Gdd

Game Design Document (GDD) Template

Instructions: This document outlines the full design of your escape room — from player flow and mechanics to aesthetics and tech. It should evolve alongside your project and guide your build and testing efforts.

Team Name:

Escape Room Title:

1. Game Overview

• One-paragraph summary of the room’s concept and story.
• Target audience and intended emotional experience.

2. Puzzle Flow / Progression Map

• List puzzles in the order players encounter them.
• Indicate whether puzzles are linear or parallel.
• Note dependencies between puzzles or bottlenecks.

Include a visual flowchart or puzzle dependency graph if possible.

3. Core Mechanics & Interactions

• Describe how players will interact with the room (searching, combining, manipulating, decoding, etc.)
• What kinds of inputs and outputs are expected (e.g., keypads, RFID triggers, magnets, logic circuits)?

4. Narrative Integration

• How does the story evolve during the game?
• How are puzzles and props connected to the story?
• What environmental storytelling elements are present?

5. Technology and Tools Used

• What microcontrollers, sensors, or software are involved (if any)?
• Describe any tools or platforms used for prototyping (Arduino, Unity, etc.)

6. Room Layout and Set Design

• Sketch or describe the physical space (rooms, zones, furniture, barriers)
• How do players move through the space?
• Any lighting, sound, or prop effects to enhance immersion?

7. User Experience & Flow

• What is the expected player journey (emotional arc)?
• What is the average time to complete the room?
• Where are the moments of tension, relief, revelation?

8. Reset and Maintenance Plan

• How long does it take to reset the room?
• Who can do it? Is special training needed?
• Are there durable or fragile components that need attention?