Ideal for mid-to-large projects, studio pipelines and pitches.
This Long & Luscious version gives you the tools to scale your GDD to real development levels without losing the spark. This document might be overwhelming, if that’s the case, check out the Short & Sweet GDD.
📜 Cover & Legal
Include: Game title, Version Number & Date, Authors, Contact Info, Confidentiality/NDAs if required.
Start strong, define the facts and set the tone.
📑 Table of Contents
Make it easy to navigate.
Numbered sections, clickable links, clear labels.
🧩 Executive Summary
Condense your vision.
One-page overview: pitch, target audience, scope, rough timeline, budget needs or platform plan.
🏛️ Vision Statement & Design Pillars
Build your pillars.
1-2 sentences on the emotional/thematic core. 3-5 guiding principles; “fast-paced combat”, ”accessible but deep”, “hand-drawn aesthetics”.
💡 Inspiration & Competitive Analysis
Show you’ve done your homework.
List 3-5 similar titles and explain what makes yours distinct. Add visuals or moodboard thumbnails.
🧭 Game Overview & Concept
Set the world.
Narrative premise, tone, setting. Elevator pitch and long-form description.
⚙️ Core Gameplay Loop
How you’ll keep the players hooked.
Detailed flow chart: player goals, progression, feedback loops and reward cycles.
🕹️ Mechanics Deep Dive
All the meaty stuff.
- Primary Mechanics: in-depth description, input method, feedback, variables.
- Secondary Mechanics: crafting, dialogue, stealth.
📖 Story, Characters & Lore
Give players a reason to care.
Plot beats, character bios with art thumbnails, world lore, script snippets.
🗺️ Level & World Design
Tell us where the fun happens.
Level descriptions, maps, progression logic. Explain challenge spikes, puzzles, environment flow.
🎨 Visual & Art Direction
Define your style.
Concept art, palettes, camera choices, moodboards, UI wireframes.
🖼️ UI/UX Design
Make it usable and intuitive.
Annotated mockups or wireframes, HUD breakdown, menu flow diagrams.
🔉 Audio & Music Direction
Set the emotional tone.
Theme descriptions, mood references, key SFX events, sample tracks or references.
🔧 Technology & Tools
What tech makes this possible.
Engine, target platforms, key third-party tools or custom tech.
🗝️ Accessibility & Inclusivity
Design for real people.
Options for colorblindness, subtitles, control mapping, difficulty modes.
🎯 Risks & Mitigation
Be the realist.
Identify technicalities, schedule or market risks and explain how you’ll handle them.
🛣️ Development Roadmap
Time and money blueprint.
Gantt chart or milestone table: pre-production, alpha, beta etc. Include polish and QA phases.
👥 Team Roles & Responsibilities
Who’s doing what?
Role table, assign names, list key tasks per department.
💸 Asset List & Budget
Know your inventory.
Table of required assets (art, audio, systems), estimated quantities and rough cost or time.
📚 Appendices & References
Optional extras that add clarity.
Control mapping, core algorithm descriptions, reference materials, API lists, research docs.