Creating a flow chart for a game involves mapping out the structure, sequences, and decision points within the game. Here's a detailed guide on how to create a flow chart, along with some tools you can use:
Steps to Create a Flow Chart for a Game
Define the Scope and Objectives:
- Scope: What is the overall goal of your game? For example, is it a puzzle game, an adventure game, or a racing game?
- Objectives: What do players need to achieve? For instance, in an adventure game, the objective might be to rescue a character or find a hidden treasure.
Example: If you're making an adventure game, your objective could be "The player must rescue the princess from the castle."
Identify Key Components:
- Break down your game into smaller parts. These parts are like the chapters of a book.
- Examples of components: Levels, missions, puzzles, or battles.
Example: In your adventure game, components might include:
- Level 1: The Forest
- Level 2: The Village
- Level 3: The Castle
- Boss Fight: Dragon Battle
Establish the Flow:
- Decide the starting point and ending point of your game.
- Think about the sequence of events. What happens first, second, third, and so on?
Example:
- Start: Player begins in the forest.
- Event 1: Player finds a map.
- Event 2: Player uses the map to find the village.
- Event 3: In the village, the player gets a key to the castle.
- End: Player rescues the princess in the castle.
Add Decision Points:
- Think about choices the player can make. These are points where the game can go in different directions based on the player's actions.
- Decision points can affect the storyline or the gameplay.
Example:
- Decision Point 1: In the forest, does the player follow the path or explore the cave?
- Path: Leads to a peaceful village.
- Cave: Leads to a battle with goblins.
Map Out Interactions:
- Show how different parts of your game interact. For example, how solving a puzzle might open a door.
Example:
- Interaction: In the village, solving a riddle from an elder gives the player a magic sword.
- Interaction: Using the magic sword helps the player defeat the dragon in the castle.
Include Conditions and Loops:
- Conditions: Specific requirements that must be met for something to happen.
- Loops: Repeated actions or events until a condition is met.
Example:
- Condition: The player needs the key from the village to enter the castle.
- Loop: If the player fails the dragon battle, they return to the start of the castle level to try again.
Review and Refine:
- Look over your flow chart to ensure it covers all parts of your game and makes sense.
- Make improvements for clarity and completeness.
Example:
- Review: Check if all levels, decisions, and interactions are included.
- Refine: Add any missing details or correct any mistakes.
Add Details and Annotations:
- Add notes or labels to explain parts of your flow chart.
- Use different shapes or colors to make the chart easy to understand.
Example:
- Annotations: Add a note saying "Solve the riddle to get the magic sword."
- Colors: Use blue for levels, red for decision points, and green for interactions.
Example of a Simple Flow Chart
Here's a simplified flow chart for an adventure game:
Start Screen
- Start Game
- Load Game
- Settings
Level 1: The Forest
- Event: Find a Map
- Decision Point: Follow Path or Explore Cave
- Path: Leads to Village
- Cave: Leads to Goblin Battle
Level 2: The Village
- Event: Meet the Elder
- Interaction: Solve Riddle to Get Magic Sword
- Event: Receive Key to Castle
Level 3: The Castle
- Condition: Use Key to Enter
- Boss Fight: Dragon Battle
- If Win: Rescue Princess
- If Lose: Retry Castle Level
End Game
- Rescue Princess: Victory Screen
- Exit Game
Tools for Creating Flow Charts
- Lucidchart: Easy to use online tool with templates.
- Microsoft Visio: Professional tool, part of Microsoft Office.
- Draw.io (diagrams.net): Free, web-based, with offline options.
- Miro: Collaborative online whiteboard.
- Creately: Visual collaboration tool with flow chart support.
- Coggle: Simple mind mapping and flow chart tool.
- ConceptDraw DIAGRAM: Professional diagramming tool.
- InVision: Prototyping and flow charting tool for UI/UX.
By following these steps and using these tools, you can create a clear and detailed flow chart to help guide the development of your game.