BMAD-METHOD/expansion-packs/bmad-godot-game-dev/templates/game-design-doc-tmpl.yaml

template:
  id: game-design-doc-template-v3
  name: Game Design Document (GDD)
  version: 4.0
  output:
    format: markdown
    filename: docs/game-design-document.md
    title: "{{game_title}} Game Design Document (GDD)"

workflow:
  mode: interactive
  elicitation: advanced-elicitation

sections:
  - id: goals-context
    title: Goals and Background Context
    instruction: |
      Ask if Project Brief document is available. If NO Project Brief exists, STRONGLY recommend creating one first using project-brief-tmpl (it provides essential foundation: problem statement, target users, success metrics, MVP scope, constraints). If user insists on GDD without brief, gather this information during Goals section. If Project Brief exists, review and use it to populate Goals (bullet list of desired game development outcomes) and Background Context (1-2 paragraphs on what game concept this will deliver and why) so we can determine what is and is not in scope for the GDD. Include Change Log table for version tracking.
    sections:
      - id: goals
        title: Goals
        type: bullet-list
        instruction: Bullet list of 1 line desired outcomes the GDD will deliver if successful - game development and player experience goals
        examples:
          - Create an engaging 2D platformer that teaches players basic programming concepts
          - Deliver a polished mobile game that runs smoothly on low-end Android devices
          - Build a foundation for future expansion packs and content updates
      - id: background
        title: Background Context
        type: paragraphs
        instruction: 1-2 short paragraphs summarizing the game concept background, target audience needs, market opportunity, and what problem this game solves
      - id: changelog
        title: Change Log
        type: table
        columns: [Date, Version, Description, Author]
        instruction: Track document versions and changes

  - id: executive-summary
    title: Executive Summary
    instruction: Create a compelling overview that captures the essence of the game. Present this section first and get user feedback before proceeding.
    elicit: true
    sections:
      - id: core-concept
        title: Core Concept
        instruction: 2-3 sentences that clearly describe what the game is and why players will love it
        examples:
          - A fast-paced 2D platformer where players manipulate gravity to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in a hand-drawn world.
          - An educational puzzle game that teaches coding concepts through visual programming blocks in a fantasy adventure setting.
      - id: target-audience
        title: Target Audience
        instruction: Define the primary and secondary audience with demographics and gaming preferences
        template: |
          **Primary:** {{age_range}}, {{player_type}}, {{platform_preference}}
          **Secondary:** {{secondary_audience}}
        examples:
          - "Primary: Ages 8-16, casual mobile gamers, prefer short play sessions"
          - "Secondary: Adult puzzle enthusiasts, educators looking for teaching tools"
      - id: platform-technical
        title: Platform & Technical Requirements
        instruction: Based on the technical preferences or user input, define the target platforms and Godot-specific requirements
        template: |
          **Primary Platform:** {{platform}}
          **Engine:** Godot {{godot_version}} with GDScript & C#
          **Language Strategy:** {{gdscript_for}} (GDScript), {{csharp_for}} (C#)
          **Performance Target:** 60+ FPS minimum on {{minimum_device}}
          **Screen Support:** {{resolution_range}}
          **Export Templates:** {{export_targets}}
          **TDD Approach:** GUT for GDScript, GoDotTest for C#
        examples:
          - "Primary Platform: Mobile (iOS/Android), Engine: Godot 4.3, Performance: 60+ FPS on iPhone 8/Galaxy S8"
          - "Language Strategy: Game logic/UI (GDScript), Physics/AI systems (C#)"
      - id: unique-selling-points
        title: Unique Selling Points
        instruction: List 3-5 key features that differentiate this game from competitors
        type: numbered-list
        examples:
          - Innovative gravity manipulation mechanic that affects both player and environment
          - Seamless integration of educational content without compromising fun gameplay
          - Adaptive difficulty system that learns from player behavior

