.3. Reliability

Discuss whether the narrator is reliable or unreliable.

4.5.4. Player’s Role

Explain how the player fits into the narrative perspective.

4.6. Tone and Style

Tone and Style section sets the mood and stylistic approach of the narrative, influencing how the story is perceived and felt by the player. This includes the emotional tone—such as dark, hopeful, suspenseful, or comedic—and the literary style, like formal or colloquial language. By defining the tone and style, you ensure consistency across all narrative elements, enhancing immersion and emotional impact.

4.6.1. Overall Tone

Define the general mood (e.g., dark, humorous, hopeful).

4.6.2. Literary Style

Describe the writing style (e.g., formal, colloquial).

4.6.3. Language and Diction

Mention any specific language choices or dialects.

4.6.4. Cultural and Historical Influences

Cite any influences that shape the narrative style.

4.7. Dialogue

Dialogue section covers how conversations and interactions are crafted and presented within the game. This includes the writing style, character voices, and the systems used to deliver dialogue—such as linear conversations or branching dialogue trees. By carefully designing dialogue, you bring characters to life, reveal their personalities, and advance the narrative in an engaging and authentic manner.

4.7.1. Dialogue Writing Guidelines

Set rules for tone, language, and style.

4.7.2. Character Voices

Define how each character speaks, including speech patterns and vocabulary.

4.7.3. Dialogue Systems

Explain how dialogues are presented (e.g., dialogue trees, choice-based).

4.7.4. Interactive Dialogue

Describe how player choices affect conversations.

4.7.5. Localization Considerations

Plan for translation and cultural adaptation.

4.8. Player Agency and Choices

Player Agency and Choices section explains how player decisions impact the narrative, including story outcomes, character relationships, and world states. By offering meaningful choices and branching paths, you empower players to influence the game world and narrative direction. This enhances engagement, personalizes the experience, and can significantly increase replayability as players explore different outcomes.

4.8.1. Decision Points

Identify key moments where players make choices.

4.8.2. Consequences

Detail the immediate and long-term effects of choices.

4.8.3. Branching Paths

Outline how choices lead to different story paths.

4.8.4. Multiple Endings

Describe the various possible conclusions.

4.8.5. Moral and Ethical Dilemmas

Include situations that challenge the player’s values.

4.8.6. Replayability Factors

Explain how choices enhance replay value.

5. Worldbuilding

5.1. Setting

Setting section defines the overarching environment of your game world, including its general atmosphere, time period, and fundamental characteristics. It establishes the context in which your game takes place, providing a foundation for all subsequent worldbuilding elements. By clearly outlining the setting, you create a consistent and immersive backdrop that influences gameplay, narrative, and player experience.

5.1.1. World Overview

Provide a general description of the world or universe.

5.1.2. Time Period

Specify the era (past, present, future, or alternate timeline).

5.1.3. Atmosphere and Mood

Describe the general feel (e.g., dystopian, utopian).

5.1.4. Aesthetic Style

Mention the visual and artistic style.

5.2. History and Lore

History and Lore section delves into the backstory of your game world, including significant historical events, myths, and legends that shape its current state. This section adds depth and richness to the world, providing context for the game’s narrative and enhancing immersion for the player.

5.2.1. Creation Myth or Origin Story

Explain how the world came to be.

5.2.2. Timeline of Major Events

List significant historical milestones.

5.2.3. Historical Conflicts

Describe past wars or significant struggles.

5.2.4. Legendary Figures and Heroes

Highlight important historical figures.

5.2.5. Cultural Myths and Legends

Include stories that influence the current world.

5.3. World Rules and Systems

World Rules and Systems section outlines the fundamental laws that govern your game world, including physical laws, magic systems, technology levels, and any deviations from real-world physics. Defining these rules ensures consistency and believability, allowing players to understand how the world operates.

5.3.1. Physical Laws

Note any deviations from real-world physics.

5.3.2. Supernatural Elements

Detail any magical or supernatural forces.

5.3.3. Time and Space

Mention any unique aspects of time flow or spatial dimensions.

5.4. Factions and Cultures

Factions and Cultures section explores the different societies, cultures, and groups within your game world, including their beliefs, customs, and relationships with each other. This adds diversity and complexity to the world, making it more dynamic and engaging.

5.4.1. Major Factions

Describe key groups or organizations.

5.4.2. Cultures and Societies

Detail customs, traditions, and social norms.

5.4.3. Political Structures

Explain forms of governance.

5.4.4. Religions and Belief Systems

Outline spiritual or religious beliefs.

5.4.5. Languages and Communication

Mention languages and communication methods.

