How to Write a Basic Game Design Document (GDD)

Creating a Game Design Document (GDD) is a crucial step in turning a game idea into a structured development plan. Whether you’re an indie developer or part of a larger team, a well-constructed GDD helps align everyone involved in the game’s production.

A GDD is a structured document that outlines every aspect of a game, including its mechanics, gameplay systems, user interface, story and more. Its purpose is to help align everyone on the development team around a shared vision.

Here’s a guide on how to write a basic Game Design Document.

1. Game Overview Start with a high-level summary of your game. Include the game title, genre, platform(s), target audience, and a one-paragraph elevator pitch. This section sets the foundation and purpose of your project.

2. Core Gameplay Mechanics Explain the main gameplay loop. What will players do repeatedly? Outline controls, player abilities, combat or puzzle systems, and interaction models. Be clear and concise—this part is key to communicating the player experience.

3. Story and Worldbuilding If your game has a narrative, briefly describe the setting, plot, main characters, and tone. Include how story progression integrates with gameplay. For non-narrative games, focus on the thematic context and visual tone.

4. Levels and Progression Describe the structure of levels or stages. Is the game linear, open-world, or level-based? Explain how difficulty scales and what progression systems (like skill trees or unlockables) are in place.

5. Art and Audio Direction Provide a general description of the art style (pixel art, 3D realism, low poly, etc.) and music direction (chiptune, orchestral, ambient). Include references or mood boards if available.

6. Technical Requirements Mention the game engine, target frame rate, resolution, and any specific hardware needs. Also include whether the game will support multiplayer, online features, or cross-platform play.

7. Sound and Music Describe the overall audio vision for the game. Specify the style of background music (e.g., orchestral, electronic, ambient), and how it enhances the gameplay experience. Include details about sound effects for actions, environments, and UI feedback. Mention if you plan to use original compositions or licensed tracks, and identify any specific tools, middleware (like FMOD or Wwise), or implementation strategies.

A well-written GDD not only improves production efficiency but also becomes a living document you can update as your game evolves. Keep it concise, clear, and collaborative.

You don’t need any complicated equipment to write a GDD. A pen and paper will be your best friends. Of course, using a tool like Google Docs, Miro or Figma will also make your work easier, as you can collaborate with your team on it.

You can also download the Basic GDD that I use. You don’t have to fill in all the fields. The headings here are there both to remind you and give you something to think about, and to make your job easier. Also please read this blog post: Learning Game Design – Best Game Design Books