# Game Brief Validation Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your game brief is complete and ready for GDD creation.

## Game Vision ✓

- [ ] **Core Concept** is clear and concise (one sentence)
- [ ] **Elevator Pitch** hooks the reader in 2-3 sentences
- [ ] **Vision Statement** is aspirational but achievable
- [ ] Vision captures the emotional experience you want to create

## Target Market ✓

- [ ] **Primary Audience** is specific (not just "gamers")
- [ ] Age range and experience level are defined
- [ ] Play session expectations are realistic
- [ ] **Market Context** demonstrates opportunity
- [ ] Competitive landscape is understood
- [ ] You know why this audience will care

## Game Fundamentals ✓

- [ ] **Core Gameplay Pillars** (2-4) are clearly defined
- [ ] Each pillar is specific and measurable
- [ ] **Primary Mechanics** describe what players actually DO
- [ ] **Player Experience Goals** connect mechanics to emotions
- [ ] Core loop is clear and compelling

## Scope and Constraints ✓

- [ ] **Target Platforms** are prioritized
- [ ] **Development Timeline** is realistic
- [ ] **Budget** aligns with scope
- [ ] **Team Resources** (size, skills) are documented
- [ ] **Technical Constraints** are identified
- [ ] Scope matches team capability

## Reference Framework ✓

- [ ] **Inspiration Games** (3-5) are listed with specifics
- [ ] You know what you're taking vs. NOT taking from each
- [ ] **Competitive Analysis** covers direct and indirect competitors
- [ ] **Key Differentiators** are genuine and valuable
- [ ] Differentiators are specific (not "just better")

## Content Framework ✓

- [ ] **World and Setting** is defined
- [ ] **Narrative Approach** matches game type
- [ ] **Content Volume** is estimated (rough order of magnitude)
- [ ] Playtime expectations are set
- [ ] Replayability approach is clear

## Art and Audio Direction ✓

- [ ] **Visual Style** is described with references
- [ ] 2D vs. 3D is decided
- [ ] **Audio Style** matches game mood
- [ ] **Production Approach** is realistic for team/budget
- [ ] Style complexity matches capabilities

## Risk Assessment ✓

- [ ] **Key Risks** are honestly identified
- [ ] **Technical Challenges** are documented
- [ ] **Market Risks** are considered
- [ ] **Mitigation Strategies** are actionable
- [ ] Assumptions to validate are listed

## Success Criteria ✓

- [ ] **MVP Definition** is truly minimal
- [ ] MVP can validate core gameplay hypothesis
- [ ] **Success Metrics** are specific and measurable
- [ ] **Launch Goals** are realistic
- [ ] You know what "done" looks like for MVP

## Next Steps ✓

- [ ] **Immediate Actions** are prioritized
- [ ] **Research Needs** are identified
- [ ] **Open Questions** are documented
- [ ] Critical path is clear
- [ ] Blockers are identified

## Overall Quality ✓

- [ ] Brief is clear and concise (3-5 pages)
- [ ] Sections are internally consistent
- [ ] Scope is realistic for team/timeline/budget
- [ ] Vision is compelling and achievable
- [ ] You're excited to build this game
- [ ] Team/stakeholders can understand the vision

## Red Flags 🚩

Watch for these warning signs:

- [ ] ❌ Scope too large for team/timeline
- [ ] ❌ Unclear core loop or pillars
- [ ] ❌ Target audience is "everyone"
- [ ] ❌ Differentiators are vague or weak
- [ ] ❌ No prototype plan for risky mechanics
- [ ] ❌ Budget/timeline is wishful thinking
- [ ] ❌ Market is saturated with no clear positioning
- [ ] ❌ MVP is not actually minimal

## Ready for Next Steps?

If you've checked most boxes and have no major red flags:

✅ **Ready to proceed to:**

- Prototype core mechanic
- GDD workflow
- Team/stakeholder review
- Market validation

⚠️ **Need more work if:**

- Multiple sections incomplete
- Red flags present
- Team/stakeholders don't align
- Core concept unclear

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_This checklist is a guide, not a gate. Use your judgment based on project needs._