5.4.6. Relationships and Tensions

Discuss alliances and conflicts between groups.

5.5. Geography and Environments

Geography and Environments section provides detailed information about the physical landscapes of your world, including continents, climates, and environmental features. This shapes the player’s exploration experience and can influence gameplay mechanics and storytelling.

5.5.1. World Map Overview

Provide a map or general description.

5.5.2. Continents and Regions

Detail major landmasses and areas.

5.5.3. Climate and Weather Patterns

Explain environmental conditions.

5.5.4. Ecosystems and Wildlife

Describe flora and fauna.

5.5.5. Natural Resources

List resources available in different regions.

5.5.6. Environmental Hazards

Mention any natural dangers.

5.6. Economy and Trade

Economy and Trade section outlines the economic systems within your world, including how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed. A well-defined economy adds realism and can impact gameplay through trading systems, resource management, and player interactions.

5.6.1. Economic Systems

Describe how goods and services are exchanged.

5.6.2. Currency and Trade Goods

List currencies and valuable commodities.

5.6.3. Trade Routes and Networks

Outline how trade occurs between regions.

5.6.4. Guilds and Merchant Organizations

Mention influential economic entities.

5.6.5. Supply and Demand

Discuss resource availability and scarcity.

5.6.6. Black Markets and Illegal Trade

Include any underground economies.

5.7. Technology and Magic

Technology and Magic section focuses on the technological advancements and magical elements within your world, including how they interact and affect daily life. This influences both the narrative and gameplay mechanics, shaping the player’s capabilities, challenges, and the world’s dynamics.

5.7.1. Level of Technology

Describe the technological state.

5.7.2. Magic Integration

Explain how magic is used in society.

5.7.3. Technological Innovations

Highlight significant inventions.

5.7.4. Magical Schools and Disciplines

List types and schools of magic.

5.7.5. Science vs. Magic Dynamics

Discuss the relationship between technology and magic.

5.7.6. Artifacts and Magical Items

Describe important items with special powers.

5.8. Landmarks and Key Locations

Landmarks and Key Locations section highlights important places within your world that are significant for the story, gameplay, or lore. These locations can serve as settings for major events, hubs for player interaction, or points of interest that enrich exploration and immersion.

5.8.1. Capitals and Major Cities

Describe important urban centers.

5.8.2. Historical Sites

Mention locations of historical significance.

5.8.3. Natural Wonders

Include notable natural formations.

5.8.4. Dungeons and Adventure Areas

Detail areas designed for exploration.

5.8.5. Sacred and Forbidden Places

Describe areas with special importance or restrictions.

5.8.6. Maps and Visuals

Provide visual aids if available.

6. Characters

6.1. Main Characters

Main Characters section provides comprehensive profiles of the primary characters in your game, typically including the protagonist(s). This section delves into their backgrounds, motivations, roles in the story, personality traits, visual appearances, and abilities. By thoroughly defining your main characters, you create well-rounded figures that players can connect with, driving engagement and investment in the game’s narrative.

6.1.1. Protagonist(s)

Include name, background, personality traits, motivations, goals, and abilities.

6.1.2. Other Main Characters

Provide similar details for other key characters.

6.2. Supporting Characters

Supporting Characters section focuses on secondary characters who interact with or assist the main characters. These characters add depth to the story, enrich the game world, and can influence the player’s journey. This section should detail their backgrounds, roles, personalities, and how they contribute to the narrative.

6.2.1. [Character A]

Detail their background, role, and how they interact with main characters.

6.2.2. [Character B]

Repeat for each supporting character.

6.2.3. [Character C]

Repeat for each supporting character.

6.3. Antagonists

Antagonists section details the villains or opposing forces in your game. This includes their backgrounds, motivations, goals, and the challenges they present to the main characters. A well-developed antagonist adds tension and conflict to the narrative, making the story more engaging for the player.

6.3.1. Main Antagonist

Provide an in-depth profile, including their motivations and relationship with the protagonist.

6.3.2. Secondary Antagonists

Outline other adversaries and their roles.

6.4. Character Traits and Personalities

Character Traits and Personalities section explores the psychological makeup of all key characters. It delves into their strengths, weaknesses, fears, desires, and unique quirks. By understanding these elements, you can create consistent and believable characters whose actions and decisions resonate with the game’s narrative and the player’s experience.

6.4.1. Trait Profiles

List each character’s strengths, weaknesses, fears, desires, and quirks.

6.4.2. Psychological Profiles

Explore their mental and emotional states.

6.4.3. Development Arcs

Describe how they change over the course of the game.