  - id: core-gameplay
    title: Core Gameplay
    instruction: This section defines the fundamental game mechanics. After presenting each subsection, apply advanced elicitation to ensure completeness and gather additional details.
    elicit: true
    sections:
      - id: game-pillars
        title: Game Pillars
        instruction: Define 3-5 core pillars that guide all design decisions. These should be specific and actionable for Godot development.
        type: numbered-list
        template: |
          **{{pillar_name}}** - {{description}}
        examples:
          - Performance First - Maintain 60+ FPS across all target platforms
          - Intuitive Controls - All interactions learnable within 30 seconds using InputMap
          - Immediate Feedback - Every player action provides signal response within 50ms
          - Progressive Challenge - Difficulty increases through mechanic complexity, not unfair timing
      - id: core-gameplay-loop
        title: Core Gameplay Loop
        instruction: Define the 30-60 second loop that players will repeat. Be specific about timing and player actions for Godot implementation.
        template: |
          **Primary Loop ({{duration}} seconds):**

          1. {{action_1}} ({{time_1}}s) - {{godot_node}}
          2. {{action_2}} ({{time_2}}s) - {{godot_node}}
          3. {{action_3}} ({{time_3}}s) - {{godot_node}}
          4. {{reward_feedback}} ({{time_4}}s) - {{godot_node}}

          **Performance Target:** Loop maintains 60+ FPS
        examples:
          - Observe environment (2s) - Camera2D node, Identify puzzle elements (3s) - Area2D detection
      - id: win-loss-conditions
        title: Win/Loss Conditions
        instruction: Clearly define success and failure states with Godot-specific implementation notes
        template: |
          **Victory Conditions:**

          - {{win_condition_1}} - Godot Signal: {{signal_name}}
          - {{win_condition_2}} - Godot Signal: {{signal_name}}

          **Failure States:**

          - {{loss_condition_1}} - Trigger: {{godot_trigger}}
          - {{loss_condition_2}} - Trigger: {{godot_trigger}}
        examples:
          - "Victory: Player reaches exit portal - Signal: area_entered from Area2D"
          - "Failure: Health reaches zero - Trigger: health_depleted signal"

  - id: game-mechanics
    title: Game Mechanics
    instruction: Detail each major mechanic that will need Godot implementation. Each mechanic should be specific enough for developers to create nodes, scripts (GDScript/C#), and scenes with TDD approach.
    elicit: true
    sections:
      - id: primary-mechanics
        title: Primary Mechanics
        repeatable: true
        sections:
          - id: mechanic
            title: "{{mechanic_name}}"
            template: |
              **Description:** {{detailed_description}}

              **Player Input:** {{input_method}} - InputMap Action: {{input_action}}

              **System Response:** {{game_response}}

              **Godot Implementation Notes:**

              - **Nodes Needed:** {{node_list}}
              - **Language Choice:** {{gdscript_or_csharp}} - {{language_rationale}}
              - **Physics Requirements:** {{physics_2d_3d_setup}}
              - **Animation:** {{animation_player_states}}
              - **Performance:** Must maintain 60+ FPS
              - **Object Pooling:** {{pooling_requirements}}

              **Dependencies:** {{other_mechanics_needed}}

              **Script Architecture:**

              - {{script_name}}.gd/.cs - {{responsibility}}
              - {{autoload_script}}.gd/.cs - {{singleton_role}}

              **TDD Requirements:**
              - GUT tests for GDScript components
              - GoDotTest for C# components
            examples:
              - "Nodes Needed: RigidBody2D, CollisionShape2D, PlayerController node"
              - "Language: GDScript for game logic, C# for physics calculations"
              - "Physics Requirements: Physics material for friction, gravity scale 3"
      - id: controls
        title: Controls
        instruction: Define all input methods for different platforms using Godot's InputMap
        type: table
        template: |
          | Action | Desktop | Mobile | Gamepad | InputMap Action |
          | ------ | ------- | ------ | ------- | --------------- |
          | {{action}} | {{key}} | {{gesture}} | {{button}} | {{action_name}} |
        examples:
          - Move Left, A/Left Arrow, Touch Left, Left Stick, move_left

  - id: progression-balance
    title: Progression & Balance
    instruction: Define how players advance and how difficulty scales. This section should provide clear parameters for Godot implementation with Resources and language strategy.
    elicit: true
    sections:
      - id: player-progression
        title: Player Progression
        template: |
          **Progression Type:** {{linear|branching|metroidvania}}

