BMAD-METHOD/expansion-packs/bmad-godot-game-dev/checklists/game-design-checklist.md

Game Design Document Quality Checklist (Godot)

Document Completeness

Executive Summary

• Core Concept - Game concept is clearly explained in 2-3 sentences
• Target Audience - Primary and secondary audiences defined with demographics
• Platform Requirements - Godot export targets and requirements specified
• Unique Selling Points - 3-5 key differentiators from competitors identified
• Technical Foundation - Godot version (4.x/3.x) and language strategy (GDScript/C#) confirmed

Game Design Foundation

• Game Pillars - 3-5 core design pillars defined and actionable
• Core Gameplay Loop - 30-60 second loop documented with specific timings
• Win/Loss Conditions - Clear victory and failure states defined
• Player Motivation - Clear understanding of why players will engage
• Scope Realism - Game scope achievable with Godot's capabilities and resources

Gameplay Mechanics

Core Mechanics Documentation

• Primary Mechanics - 3-5 core mechanics detailed with Godot implementation notes
• Node Architecture - How mechanics map to Godot's node system
• Player Input - InputMap configuration for each platform specified
• Signal Flow - Game responses using Godot's signal system documented
• Performance Impact - Frame time budget for each mechanic (target 60+ FPS)

Controls and Interaction

• Multi-Platform Controls - Desktop, mobile, and gamepad InputMap defined
• Input Responsiveness - Requirements for game feel using _process vs _physics_process
• Accessibility Options - Control remapping and accessibility in Project Settings
• Touch Optimization - TouchScreenButton and gesture handling designed
• Input Buffer System - Frame-perfect input handling considerations

Progression and Balance

Player Progression

• Progression Type - Linear, branching, or metroidvania approach defined
• Save System Design - Godot Resource-based save/load architecture
• Unlock System - What players unlock and how it's stored in Resources
• Difficulty Scaling - How challenge increases using export variables
• Player Agency - Meaningful choices affecting scene flow and game state

Game Balance

• Balance Parameters - Export variables and Resources for tuning
• Difficulty Curve - Appropriate challenge progression with scene variations
• Economy Design - Resource systems using Godot's custom Resources
• Live Tuning - Hot-reload support for balance iteration
• Data-Driven Design - ScriptableObject-like Resources for configuration

Level Design Framework

Scene Structure

• Scene Types - Different scene categories with Godot scene inheritance
• Scene Transitions - How players move between scenes (loading strategy)
• Duration Targets - Expected play time considering scene complexity
• Difficulty Distribution - Scene variants for different difficulty levels
• Replay Value - Procedural elements using Godot's randomization

Content Guidelines

• Scene Creation Rules - Guidelines for Godot scene composition
• Mechanic Introduction - Teaching through node activation and signals
• Pacing Variety - Mix using different process modes and time scales
• Secret Content - Hidden areas using Area2D/Area3D triggers
• Accessibility Modes - Scene overrides for assist modes

Technical Implementation Readiness

Performance Requirements

• Frame Rate Targets - 60+ FPS with Godot profiler validation
• Draw Call Budgets - Maximum draw calls per scene type
• Memory Budgets - Scene memory limits using Godot's monitors
• Mobile Optimization - Battery usage and thermal considerations
• LOD Strategy - Level of detail using visibility ranges

Platform Specifications

• Desktop Requirements - Minimum specs for Windows/Mac/Linux exports
• Mobile Optimization - iOS/Android specific Godot settings
• Web Compatibility - HTML5 export constraints and optimizations
• Console Features - Platform-specific Godot export templates
• Cross-Platform Save - Cloud save compatibility considerations

Asset Requirements

• Art Style Definition - Visual style with Godot import settings
• Texture Specifications - Import presets for different asset types
• Audio Requirements - Bus layout and compression settings
• UI/UX Guidelines - Control node theming and responsiveness
• Localization Plan - Translation system using Godot's localization

