Inception DocumentFDP Supplemental

Brent M. DingleGame Design and Development ProgramMathematics, Statistics and Computer ScienceUniversity of Wisconsin - Stout

Inception Document: Other NamesAlso called

High Concept DocumentExecutive SummaryOverview Sheet

Inception Document: DescriptionOne to Two pages

What the game isWhy it should be madeWhy it is fun

End GoalThe reader should think: I get it!

Inception Document: ChecklistConvey the game’s LOOK and FEELSell the game’s IDEA and GAMEPLAY experience

Must-Have ChecklistGame’s Working Title

with your name and contact infoOne/two sentence Introduction/Marketing taglineHigh concept stuff (genre, platform, type, audience)Narrative DescriptionKey/Unique Features Bullet ListGameplay Technical Summary Description

Narrative DescriptionDescribe the game to the reader as if they are the player.

Do this from the second-person perspective (you).

This description should be very exciting and thrilling. Detailing how you will experience

all the adrenaline and spine tingling sensations that can be imagined as you explore and do great and magnificent things.

This description should be a single paragraph.

Key Game Features: Bullet ListCreate a list

List the unique and interesting aspects of your game Sell your game

Be descriptive. Look at as many examples as you canKeep it brief

Keep the list around 5 points, never more than 10Use visual enhancements

Images may complement these bullet points nicelyDefine your game

These points are the what, how, and why your game should be madeSummarize your items

Each bullet might be a topic word or two, followed by a description

Gameplay: Technical SummaryA paragraph or something more to give the feel of how the game will actually play.

In a paragraph or less describe the essence of the game.

Address things such asWhat the player can and will typically do. The game’s rules

What can the player do? What is the nature of the game’s environment? What does it do?

Points/ScoringWhat are the players trying to accomplish? How will they know they succeeded? How is the player scored? What achievements do players get as they play?

End GameHow does the game end? How does the player win? How does the player lose? Can the game be played again? Why would it be played a second time?

Inception Document: OptionalAdd detail as needed, things such as:

More Game MechanicsAdditional details for clarity or demonstration of FUN/unique

User InterfaceArt and SoundStoryLevelsMeta-PurposeSchedule and Planning

PersonnelToolsAsset Requirements

Inception Document: OptionalA “sketch” prototype

For this class could go a long way to selling it

Useful to establish gameplay ideas by demonstration instead of words

Does NOT have to be electronicCould use wood and rocks if you want and they work

A video showing the prototype being played could also be useful

First Day PackShow

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See alsoxxxx_description_ThingsToConsiderxxxx_description_Genres

Examplesxxxx_Example_InceptionDoc_***xxxx_Example_ProposalDoc_***

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