Game Design is an art form that encompasses many disciplines. In a nutshell, the game designer defines the content and game mechanics within a game.

Game Design Doc

There isn't one right way to create a game, but game design often takes place in the form of a game design document (GDD). This document also helps translate the initial game idea into describing in detail the actual mission and execution of the game, and the game designer plans and scopes out the game elements such as story, setting, gameplay, content, and graphics for the game.  This type of document is particularly helpful when you are working in a team, to make sure that everyone fully understands the vision for how the game is created.

Here are some examples of GDDs:

• Sloperama.com sample GDD
• Chris Taylor's sample GDD
• Chris Bateman's sample GDD

   

   

Game Mechanics

Game mechanics create the gameplay experience. The interaction of various mechanics determine the complexity and level of player interaction in the game. Examples of game mechanics include collection, turn-based games, chance, multiplayer.

Game Mechanics Links

• Amy Jo Kim on “Game Mechanics for Social Media” from Startup2Startup

• Three Hundred Game Mechanics

• 10 Ways to Make a Bad Casual Game

More Resources