          **Key Milestones:**

          1. **{{milestone_1}}** - {{unlock_description}} - Godot: {{resource_update}}
          2. **{{milestone_2}}** - {{unlock_description}} - Godot: {{resource_update}}
          3. **{{milestone_3}}** - {{unlock_description}} - Godot: {{resource_update}}

          **Save Data Structure:**

          ```csharp
          [System.Serializable]
          public class PlayerProgress
          {
              {{progress_fields}}
          }
          ```
        examples:
          - public int currentLevel, public bool[] unlockedAbilities, public float totalPlayTime
      - id: difficulty-curve
        title: Difficulty Curve
        instruction: Provide specific parameters for balancing that can be implemented as Godot Resources with performance focus
        template: |
          **Tutorial Phase:** {{duration}} - {{difficulty_description}}
          - Godot Config: {{resource_values}} - Language: {{gdscript_or_csharp}}

          **Early Game:** {{duration}} - {{difficulty_description}}
          - Godot Config: {{resource_values}} - Must maintain 60+ FPS

          **Mid Game:** {{duration}} - {{difficulty_description}}
          - Godot Config: {{resource_values}} - Object pooling required

          **Late Game:** {{duration}} - {{difficulty_description}}
          - Godot Config: {{resource_values}} - C# optimization for performance
        examples:
          - "enemy speed: 2.0f, jump height: 4.5f, obstacle density: 0.3f"
      - id: economy-resources
        title: Economy & Resources
        condition: has_economy
        instruction: Define any in-game currencies, resources, or collectibles with Godot implementation details
        type: table
        template: |
          | Resource | Earn Rate | Spend Rate | Purpose | Cap | Godot Resource |
          | -------- | --------- | ---------- | ------- | --- | --------------- |
          | {{resource}} | {{rate}} | {{rate}} | {{use}} | {{max}} | {{resource_name}} |
        examples:
          - Coins, 1-3 per enemy, 10-50 per upgrade, Buy abilities, 9999, CurrencyData

  - id: level-design-framework
    title: Level Design Framework
    instruction: Provide guidelines for level creation that developers can use to create Godot scenes and nodes. Focus on modular design, scene inheritance, and performance optimization.
    elicit: true
    sections:
      - id: level-types
        title: Level Types
        repeatable: true
        sections:
          - id: level-type
            title: "{{level_type_name}}"
            template: |
              **Purpose:** {{gameplay_purpose}}
              **Target Duration:** {{target_time}}
              **Key Elements:** {{required_mechanics}}
              **Difficulty Rating:** {{relative_difficulty}}

              **Godot Scene Structure:**

              - **Environment:** {{tilemap_setup}}
              - **Gameplay Objects:** {{node_list}}
              - **Lighting:** {{lighting_setup}}
              - **Audio:** {{audio_sources}}

              **Level Flow Template:**

              - **Introduction:** {{intro_description}} - Area: {{godot_area_bounds}}
              - **Challenge:** {{main_challenge}} - Mechanics: {{active_components}}
              - **Resolution:** {{completion_requirement}} - Trigger: {{completion_trigger}}

              **Reusable Scenes:**

              - {{scene_name}}.tscn - {{scene_purpose}}
            examples:
              - "Environment: TileMap node with Platform tileset, Lighting: DirectionalLight2D + PointLight2D nodes"
      - id: level-progression
        title: Level Progression
        template: |
          **World Structure:** {{linear|hub|open}}
          **Total Levels:** {{number}}
          **Unlock Pattern:** {{progression_method}}
          **Scene Management:** {{godot_scene_loading}}

          **Godot Scene Organization:**

          - Scene Naming: {{naming_convention}}
          - Resource Preloading: {{preload_groups}}
          - Loading Screens: {{loading_implementation}}
        examples:
          - "Scene Naming: world_{x}_level_{y}_name.tscn, Preload Groups: levels_world1.tres, world_environments.tres"

