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.