Tips for Writing a Good Pitch Document

This week we'll be reviewing some tips for writing a pitch document.  

Layout

A good way to start out your pitch document is by organizing a table of contents on the first or second page (assuming your first page just displays the name of your game). Normally it would look something like this:

• Gameplay Overview
  1. Go over what features your games will have (controls, game mechanics, etc.).
  2. Be careful not to overscope (having so many features for your game you literally can't get it done on time).
• Character Overview
  1. Have descriptions for any characters you will have in the game briefly explaining what they are, what their purpose is, and how they contribute to the gameplay. (i.e, enemies, NPCs, etc)
• Environment and Level Design
  1. Come up with examples, descriptions, and preferably diagrams detailing what you want your game to look like. A simple top down view schematic of a room can help explain how your level will look like.
• Art Direction Documentation
  1. This section is mainly art detailing what you'll expect to see in your game. From character design to simple background art everything art related will be found here.
  2. Anything that requires a description should be described and explained. (i.e., specifying who the main player is)
• Approximate Timeline and Milestones
  1. Set certain dates in which your team will finish goals to reach for your game.
• Team Bio and Expected Contribution Fields
  1. Talk with your team to establish who is doing what and write a brief description of everyone's roles. Also, talk about when and how often your team will meet to go over your project and assess your progress.

Pitches

While your two sentence and two minute pitch come first in the ordering of your document, it's likely the last thing you'll fill out on the document. Get a good idea of what your game is going to be in terms of gameplay, art style, environment, level design, etc, before you try to write your pitches. It'll be easier to write a two sentence pitch once you know all the major details of your game. 

Resources

You can use resources like Open Game Art, Itch.io, Kenney Art, and Free Sound to look for assets and inspiration for your game. You can use any online assets as long as you credit the artist that made them. Be sure to check the licensing for any assets you are using to make sure that you can use them. We don't expect you to make everything for your game from scratch; there are lots of free assets online that you can use at your disposal. If you are ever unsure of what you can or cannot use, feel free to ask the professor or the TA's. 

Each document will look different depending on kind of game you want to make. If you're looking for an example, here is a pitch document from a TA's CPI111 final project last year: The Graveyard Shift