  - id: technical-specifications
    title: Technical Specifications
    instruction: Define Godot-specific technical requirements that will guide architecture and implementation decisions. Reference Godot documentation and best practices.
    elicit: true
    choices:
      renderer: [Forward+, Mobile, Compatibility]
      language_primary: [GDScript, C#, Both]
      physics: [2D Only, 3D Only, Hybrid]
    sections:
      - id: godot-configuration
        title: Godot Project Configuration
        template: |
          **Godot Version:** {{godot_version}} (4.3+ recommended)
          **Renderer:** {{Forward+|Mobile|Compatibility}}
          **Primary Language:** {{GDScript|C#|Both}}
          **Physics:** {{2D Only|3D Only|Hybrid}}
          **Export Templates:** {{platforms}}
          **.NET Version:** {{.NET 6.0|.NET 7.0}} (if using C#)

          **Language Strategy:**
          - GDScript: {{gdscript_usage}} (with static typing mandatory)
          - C#: {{csharp_usage}} (for performance-critical systems)

          **Project Settings:**

          - Rendering Method: {{rendering_method}}
          - MSAA: {{msaa_setting}}
          - Physics Settings: {{physics_config}}
          - Object Pooling: Required for spawned entities
        examples:
          - GDScript for game logic and UI (10-20% performance gain with static typing)
          - C# for physics simulation and procedural generation (no LINQ in hot paths)
          - "Color Space: Linear, Quality: Mobile/Desktop presets, Gravity: -20"
      - id: performance-requirements
        title: Performance Requirements
        template: |
          **Frame Rate:** {{fps_target}} FPS (minimum {{min_fps}} on low-end devices)
          **Memory Usage:** <{{memory_limit}}MB heap, <{{texture_memory}}MB textures
          **Load Times:** <{{load_time}}s initial, <{{level_load}}s between levels
          **Battery Usage:** Optimized for mobile devices - {{battery_target}} hours gameplay

          **Godot Profiler Targets:**

          - Frame Time: <16.67ms (60+ FPS mandatory)
          - CPU Time: <{{cpu_time}}ms
          - GPU Time: <{{gpu_time}}ms
          - Physics Frame: <{{physics_time}}ms
          - Draw Calls: <{{draw_calls}} per frame
          - Object Pools: Active for all spawned entities
        examples:
          - "60 FPS (minimum 30), CPU: <16.67ms, GPU: <16.67ms, GC: <4KB, Draws: <50"
      - id: platform-specific
        title: Platform Specific Requirements
        template: |
          **Desktop:**

          - Resolution: {{min_resolution}} - {{max_resolution}}
          - Input: Keyboard, Mouse, Gamepad ({{gamepad_support}})
          - Build Target: {{desktop_targets}}

          **Mobile:**

          - Resolution: {{mobile_min}} - {{mobile_max}}
          - Input: Touch, Accelerometer ({{sensor_support}})
          - OS: iOS {{ios_min}}+, Android {{android_min}}+ (API {{api_level}})
          - Device Requirements: {{device_specs}}

          **Web (if applicable):**

          - WebGL Version: {{webgl_version}}
          - Browser Support: {{browser_list}}
          - Compression: {{compression_format}}
        examples:
          - "Resolution: 1280x720 - 4K, Gamepad: Xbox/PlayStation controllers via Input System"
      - id: asset-requirements
        title: Asset Requirements
        instruction: Define asset specifications for Godot pipeline optimization with performance focus
        template: |
          **2D Art Assets:**

          - Sprites: {{sprite_resolution}} at {{ppu}} PPU
          - Texture Format: {{texture_compression}}
          - Atlas Strategy: {{sprite_atlas_setup}}
          - Animation: {{animation_type}} at {{framerate}} FPS

          **Audio Assets:**

          - Music: {{audio_format}} at {{sample_rate}} Hz
          - SFX: {{sfx_format}} at {{sfx_sample_rate}} Hz
          - Compression: {{audio_compression}}
          - 3D Audio: {{spatial_audio}}

