BMAD-METHOD/expansion-packs/bmad-2d-phaser-game-dev/templates/game-brief-tmpl.md

{{Game Title}} Game Brief

[[LLM: This template creates a comprehensive game brief that serves as the foundation for all subsequent game development work. The brief should capture the essential vision, scope, and requirements needed to create a detailed Game Design Document.

This brief is typically created early in the ideation process, often after brainstorming sessions, to crystallize the game concept before moving into detailed design.]]

Game Vision

LLM: Establish the core vision and identity of the game. Present each subsection and gather user feedback before proceeding.

Core Concept

LLM: 2-3 sentences that clearly capture what the game is and why it will be compelling to players

Elevator Pitch

LLM: Single sentence that captures the essence of the game in a memorable way

"{{game_description_in_one_sentence}}"

Vision Statement

LLM: Inspirational statement about what the game will achieve for players and why it matters

Target Market

[[LLM: Define the audience and market context. Apply tasks#advanced-elicitation after presenting this section.]]

Primary Audience

Demographics: {{age_range}}, {{platform_preference}}, {{gaming_experience}} Psychographics: {{interests}}, {{motivations}}, {{play_patterns}} Gaming Preferences: {{preferred_genres}}, {{session_length}}, {{difficulty_preference}}

Secondary Audiences

Audience 2: {{description}} Audience 3: {{description}}

Market Context

Genre: {{primary_genre}} / {{secondary_genre}} Platform Strategy: {{platform_focus}} Competitive Positioning: {{differentiation_statement}}

Game Fundamentals

LLM: Define the core gameplay elements. Each subsection should be specific enough to guide detailed design work.

Core Gameplay Pillars

LLM: 3-5 fundamental principles that guide all design decisions

1. {{pillar_1}} - {{description_and_rationale}}
2. {{pillar_2}} - {{description_and_rationale}}
3. {{pillar_3}} - {{description_and_rationale}}

Primary Mechanics

LLM: List the 3-5 most important gameplay mechanics that define the player experience

Core Mechanic 1: {{mechanic_name}}

• Description: {{how_it_works}}
• Player Value: {{why_its_fun}}
• Implementation Scope: {{complexity_estimate}}

Core Mechanic 2: {{mechanic_name}}

• Description: {{how_it_works}}
• Player Value: {{why_its_fun}}
• Implementation Scope: {{complexity_estimate}}

Player Experience Goals

LLM: Define what emotions and experiences the game should create for players

Primary Experience: {{main_emotional_goal}} Secondary Experiences: {{supporting_emotional_goals}} Engagement Pattern: {{how_player_engagement_evolves}}

Scope and Constraints

[[LLM: Define the boundaries and limitations that will shape development. Apply tasks#advanced-elicitation to clarify any constraints.]]

Project Scope

Game Length: {{estimated_content_hours}} Content Volume: {{levels_areas_content_amount}} Feature Complexity: {{simple|moderate|complex}} Scope Comparison: "Similar to {{reference_game}} but with {{key_differences}}"

Technical Constraints

Platform Requirements:

• Primary: {{platform_1}} - {{requirements}}
• Secondary: {{platform_2}} - {{requirements}}

Technical Specifications:

• Engine: Phaser 3 + TypeScript
• Performance Target: {{fps_target}} FPS on {{target_device}}
• Memory Budget: <{{memory_limit}}MB
• Load Time Goal: <{{load_time_seconds}}s

Resource Constraints

Team Size: {{team_composition}} Timeline: {{development_duration}} Budget Considerations: {{budget_constraints_or_targets}} Asset Requirements: {{art_audio_content_needs}}

Business Constraints

^^CONDITION: has_business_goals^^

Monetization Model: {{free|premium|freemium|subscription}} Revenue Goals: {{revenue_targets_if_applicable}} Platform Requirements: {{store_certification_needs}} Launch Timeline: {{target_launch_window}}

^^/CONDITION: has_business_goals^^

Reference Framework

LLM: Provide context through references and competitive analysis

Inspiration Games

Primary References:

1. {{reference_game_1}} - {{what_we_learn_from_it}}
2. {{reference_game_2}} - {{what_we_learn_from_it}}
3. {{reference_game_3}} - {{what_we_learn_from_it}}

Competitive Analysis

Direct Competitors:

• {{competitor_1}}: {{strengths_and_weaknesses}}
• {{competitor_2}}: {{strengths_and_weaknesses}}

