Game Design Document as a tool: Designing mobile puzzle game for room escape company

Abstract

Game development is a multiphase process, and each project is unique compared to another. Thorough game design helps the development process considerably by setting the frame, base and goal for the development work. Game Design Document is a game design tool used to gather all the necessary information into one. The objective was to design a mobile puzzle game and write a Game Design Document for a commissioner company, WayOut Oy.

Even though Game Design Document is a common tool in the game industry, there are no standards or rules on how to write one. Various articles and books related to game design were studied and a qualitative interview study was conducted to identify the essential sections and elements for Game Design Document. The acquired knowledge was utilized to create a Game Design Document.

The end result was a comprehensive design and documentation for a mobile puzzle game “The Source: Pohjola”. The finished Game Design Document were given to the commissioner company in a Google Docs form for efficient sharing and communication in the development process.