          **UI Assets:**

          - Canvas Resolution: {{ui_resolution}}
          - UI Scale Mode: {{scale_mode}}
          - Font: {{font_requirements}}
          - Icon Sizes: {{icon_specifications}}
        examples:
          - "Sprites: 32x32 to 256x256 at 16 PPU, Format: RGBA32 for quality/RGBA16 for performance"

  - id: technical-architecture-requirements
    title: Technical Architecture Requirements
    instruction: Define high-level Godot architecture patterns and systems that the game must support. Focus on scalability, TDD, and 60+ FPS performance.
    elicit: true
    choices:
      architecture_pattern: [Node-Based, MVC, Component-Based, Signal-Driven]
      save_system: [ConfigFile, JSON, Binary, Cloud]
      audio_system: [Godot Audio, FMOD]
    sections:
      - id: code-architecture
        title: Code Architecture Pattern
        template: |
          **Architecture Pattern:** {{MVC|MVVM|ECS|Component-Based|Custom}}

          **Core Systems Required:**

          - **Scene Management:** {{scene_manager_approach}}
          - **State Management:** {{state_pattern_implementation}}
          - **Event System:** {{event_system_choice}}
          - **Object Pooling:** {{pooling_strategy}}
          - **Save/Load System:** {{save_system_approach}}

          **Folder Structure:**

          ```
          Assets/
          ├── _Project/
          │   ├── Scripts/
          │   │   ├── {{folder_structure}}
          │   ├── Scenes/
          │   ├── Scenes/
          │   └── {{additional_folders}}
          ```

          **Naming Conventions:**

          - Scripts: {{script_naming}}
          - Scenes: {{scene_naming}}
          - Scenes: {{scene_naming}}
        examples:
          - "Architecture: Node-Based with Resource (.tres) data containers"
          - "Scripts: PascalCase (PlayerController.gd), snake_case (player_controller.gd), Scenes: player.tscn, level_01_forest.tscn"
      - id: godot-systems-integration
        title: Godot Systems Integration
        template: |
          **Required Godot Systems:**

          - **Input System:** {{input_implementation}}
          - **Animation System:** {{animation_approach}}
          - **Physics Integration:** {{physics_usage}}
          - **Rendering Features:** {{rendering_requirements}}
          - **Asset Streaming:** {{asset_loading_strategy}}

          **Third-Party Integrations:**

          - {{integration_name}}: {{integration_purpose}}

          **Performance Systems:**

          - **Profiling Integration:** {{profiling_setup}}
          - **Memory Management:** {{memory_strategy}}
          - **Build Pipeline:** {{build_automation}}
        examples:
          - "Input System: Action Maps for Menu/Gameplay contexts with device switching"
          - "DOTween: Smooth UI transitions and gameplay animations"
      - id: data-management
        title: Data Management
        template: |
          **Save Data Architecture:**

          - **Format:** {{PlayerPrefs|JSON|Binary|Cloud}}
          - **Structure:** {{save_data_organization}}
          - **Encryption:** {{security_approach}}
          - **Cloud Sync:** {{cloud_integration}}

          **Configuration Data:**

          - **Resources:** {{resource_usage}}
          - **Settings Management:** {{settings_system}}
          - **Localization:** {{localization_approach}}

          **Runtime Data:**

          - **Caching Strategy:** {{cache_implementation}}
          - **Memory Pools:** {{pooling_objects}}
          - **Asset References:** {{asset_reference_system}}
        examples:
          - "Save Data: JSON format with AES encryption, stored in persistent data path"
          - "Resources: Game settings (.tres), level configurations, character data with static typing"

