The Team Sometimes Communicates Through Documents
Documentation is used to record and communicate information throughout the design process - but the author states "the magic template does not exist" for a system of documentation that will work for game design projects.
There are two (and only two) purposes for documentation:
- Memory - There is a lot of data and decisions to keep track of, and writing it down helps to preserve the information for this project, and for reference on other projects that encounter similar situations
- Communications - To share information with others.
The author enumerates some of the key documents:
Design
- Design overview - a high-level document that provides a brief description for laymen (management and sponsors)
- Detailed Design Document - Describes all the mechanics and interfaces in great detail. This document is seldom seen by "outsiders"
- Story Overview - A brief outline of the story, including characters, settings, actions, etc. that are critical.
Engineering
- Technical Design Document - Describes the programs/systems involved in the game's technology
- Pipeline Overview - The flow of inputs (art, story, audio, etc.) into the programming process, along with specifications for the format, etc. of those inputs
- System Capabilities - An analysis of the system on which the game will be delivered, including granular technical details.
- Art Bible - Primarily for the artists, the style guide provides guidance for a consistent look and fee.
- Concept Art Overview - A book of illustrations that depict early conceptions of the look and feel of specific game elements
Management
- Project Schedule - The GANTT chart of the development project, including resources and timelines
- Budget - A working document that predicts and then accounts for the costs of development, used to monitor and control expenditures
Writers
- Story Bible - A collection of information about the story, characters, etc. that serves as a common reference for writers
- Script - A document that contains all the written wording that may appear throughout the game
- Manuals - The writers are in charge of the manual that covers everything about the game that will be told to the player, including technical concerns (how to install), instructions, and other information.
Play Testers
- Walkthrough - A document that describes the procedure for playing through the game, step by step
- Test results - Written records of play-testing results