6.5. Relationships and Dynamics

Relationships and Dynamics section outlines how characters relate to one another within the game world. It examines the connections, alliances, rivalries, and tensions between characters, highlighting how these relationships evolve over time. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing meaningful interactions and ensuring the narrative’s emotional impact.

6.5.1 Relationship Matrix

Create a diagram or table showing connections.

6.5.2. Key Relationships

Detail significant relationships and their importance.

6.5.3. Character Interactions

Explain typical interactions and dialogue styles.

6.5.4. Impact on Story

Discuss how relationships influence the narrative.

6.5.5. Relationship Development

Describe how relationships evolve.

7. Level Design

7.1. Level Objectives

Level Objectives section outlines the specific goals and objectives that the player must accomplish within each level to progress. It defines what success looks like and what the player needs to do to achieve it. By clearly specifying primary and secondary objectives, you provide players with a sense of purpose and direction, enhancing engagement and satisfaction upon completion.

7.1.1. Level Overview

Summarize the theme and purpose of the level.

7.1.2. Primary Objectives

List main goals required to complete the level.

7.1.3. Secondary Objectives

Include optional tasks for additional rewards.

7.1.4. Success and Failure Conditions

Explain what leads to level completion or failure.

7.1.5. Learning Outcomes

State any new skills or knowledge the player gains.

7.2. Layout and Structure

Layout and Structure section provides detailed information on the physical design and architectural layout of each level. It focuses on spatial organization, including the arrangement of rooms, corridors, and open areas. This section ensures that levels are designed logically and intuitively, facilitating smooth navigation and enhancing the player’s experience.

7.2.1. Level Map

Provide maps or sketches.

7.2.2. Spatial Design

Describe key areas and how they connect.

Explain the intended path and player movement.

7.2.4. Level Transitions

Detail how players enter and exit the level.

7.2.5. Scaling and Dimensions

Include measurements for consistency.

7.3. Gameplay Flow

Gameplay Flow section outlines the sequence of events and interactions that the player will experience throughout the level. It focuses on how gameplay elements are introduced and how they progress, ensuring a coherent and engaging experience. This section helps designers plan the pacing and maintain player interest from start to finish.

7.3.1. Sequence of Events

List key gameplay moments.

7.3.2. Player Actions and Interactions

Describe what players will do.

7.3.3. Enemy and NPC Placement

Indicate where adversaries and allies appear.

7.3.4. Puzzle and Challenge Integration

Detail any puzzles or obstacles.

7.3.5. Scripting and Triggers

Explain events triggered by player actions.

7.3.6. Feedback and Rewards

Describe how players receive feedback and rewards.

7.4. Pacing and Difficulty

Pacing and Difficulty section discusses how challenges are distributed throughout the level to maintain engagement without overwhelming the player. It focuses on the balance between intense moments and periods of relief, ensuring that the level’s difficulty progresses appropriately. By carefully designing pacing, you enhance the player’s emotional journey and keep them motivated.

7.4.1. Difficulty Curve

Show how challenges escalate.

7.4.2. Tension and Release

Balance intense moments with calmer periods.

7.4.3. Resource Allocation

Decide where to place resources like health packs.

7.4.4. Checkpoints and Save Points

Determine where players can save progress.

7.4.5. Adaptive Difficulty Elements

Include any systems that adjust difficulty dynamically.

7.5. Interactive Elements and Hazards

Interactive Elements and Hazards section details the objects and environmental features within the level that the player can interact with or must navigate around. This includes items that aid the player as well as obstacles that present challenges. By defining these elements, you create a more dynamic and engaging environment.

7.5.1. Interactive Objects

List items players can interact with.

7.5.2. Environmental Hazards

Describe traps or natural dangers.

7.5.3. Dynamic Elements

Mention elements that change over time.

7.5.4. NPC Interactions

Explain interactions with non-hostile characters.

7.5.5. Physics-Based Interactions

Include objects affected by game physics.

7.6. Progression and Unlockables

Progression and Unlockables section explains how the level contributes to the player’s overall advancement in the game. It covers new abilities acquired, areas unlocked, and any collectibles or secrets found within the level. This section helps maintain player motivation by providing tangible rewards and a sense of accomplishment.

7.6.1. Skill and Ability Unlocks

Detail any new abilities gained.

7.6.2. Access to New Areas

Describe how completing the level unlocks new content.

7.6.3. Collectibles and Secrets

List hidden items.

7.6.4. Achievement Criteria

Define achievements tied to the level.

7.6.5. Progression Rewards

Explain rewards for completing objectives.

7.6.6. Branching Paths

Mention choices that affect future gameplay.