  - id: development-phases
    title: Development Phases & Epic Planning
    instruction: Break down the Godot development into phases that can be converted to agile epics. Each phase should deliver deployable functionality following TDD practices with 60+ FPS performance.
    elicit: true
    sections:
      - id: phases-overview
        title: Phases Overview
        instruction: Present a high-level list of all phases for user approval. Each phase's design should deliver significant Godot functionality with TDD and performance validation.
        type: numbered-list
        examples:
          - "Phase 1: Godot Foundation & Core Systems: Project setup with TDD (GUT/GoDotTest), node architecture, InputMap configuration"
          - "Phase 2: Core Game Mechanics: Player controller (GDScript), physics systems (C# for performance), 60+ FPS validation"
          - "Phase 3: Level Systems & Content Pipeline: Scene loading, inheritance patterns, object pooling implementation"
          - "Phase 4: Polish & Platform Optimization: Performance profiling to 60+ FPS, export templates, platform deployment"
      - id: phase-1-foundation
        title: "Phase 1: Godot Foundation & Core Systems ({{duration}})"
        sections:
          - id: foundation-design
            title: "Design: Godot Project Foundation"
            type: bullet-list
            template: |
              - Godot project setup with node hierarchy and resource organization
              - Core architecture implementation ({{architecture_pattern}}) with TDD setup
              - InputMap configuration for cross-platform input handling
              - Node-based scene management with signal system
              - GUT (GDScript) and GoDotTest (C#) test framework setup
              - Profiler integration for 60+ FPS validation
              - Export template configuration for target platforms
            examples:
              - "Input System: Configure PlayerInput component with Action Maps for movement and UI"
          - id: core-systems-design
            title: "Design: Essential Game Systems"
            type: bullet-list
            template: |
              - Save/Load system using user:// path with {{save_format}} format
              - Audio bus system setup with {{audio_system}} integration
              - Signal system for decoupled node communication
              - Object pooling system for spawned entities (mandatory)
              - Control node UI framework with anchoring and themes
              - Settings and configuration management with Resources (.tres)
      - id: phase-2-gameplay
        title: "Phase 2: Core Gameplay Implementation ({{duration}})"
        sections:
          - id: gameplay-mechanics-design
            title: "Design: Primary Game Mechanics"
            type: bullet-list
            template: |
              - Player controller with {{movement_type}} using GDScript (static typing)
              - {{primary_mechanic}} implementation with Godot physics (C# if performance-critical)
              - {{secondary_mechanic}} system with 60+ FPS maintained
              - Game state management (playing, paused, game over)
              - Collision detection with Area2D/3D and physics bodies
              - AnimationPlayer and AnimationTree integration with blend spaces
          - id: level-systems-design
            title: "Design: Level & Content Systems"
            type: bullet-list
            template: |
              - Scene loading with transitions <3 seconds
              - Level progression with Resource-based unlock system
              - Scene inheritance and composition patterns
              - {{level_generation}} level creation with TDD tests
              - Collectibles with object pooling for performance
              - Victory/defeat conditions with signal emissions
      - id: phase-3-polish
        title: "Phase 3: Polish & Optimization ({{duration}})"
        sections:
          - id: performance-design
            title: "Design: Performance & Platform Optimization"
            type: bullet-list
            template: |
              - Godot Profiler analysis to ensure 60+ FPS
              - Memory management and garbage collection optimization
              - Asset optimization (import settings, compression)
              - Platform-specific performance tuning for 60+ FPS
              - Export size optimization with stripping
              - Renderer settings for different device tiers
          - id: user-experience-design
            title: "Design: User Experience & Polish"
            type: bullet-list
            template: |
              - Control node UI with responsive anchoring
              - Audio bus system with dynamic mixing
              - GPUParticles2D/3D with object pooling
              - Accessibility features with InputMap remapping
              - Tutorial flow with GUT test coverage
              - Cross-platform testing for 60+ FPS on all targets

  - id: epic-list
    title: Epic List
    instruction: |
      Present a high-level list of all epics for user approval. Each epic should have a title and a short (1 sentence) goal statement. This allows the user to review the overall structure before diving into details.

