3.9 KiB
3.9 KiB
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
This checklist is a guide, not a gate. Use your judgment based on project needs.