Game Design: Documentation Vision for the Game
In a series of posts over the next months I will cover some of the core components that are core to Game Design. In these posts, we will explore Game Design: Documentation Vision for the Game.
A good starting point is to identify the purpose of design documentation.
The purpose of design documentation is to express the vision for the game, describe the contents, and present a plan for implementation. A design document is a bible from which the producer preaches the goal, through which the designers champion their ideas, and from which the artists and programmers get their instructions and express their expertise. Unfortunately, design documents are sometimes ignored or fall short of their purpose, failing the producers, designers, artists, or programmers in one way or another. – Tim Ryan.
Describing the contents helps you develop your work and will provide a roadmap for the audience to follow. You are the producer of this material and market your ideas to the gaming artists and programmers.
Each step in this series will examine the purpose and how to not fall short as well as production material in a timely manner.
Resource: Game Design Theory and Practice by Richard Rouse III
“Both burgeoning game designers and devoted gamers should consider [Game Design: Theory & Practice] an essential read.” — Computer Gaming World
“Ultimately, in both theory and practice, Rouse’s Game Design bible gets the job done. Let us pray.” – Next Generation magazine