      CRITICAL: Epics MUST be logically sequential following agile best practices:

      - Each epic should be focused on a single phase and it's design from the development-phases section and deliver a significant, end-to-end, fully deployable increment of testable functionality
      - Epic 1 must establish Phase 1: Godot Foundation & Core Systems (Project setup with TDD, node architecture, InputMap) unless we are adding new functionality to an existing app, while also delivering an initial piece of functionality with 60+ FPS performance!
      - Each subsequent epic builds upon previous epics' functionality delivering major blocks of functionality that provide tangible value to users or business when deployed
      - Not every project needs multiple epics, an epic needs to deliver value. For example, an API, component, or Resource completed can deliver value even if a scene or node is not complete and planned for a separate epic.
      - Err on the side of less epics, but let the user know your rationale and offer options for splitting them if it seems some are too large or focused on disparate things.
      - Cross Cutting Concerns should flow through epics and stories and not be final stories. For example, adding a logging framework as a last story of an epic, or at the end of a project as a final epic or story would be terrible as we would not have logging from the beginning.
    elicit: true
    examples:
      - "Epic 1: Godot Foundation & Core Systems: TDD setup (GUT/GoDotTest), node architecture, InputMap configuration"
      - "Epic 2: Core Game Mechanics: Player controller (GDScript), physics (C# if needed), 60+ FPS validation"
      - "Epic 3: Level Systems & Content Pipeline: Scene inheritance, resource preloading, object pooling"
      - "Epic 4: Polish & Platform Optimization: Performance profiling to 60+ FPS, export templates, deployment"

  - id: epic-details
    title: Epic {{epic_number}} {{epic_title}}
    repeatable: true
    instruction: |
      After the epic list is approved, present each epic with all its stories and acceptance criteria as a complete review unit.

      For each epic provide expanded goal (2-3 sentences describing the objective and value all the stories will achieve).

      CRITICAL STORY SEQUENCING REQUIREMENTS:

      - Stories within each epic MUST be logically sequential
      - Each story should be a "vertical slice" delivering complete functionality aside from early enabler stories for project foundation
      - No story should depend on work from a later story or epic
      - Identify and note any direct prerequisite stories
      - Focus on "what" and "why" not "how" (leave technical implementation to Architect) yet be precise enough to support a logical sequential order of operations from story to story.
      - Ensure each story delivers clear user or business value, try to avoid enablers and build them into stories that deliver value.
      - Size stories for AI agent execution: Each story must be completable by a single AI agent in one focused session without context overflow
      - Think "junior developer working for 2-4 hours" - stories must be small, focused, and self-contained
      - If a story seems complex, break it down further as long as it can deliver a vertical slice
    elicit: true
    template: "{{epic_goal}}"
    sections:
      - id: story
        title: Story {{epic_number}}.{{story_number}} {{story_title}}
        repeatable: true
        instruction: Provide a clear, concise description of what this story implements. Focus on the specific game feature or system being built. Reference the GDD section that defines this feature and reference the gamearchitecture section for additional implementation and integration specifics.
        template: "{{clear_description_of_what_needs_to_be_implemented}}"
        sections:
          - id: acceptance-criteria
            title: Acceptance Criteria
            instruction: Define specific, testable conditions that must be met for the story to be considered complete. Each criterion should be verifiable and directly related to gameplay functionality.
            sections:
              - id: functional-requirements
                title: Functional Requirements
                type: checklist
                items:
                  - "{{specific_functional_requirement}}"
              - id: technical-requirements
                title: Technical Requirements
                type: checklist
                items:
                  - Code follows GDScript/C# best practices with static typing
                  - Maintains 60+ FPS on all target devices
                  - No memory leaks, proper signal cleanup, object pooling active
                  - "{{specific_technical_requirement}}"
              - id: game-design-requirements
                title: Game Design Requirements
                type: checklist
                items:
                  - "{{gameplay_requirement_from_gdd}}"
                  - "{{balance_requirement_if_applicable}}"
                  - "{{player_experience_requirement}}"

