Communication is a vital skill for any game designer, whether you are working on a solo project or collaborating with a team. Effective communication can help you convey your vision, share feedback, solve problems, and learn from others. In this article, we will explore some tips and tools that can help you communicate more effectively in game design.
The first step to communicate effectively is to know who you are communicating with. Different audiences may have different expectations, preferences, and backgrounds. For example, if you are pitching your game idea to a publisher, you may want to focus on the market potential, the unique selling points, and the budget and timeline. If you are explaining your game mechanics to a programmer, you may want to use diagrams, pseudocode, and examples. If you are testing your game with players, you may want to ask open-ended questions, observe their reactions, and listen to their feedback.
By knowing your audience, you can align your communication and development efforts with their specific needs and preferences, ultimately leading to a more successful game. Whether it's understanding market trends, technical requirements, or player engagement, adapting to the audience's perspective can significantly enhance the overall game development process. And don't forget to do your research on the audience you target, what they like and what they don't. Recently, one of the most powerful tools is in-game community. Those people can give quick feedback on everything and if you separate your emotions, this tool can help you make a successful game.
The second step to communicate effectively is to use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon, slang, and vague terms that may confuse or mislead your audience. Use simple and direct sentences that convey your message without ambiguity. If you need to use technical terms or acronyms, make sure to define them or provide context. For example, instead of saying "the game uses a procedural generation algorithm to create dynamic levels", you could say "the game creates different levels every time you play by using a set of rules and random elements".
It's often assumed that the “Design Documentation" of a game is "just" a detailed description of HOW it works: which features need to be implemented, how the player interacts with them, etc. The goal of this “low level” design is to explain how to implement the game. But the “Design Documentation” is also an explanation of WHY the game and its element are like they are: why some features are required, why players will like them, etc The goal of this “high level” design is to communicate to anyone: team members, fellow designers, stakeholders, and yourself in the future, which is the envisioned game experience. This is the real purpose of the design documentation, often neglected, and should be the primary focus of any game designer.
The third step to communicate effectively is to choose the right medium for your purpose and audience. Different mediums have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed, cost, accessibility, and interactivity. For example, if you want to share a quick update with your team, you may use a chat app or a voice call. If you want to present a detailed document with visuals and references, you may use a slide deck or a video. If you want to collect feedback from a large number of players, you may use a survey or a forum.
A design document can't do its job on its own. As a game designer, it's vital to use communication channels to let everyone know about our work. Send general messages, talk to your team, think of an internal bulletin with "release notes" to let everyone know about the progress you made. And when in doubt, book meetings with the team, take some time to explain in detail, especially if you are working remotely with a decentralized team.
When creating a game design document, images are one of the most effective ways to convey your ideas. Whether it's a diagram, clip art, or AI-generated image, visuals will allow others to understand your design more easily.
The fourth step to communicate effectively is to give and receive feedback. Feedback is essential for improving your game design and learning from your mistakes. When giving feedback, be specific, constructive, and respectful. Focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the game, not the person. Provide examples and suggestions for improvement. When receiving feedback, be open-minded, curious, and grateful. Don't take it personally or defensively. Ask questions and clarify any doubts. Thank the person for their time and input.
The fifth step to communicate effectively is to document and organize your communication. Documentation can help you keep track of your progress, decisions, and changes. It can also help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and errors. Organizing your communication can help you find and access the information you need easily and quickly. You can use various tools and methods to document and organize your communication, such as folders, labels, tags, comments, notes, bookmarks, links, etc.
The sixth step to communicate effectively is to adapt and improve your communication. Communication is not a one-time or static process, but a continuous and dynamic one. You may encounter new challenges, opportunities, and feedback that require you to adjust and refine your communication. You may also discover new tools, techniques, and best practices that can help you communicate better. Therefore, you should always seek to learn from your experience and feedback, and apply what you learn to your future communication.
For better communication, there are other tips such as: 1. Create Prototypes: Use prototypes or playable demos to demonstrate your ideas. Interactive experiences can often convey concepts more effectively than written or spoken explanations. 2. Tell a Story: Frame your design ideas as a narrative. Humans are wired to understand and remember stories better than abstract concepts. Connect gameplay elements into a cohesive and engaging storyline.