Godot-Specific Architecture

Node System Design

• Node Hierarchy - Planned scene tree structure for major systems
• Scene Composition - Reusable scene patterns and inheritance
• Autoload Systems - Singleton managers and their responsibilities
• Signal Architecture - Event flow between systems
• Group Management - Node groups for gameplay systems

Language Strategy

• GDScript Usage - Systems appropriate for rapid iteration
• C# Integration - Performance-critical systems requiring C#
• Interop Design - Boundaries between GDScript and C# code
• Plugin Requirements - Required GDExtension or C# libraries
• Tool Scripts - Editor tools for content creation

Resource Management

• Custom Resources - Game-specific Resource classes planned
• Preload Strategy - Resources to preload vs lazy load
• Instance Pooling - Objects requiring pooling (bullets, effects)
• Memory Management - Reference counting and cleanup strategy
• Asset Streaming - Large asset loading approach

Development Planning

Implementation Phases

• Prototype Phase - Core loop in minimal Godot project
• Vertical Slice - Single polished level with all systems
• Production Phase - Full content creation pipeline
• Polish Phase - Performance optimization and juice
• Release Phase - Platform exports and certification

Godot Workflow

• Version Control - Git strategy for .tscn/.tres files
• Scene Workflow - Prefab-like scene development process
• Asset Pipeline - Import automation and validation
• Build Automation - Godot headless export scripts
• Testing Pipeline - GUT/GoDotTest integration

Quality Assurance

Performance Metrics

• Frame Time Targets - Maximum ms per frame by system
• Draw Call Limits - Per-scene rendering budgets
• Physics Budget - Maximum active physics bodies
• Memory Footprint - Platform-specific memory limits
• Load Time Goals - Scene transition time requirements

Testing Strategy

• Unit Testing - GUT tests for GDScript, GoDotTest for C#
• Integration Testing - Scene and signal flow validation
• Performance Testing - Profiler-based optimization workflow
• Platform Testing - Export template validation process
• Playtesting Plan - Godot analytics integration

Documentation Quality

Godot Integration

• Node Documentation - Clear descriptions of node purposes
• Signal Documentation - Event flow and parameters defined
• Export Variables - All exposed parameters documented
• Resource Formats - Custom Resource specifications
• API Documentation - Public methods and properties described

Implementation Guidance

• Code Examples - GDScript/C# snippets for complex systems
• Scene Templates - Example scenes demonstrating patterns
• Performance Notes - Optimization guidelines per feature
• Common Pitfalls - Known Godot gotchas documented
• Best Practices - Godot-specific patterns recommended

Multiplayer Considerations (if applicable)

Network Architecture

• Multiplayer Type - P2P vs dedicated server using Godot's high-level API
• RPC Design - Remote procedure calls and synchronization
• State Replication - What state needs network synchronization
• Lag Compensation - Client prediction and reconciliation
• Bandwidth Budget - Network traffic limits per player

Final Readiness Assessment

Godot Implementation Ready

• Scene Planning Complete - Node hierarchy and composition defined
• Performance Validated - 60+ FPS achievable with design
• Language Strategy Clear - GDScript vs C# decisions made
• Asset Pipeline Ready - Import settings and workflow defined
• Testing Framework - GUT/GoDotTest strategy established

Document Approval

• Design Review Complete - Game design validated by team
• Technical Review Complete - Godot feasibility confirmed
• Performance Review Complete - Frame rate targets achievable
• Resource Review Complete - Team capabilities match requirements
• Final Approval - Document baselined for development

Overall Assessment

Document Quality Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ready for Godot Development: [ ] Yes [ ] No

Performance Risk Assessment: Identify any design elements that may challenge 60 FPS target.

Language Recommendations: Suggest which systems should use GDScript vs C# for optimal performance.

Key Recommendations: List critical items needing attention before Godot implementation.

Next Steps: Outline immediate actions for starting Godot development.