  - id: success-metrics
    title: Success Metrics & Quality Assurance
    instruction: Define measurable goals for the Godot game development project with specific targets that can be validated through Godot profiler and performance monitoring.
    elicit: true
    sections:
      - id: technical-metrics
        title: Technical Performance Metrics
        type: bullet-list
        template: |
          - **Frame Rate:** Consistent {{fps_target}} FPS with <5% drops below {{min_fps}}
          - **Load Times:** Initial load <{{initial_load}}s, level transitions <{{level_load}}s
          - **Memory Usage:** Heap memory <{{heap_limit}}MB, texture memory <{{texture_limit}}MB
          - **Crash Rate:** <{{crash_threshold}}% across all supported platforms
          - **Build Size:** Final build <{{size_limit}}MB for mobile, <{{desktop_limit}}MB for desktop
          - **Battery Life:** Mobile gameplay sessions >{{battery_target}} hours on average device
        examples:
          - "Frame Rate: Consistent 60 FPS with <5% drops below 45 FPS on target hardware"
          - "Crash Rate: <0.5% across iOS/Android, <0.1% on desktop platforms"
      - id: gameplay-metrics
        title: Gameplay & User Engagement Metrics
        type: bullet-list
        template: |
          - **Tutorial Completion:** {{tutorial_rate}}% of players complete basic tutorial
          - **Level Progression:** {{progression_rate}}% reach level {{target_level}} within first session
          - **Session Duration:** Average session length {{session_target}} minutes
          - **Player Retention:** Day 1: {{d1_retention}}%, Day 7: {{d7_retention}}%, Day 30: {{d30_retention}}%
          - **Gameplay Completion:** {{completion_rate}}% complete main game content
          - **Control Responsiveness:** Input lag <{{input_lag}}ms on all platforms
        examples:
          - "Tutorial Completion: 85% of players complete movement and basic mechanics tutorial"
          - "Session Duration: Average 15-20 minutes per session for mobile, 30-45 minutes for desktop"
      - id: platform-specific-metrics
        title: Platform-Specific Quality Metrics
        type: table
        template: |
          | Platform | Frame Rate | Load Time | Memory | Build Size | Battery |
          | -------- | ---------- | --------- | ------ | ---------- | ------- |
          | {{platform}} | {{fps}} | {{load}} | {{memory}} | {{size}} | {{battery}} |
        examples:
          - iOS, 60 FPS, <3s, <150MB, <80MB, 3+ hours
          - Android, 60 FPS, <5s, <200MB, <100MB, 2.5+ hours

  - id: next-steps-integration
    title: Next Steps & BMad Integration
    instruction: Define how this GDD integrates with BMad's agent workflow and what follow-up documents or processes are needed.
    sections:
      - id: architecture-handoff
        title: Godot Architecture Requirements
        instruction: Summary of key architectural decisions that need to be implemented in Godot project setup with TDD and performance focus
        type: bullet-list
        template: |
          - Godot {{godot_version}} project with {{renderer}} renderer
          - {{architecture_pattern}} node architecture with {{folder_structure}}
          - Language strategy: GDScript for {{gdscript_use}}, C# for {{csharp_use}}
          - Performance targets: 60+ FPS mandatory, {{key_performance_metrics}}
          - Platform exports: {{deployment_targets}} with export templates
      - id: story-creation-guidance
        title: Story Creation Guidance for SM Agent
        instruction: Provide guidance for the Story Manager (SM) agent on how to break down this GDD into implementable user stories
        template: |
          **Epic Prioritization:** {{epic_order_rationale}}

          **Story Sizing Guidelines:**

          - Foundation stories: {{foundation_story_scope}}
          - Feature stories: {{feature_story_scope}}
          - Polish stories: {{polish_story_scope}}

          **Godot-Specific Story Considerations:**

          - Each story should result in testable Godot scenes with GUT/GoDotTest coverage
          - Include specific node hierarchies and signal flows in acceptance criteria
          - Enforce 60+ FPS performance validation in each story
          - Account for export template configuration and deployment
          - Specify language choice (GDScript vs C#) for each component
        examples:
          - "Foundation stories: Individual Godot systems with TDD (InputMap, Audio Bus, Scene Tree) - 1-2 days each"
          - "Feature stories: Complete gameplay mechanics with 60+ FPS validation - 2-4 days each"
      - id: recommended-agents
        title: Recommended BMad Agent Sequence
        type: numbered-list
        template: |
          1. **{{agent_name}}**: {{agent_responsibility}}
        examples:
          - "Godot Architect: Create detailed technical architecture with node patterns and language strategy"
          - "Godot Developer: Implement systems with TDD (GUT/GoDotTest) maintaining 60+ FPS"
          - "QA Tester: Validate performance targets, signal cleanup, and platform exports"