Minimalist GDD

A Game Design Document that’s dedicated to Indie Game Devs.

Tired of losing brilliant ideas in random text files? Fed up with design docs that feel like homework instead of creative tools? Minimalist GDD is a feature-packed, modular game design document template created by an indie game dev for indie game devs.

Key Features

Portable

As a Notion template, this GDD is quick to set up and always ready at your fingertips, regardless where you’re working.

• Just clone it, then use it anywhere: on your PC, on your Macbook, on your phone…
• Have your data synced and ready to continue where you left off.

Modular Design

Minimalist GDD’s modular design let’s you add features from a collection of over 36 database templates to put together your project’s GDD tailored to your desire.

• Over 36 databases to chose from, many with sub-databases.
• Add only the parts you need for your project, keeping it free of unnecessary clutter and easy to navigate.

Scalable

Use it as a sole developer or in a team, for any small game or large-scale game, be it a 2D puzzle game or a role-playing game with 1000s of elements, and anything in between.

• Works, regardless wether you’re a sole indie dev or working in a team.
• Suitable for any type of game project, small or large.

Flexible

Minimalist GDD flexibility allows for changing and updating content quickly. Tag content, and link between different content, use star ratings to decide the best version of any similar items, and set development stages to get your design specifics from idea to final.

• Update as your game evolves, not just at the beginning.
• Tag and rate almost any content.
• Use development stages to signal the current state of any content.

Tons of Example Content

Unlike many other templates Minimalist GDD turns the example content to eleven. Every one of the included modules and pages comes with a ton of example content about a horror-themed multiplayer game, hopefully to inspire you.

• Packed with useful example content.
• Use the included content to learn the template’s features or just be inspired by it.

What’s Inside

• Game Design Foundation
  Define, update, and keep track of game design matters such as gameplay concepts, mechanics, combat systems, game rules, UI, world building, and story elements.
• Game Elements
  An extensive collection of databases to help you define and maintain any elements required for your game: characters, creatures, locations, factions, items, abilities, quests, missions, and a lot more.
• Development Management
  Keep track of your game’s vision, marketing, expenses, revenue, tech stack, press kit, and team.
• Knowledge & Resources
  Store and maintain referential information like concept art, knowledge data, look-up tables, localization, etc.Roadmap & Planner
  Plan your development cycles and phases with the included task management system.

Whether you’re a lone indie developer or part of a team, this template is your definitive companion in the game development process. It’s more than just a planning tool; it’s a roadmap to turning your game concept into a reality.

Check out more details and screenshots at surrealcosmic.com