7.7. Environmental Storytelling

Environmental Storytelling section focuses on how the level’s design conveys narrative elements and context without explicit exposition. It involves using the environment to tell stories, reveal backstory, or provide clues about the game’s world. This enhances immersion and allows players to uncover the narrative organically.

7.7.1. Visual Story Elements

Include environmental details that tell a story.

7.7.2. Contextual Clues

Place hints about the world or story.

7.7.3. Foreshadowing

Use elements that hint at future events.

7.7.4. Background Events

Add non-interactive events that add depth.

7.7.5. Audio Cues

Use sound to enhance storytelling.

7.7.6. Integration with Main Narrative

Ensure environmental storytelling aligns with the overall plot.

7.8. Visual and Audio Design

Visual and Audio Design section describes the aesthetic elements of the level, including the visual style and auditory components that enhance the player’s experience. It focuses on creating an atmosphere that supports the gameplay and narrative while providing sensory cues that aid navigation and engagement.

7.8.1. Visual Theme

Define the visual style and atmosphere.

7.8.2. Lighting Design

Describe how lighting affects mood and navigation.

7.8.3. Texture and Material Usage

Specify visual details.

7.8.4. Special Effects

Include any visual effects.

7.8.5. Sound Design

Detail ambient sounds, music, and audio cues.

8. UI & UX Design

8.1. Core UI Elements

Core UI Elements section details the fundamental user interface components that are essential to the game. This includes visual style guidelines, standard UI components, and screen layouts that ensure consistency and usability throughout the player’s experience. By defining these elements, you establish a cohesive visual identity and intuitive interface that enhances user engagement.

8.1.1. Visual Style and Theme

Define the overall look of the UI.

8.1.2. UI Components

List buttons, icons, sliders, etc., with design guidelines.

8.1.3. Screen Layouts

Provide standard layouts for different screens.

8.1.4. Animation and Transitions

Describe how UI elements animate.

8.1.5. Feedback Indicators

Explain how the UI responds to user actions.

8.2. UX Flow

UX Flow section outlines the user’s journey through the game’s interface, focusing on the ease of navigation, intuitiveness of controls, and overall user experience. It involves mapping out user interactions and ensuring that accessing game features is logical and seamless. By carefully designing the UX flow, you enhance player satisfaction and reduce frustration.

8.2.1. User Journey Mapping

Diagram typical user paths.

8.2.2. Interaction Design

Describe how users interact with elements.

8.2.3. Onboarding Experience

Plan how new users learn the interface.

8.2.4. Flowcharts and Wireframes

Include visual aids to illustrate UX flow.

Menus and Navigation section focuses on the design and functionality of the game’s menus and navigation systems. It ensures that players can efficiently access features, settings, and information. By designing intuitive and responsive menus, you improve usability and contribute to a positive user experience.

Detail options and navigation flow.

Describe features available during gameplay pauses.

List adjustable settings.

8.3.4. Inventory and Equipment Screens

Design interfaces for managing items.

8.3.5. Map and Quest Logs

Provide layouts for tracking progress.

8.3.6. Save/Load Screens

Explain how players save and load games.

Specify input methods for navigation.

8.3.8. Breadcrumbs and Navigation Aids

Include elements that help users understand their location within the menus.

8.4. In-Game HUD

In-Game HUD (Heads-Up Display) section describes the on-screen elements that provide real-time information to the player during gameplay. This includes health bars, ammo counts, minimaps, and other essential data. Designing an effective HUD ensures that players have the information they need without cluttering the screen or distracting from the gameplay.

8.4.1. HUD Components

List all on-screen indicators.

8.4.2. HUD Layout

Determine placement on the screen.

8.4.3. Dynamic HUD Elements

Identify elements that change contextually.

8.4.5. Customization Options

State if players can adjust the HUD.

8.4.6. Scalable UI

Ensure compatibility with different screen sizes.

8.4.7. Notifications and Alerts

Describe how alerts are presented during gameplay.

8.5. Accessibility Features

Accessibility Features section outlines design considerations and features aimed at making the game accessible to a wider range of players, including those with disabilities. By incorporating accessibility options, you create a more inclusive game that can be enjoyed by a diverse audience.

8.5.1. Visual Accessibility

Include options like colorblind modes and adjustable text sizes.

8.5.2. Auditory Accessibility

Provide subtitles and visual cues for sound.

8.5.3. Motor Accessibility

Offer control remapping and alternative input options.

8.5.4. Cognitive Accessibility

Simplify UI and provide clear instructions.

8.5.5. Localization

Support multiple languages and cultural contexts.

8.5.6. Compliance Standards

Adhere to established accessibility guidelines.

Tags: Source Gamedev Public