BMAD-METHOD/expansion-packs/bmad-2d-unity-game-dev/checklists/game-design-checklist.md

Game Design Document Quality Checklist

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 - Technical platforms and requirements specified
• Unique Selling Points - 3-5 key differentiators from competitors identified
• Technical Foundation - Unity & C# requirements 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 is achievable with available resources

Gameplay Mechanics

Core Mechanics Documentation

• Primary Mechanics - 3-5 core mechanics detailed with implementation notes
• Mechanic Integration - How mechanics work together is clear
• Player Input - All input methods specified for each platform
• System Responses - Game responses to player actions documented
• Performance Impact - Performance considerations for each mechanic noted

Controls and Interaction

• Multi-Platform Controls - Desktop, mobile, and gamepad controls defined
• Input Responsiveness - Requirements for responsive game feel specified
• Accessibility Options - Control customization and accessibility considered
• Touch Optimization - Mobile-specific control adaptations designed
• Edge Case Handling - Unusual input scenarios addressed

Progression and Balance

Player Progression

• Progression Type - Linear, branching, or metroidvania approach defined
• Key Milestones - Major progression points documented
• Unlock System - What players unlock and when is specified
• Difficulty Scaling - How challenge increases over time is detailed
• Player Agency - Meaningful player choices and consequences defined

Game Balance

• Balance Parameters - Numeric values for key game systems provided
• Difficulty Curve - Appropriate challenge progression designed
• Economy Design - Resource systems balanced for engagement
• Player Testing - Plan for validating balance through playtesting
• Iteration Framework - Process for adjusting balance post-implementation

Level Design Framework

Level Structure

• Level Types - Different level categories defined with purposes
• Level Progression - How players move through levels specified
• Duration Targets - Expected play time for each level type
• Difficulty Distribution - Appropriate challenge spread across levels
• Replay Value - Elements that encourage repeated play designed

Content Guidelines

• Level Creation Rules - Clear guidelines for level designers
• Mechanic Introduction - How new mechanics are taught in levels
• Pacing Variety - Mix of action, puzzle, and rest moments planned
• Secret Content - Hidden areas and optional challenges designed
• Accessibility Options - Multiple difficulty levels or assist modes considered

Technical Implementation Readiness

Performance Requirements

• Frame Rate Targets - Stable FPS target with minimum acceptable rates
• Memory Budgets - Maximum memory usage limits defined
• Load Time Goals - Acceptable loading times for different content
• Battery Optimization - Mobile battery usage considerations addressed
• Scalability Plan - How performance scales across different devices

Platform Specifications

• Desktop Requirements - Minimum and recommended PC/Mac specs
• Mobile Optimization - iOS and Android specific requirements
• Browser Compatibility - Supported browsers and versions listed
• Cross-Platform Features - Shared and platform-specific features identified
• Update Strategy - Plan for post-launch updates and patches

Asset Requirements

• Art Style Definition - Clear visual style with reference materials
• Asset Specifications - Technical requirements for all asset types
• Audio Requirements - Music and sound effect specifications
• UI/UX Guidelines - User interface design principles established
• Localization Plan - Text and cultural localization requirements

Development Planning

Implementation Phases

• Phase Breakdown - Development divided into logical phases
• Epic Definitions - Major development epics identified
• Dependency Mapping - Prerequisites between features documented
• Risk Assessment - Technical and design risks identified with mitigation
• Milestone Planning - Key deliverables and deadlines established

Team Requirements

• Role Definitions - Required team roles and responsibilities
• Skill Requirements - Technical skills needed for implementation
• Resource Allocation - Time and effort estimates for major features
• External Dependencies - Third-party tools, assets, or services needed
• Communication Plan - How team members will coordinate work

Quality Assurance

Success Metrics

• Technical Metrics - Measurable technical performance goals
• Gameplay Metrics - Player engagement and retention targets
• Quality Benchmarks - Standards for bug rates and polish level
• User Experience Goals - Specific UX objectives and measurements
• Business Objectives - Commercial or project success criteria

Testing Strategy

• Playtesting Plan - How and when player feedback will be gathered
• Technical Testing - Performance and compatibility testing approach
• Balance Validation - Methods for confirming game balance
• Accessibility Testing - Plan for testing with diverse players
• Iteration Process - How feedback will drive design improvements

Documentation Quality

Clarity and Completeness

• Clear Writing - All sections are well-written and understandable
• Complete Coverage - No major game systems left undefined
• Actionable Detail - Enough detail for developers to create implementation stories
• Consistent Terminology - Game terms used consistently throughout
• Reference Materials - Links to inspiration, research, and additional resources

Maintainability

• Version Control - Change log established for tracking revisions
• Update Process - Plan for maintaining document during development
• Team Access - All team members can access and reference the document
• Search Functionality - Document organized for easy reference and searching
• Living Document - Process for incorporating feedback and changes

Stakeholder Alignment

Team Understanding

• Shared Vision - All team members understand and agree with the game vision
• Role Clarity - Each team member understands their contribution
• Decision Framework - Process for making design decisions during development
• Conflict Resolution - Plan for resolving disagreements about design choices
• Communication Channels - Regular meetings and feedback sessions planned

External Validation

• Market Validation - Competitive analysis and market fit assessment
• Technical Validation - Feasibility confirmed with technical team
• Resource Validation - Required resources available and committed
• Timeline Validation - Development schedule is realistic and achievable
• Quality Validation - Quality standards align with available time and resources

Final Readiness Assessment

Implementation Preparedness

• Story Creation Ready - Document provides sufficient detail for story creation
• Architecture Alignment - Game design aligns with technical capabilities
• Asset Production - Asset requirements enable art and audio production
• Development Workflow - Clear path from design to implementation
• Quality Assurance - Testing and validation processes established

Document Approval

• Design Review Complete - Document reviewed by all relevant stakeholders
• Technical Review Complete - Technical feasibility confirmed
• Business Review Complete - Project scope and goals approved
• Final Approval - Document officially approved for implementation
• Baseline Established - Current version established as development baseline

Overall Assessment

Document Quality Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ready for Development: [ ] Yes [ ] No

Key Recommendations: List any critical items that need attention before moving to implementation phase.

Next Steps: Outline immediate next actions for the team based on this assessment.