Basic+Design

The basic design for a video game covers the game design, platform(s), audience and a summary of the game's flow from beginning to end. There are many decisions to made about each of these topics. You will find that some decisions will require you to make sacrifices in other areas. For example: If you wish to build a game for the Wii you will find yourself under restrictions when it comes to graphics and processing power. While we are not going to be covering graphics and processing power in this project, they should be taken into account when making your decisions.
 * Basic Design **


 * Review before starting:**
 * 13 Basic Principles
 * Designing Video Games
 * So you want to be a Game Designer?


 * Audience:** In the area below you should describe your prospective audience in as great a detail as possible. While a video game can be enjoyable to everyone, each is also focused toward a specific audience. Does your game focus on "hardcore gamers," meaning young males between 15 and 30 who spend at least ten hours playing video games per week? Or are you targeting the casual gamer? Is there a gender who would more enjoy your game? What about educational background and interests?


 * Platform:** Selecting the platform(s) you intend to publish your game on is very important and necessary to decide on early in the projects development. While most games designed for the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3 can be transferred (ported) to the PC. However, the Wii has less processing power and graphic capabilities than the playstation, 360 or PC. Additionally, does your game require the use of a keyboard, mouse or additional hardware? Is your game going to be part of a website, or down-loadable?


 * Game Type/Summary:** Games types vary wildly from simple puzzle games to complex turn-based strategy games. Regardless of the type of game your team is designing it will fit into one of these categories, or within a sub-category of them. The summary of your game is far more important. You will most likely use your game summary as your abstract or selling piece for prospective investors and publishers. Eventually you will want to have a summary that fits roughly on a single page but you should write as much as necessary here. A summary is just like a book report or simple game walkthrough. You should explain what happens to the player as they progress through the game. Make sure to cite the type of engagement, challenges, rewards, and interactivity the player will encounter as well (You will describe these in great detail in the other sections of the project.)


 * Navigation**:
 * Home
 * Engagement
 * Interactivity
 * Challenges