Differentiation Strategy: {{how_we_differ_and_why_thats_valuable}}

Market Opportunity

Market Gap: {{underserved_need_or_opportunity}} Timing Factors: {{why_now_is_the_right_time}} Success Metrics: {{how_well_measure_success}}

Content Framework

LLM: Outline the content structure and progression without full design detail

Game Structure

Overall Flow: {{linear|hub_world|open_world|procedural}} Progression Model: {{how_players_advance}} Session Structure: {{typical_play_session_flow}}

Content Categories

Core Content:

• {{content_type_1}}: {{quantity_and_description}}
• {{content_type_2}}: {{quantity_and_description}}

Optional Content:

• {{optional_content_type}}: {{quantity_and_description}}

Replay Elements:

• {{replayability_features}}

Difficulty and Accessibility

Difficulty Approach: {{how_challenge_is_structured}} Accessibility Features: {{planned_accessibility_support}} Skill Requirements: {{what_skills_players_need}}

Art and Audio Direction

LLM: Establish the aesthetic vision that will guide asset creation

Visual Style

Art Direction: {{style_description}} Reference Materials: {{visual_inspiration_sources}} Technical Approach: {{2d_style_pixel_vector_etc}} Color Strategy: {{color_palette_mood}}

Audio Direction

Music Style: {{genre_and_mood}} Sound Design: {{audio_personality}} Implementation Needs: {{technical_audio_requirements}}

UI/UX Approach

Interface Style: {{ui_aesthetic}} User Experience Goals: {{ux_priorities}} Platform Adaptations: {{cross_platform_considerations}}

Risk Assessment

LLM: Identify potential challenges and mitigation strategies

Technical Risks

Risk	Probability	Impact	Mitigation Strategy
{{technical_risk_1}}	{{high	med	low}}
{{technical_risk_2}}	{{high	med	low}}

Design Risks

Risk	Probability	Impact	Mitigation Strategy
{{design_risk_1}}	{{high	med	low}}
{{design_risk_2}}	{{high	med	low}}

Market Risks

Risk	Probability	Impact	Mitigation Strategy
{{market_risk_1}}	{{high	med	low}}

Success Criteria

LLM: Define measurable goals for the project

Player Experience Metrics

Engagement Goals:

• Tutorial completion rate: >{{percentage}}%
• Average session length: {{duration}} minutes
• Player retention: D1 {{d1}}%, D7 {{d7}}%, D30 {{d30}}%

Quality Benchmarks:

• Player satisfaction: >{{rating}}/10
• Completion rate: >{{percentage}}%
• Technical performance: {{fps_target}} FPS consistent

Development Metrics

Technical Targets:

• Zero critical bugs at launch
• Performance targets met on all platforms
• Load times under {{seconds}}s

Process Goals:

• Development timeline adherence
• Feature scope completion
• Quality assurance standards

^^CONDITION: has_business_goals^^

Business Metrics

Commercial Goals:

• {{revenue_target}} in first {{time_period}}
• {{user_acquisition_target}} players in first {{time_period}}
• {{retention_target}} monthly active users

^^/CONDITION: has_business_goals^^

Next Steps

LLM: Define immediate actions following the brief completion

Immediate Actions

1. Stakeholder Review - {{review_process_and_timeline}}
2. Concept Validation - {{validation_approach}}
3. Resource Planning - {{team_and_resource_allocation}}

Development Roadmap

Phase 1: Pre-Production ({{duration}})

• Detailed Game Design Document creation
• Technical architecture planning
• Art style exploration and pipeline setup

Phase 2: Prototype ({{duration}})

• Core mechanic implementation
• Technical proof of concept
• Initial playtesting and iteration

Phase 3: Production ({{duration}})

• Full feature development
• Content creation and integration
• Comprehensive testing and optimization

Documentation Pipeline

Required Documents:

1. Game Design Document (GDD) - {{target_completion}}
2. Technical Architecture Document - {{target_completion}}
3. Art Style Guide - {{target_completion}}
4. Production Plan - {{target_completion}}

Validation Plan

Concept Testing:

• {{validation_method_1}} - {{timeline}}
• {{validation_method_2}} - {{timeline}}

Prototype Testing:

• {{testing_approach}} - {{timeline}}
• {{feedback_collection_method}} - {{timeline}}

Appendices

Research Materials

LLM: Include any supporting research, competitive analysis, or market data that informed the brief

Brainstorming Session Notes

LLM: Reference any brainstorming sessions that led to this brief

Stakeholder Input

LLM: Include key input from stakeholders that shaped the vision

Change Log

LLM: Track document versions and changes

Date	Version	Description	Author