bmad-method 5.1.3 → 6.0.0-alpha.1

package/src/modules/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/game-brief/checklist.md

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+# 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._

package/src/modules/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/game-brief/instructions.md

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+# Game Brief - Interactive Workflow Instructions
+
+<critical>The workflow execution engine is governed by: {project-root}/bmad/core/tasks/workflow.xml</critical>
+<critical>You MUST have already loaded and processed: {installed_path}/workflow.yaml</critical>
+<critical>Communicate all responses in {communication_language} and language MUST be tailored to {user_skill_level}</critical>
+<critical>Generate all documents in {document_output_language}</critical>
+
+<critical>DOCUMENT OUTPUT: Concise, professional, game-design focused. Use tables/lists over prose. User skill level ({user_skill_level}) affects conversation style ONLY, not document content.</critical>
+
+<workflow>
+
+<step n="0" goal="Validate workflow readiness">
+<invoke-workflow path="{project-root}/bmad/bmm/workflows/workflow-status">
+  <param>mode: validate</param>
+  <param>calling_workflow: game-brief</param>
+</invoke-workflow>
+
+<check if="status_exists == false">
+  <output>{{suggestion}}</output>
+  <output>Note: Game brief is optional. Continuing without progress tracking.</output>
+  <action>Set standalone_mode = true</action>
+</check>
+
+<check if="status_exists == true">
+  <action>Store {{status_file_path}} for later updates</action>
+
+  <check if="project_type != 'game'">
+    <output>Note: This is a {{project_type}} project. Game brief is designed for game projects.</output>
+    <ask>Continue with game brief anyway? (y/n)</ask>
+    <check if="n">
+      <action>Exit workflow</action>
+    </check>
+  </check>
+
+  <check if="warning != ''">
+    <output>{{warning}}</output>
+    <output>Note: Game brief can provide valuable vision clarity at any stage.</output>
+  </check>
+</check>
+</step>
+
+<step n="1" goal="Initialize game brief session">
+<action>Welcome the user in {communication_language} to the Game Brief creation process</action>
+<action>Explain this is a collaborative process to define their game vision, capturing the essence of what they want to create</action>
+<action>Ask for the working title of their game</action>
+<template-output>game_name</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="1" goal="Gather available inputs and context">
+<action>Explore what existing materials the user has available to inform the brief</action>
+<action>Offer options for input sources: market research, brainstorming results, competitive analysis, design notes, reference games, or starting fresh</action>
+<action>If documents are provided, load and analyze them to extract key insights, themes, and patterns</action>
+<action>Engage the user about their core vision: what gameplay experience they want to create, what emotions players should feel, and what sparked this game idea</action>
+<action>Build initial understanding through conversational exploration rather than rigid questioning</action>
+
+<template-output>initial_context</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="2" goal="Choose collaboration mode">
+<ask>How would you like to work through the brief?
+
+**1. Interactive Mode** - We'll work through each section together, discussing and refining as we go
+**2. YOLO Mode** - I'll generate a complete draft based on our conversation so far, then we'll refine it together
+
+Which approach works best for you?</ask>
+
+<action>Store the user's preference for mode</action>
+<template-output>collaboration_mode</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="3" goal="Define game vision" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Guide user to articulate their game vision across three levels of depth</action>
+<action>Help them craft a one-sentence core concept that captures the essence (reference successful games like "A roguelike deck-builder where you climb a mysterious spire" as examples)</action>
+<action>Develop an elevator pitch (2-3 sentences) that would compel a publisher or player - refine until it's concise but hooks attention</action>
+<action>Explore their aspirational vision statement: the experience they want to create and what makes it meaningful - ensure it's ambitious yet achievable</action>
+<action>Refine through conversation, challenging vague language and elevating compelling ideas</action>
+
+<template-output>core_concept</template-output>
+<template-output>elevator_pitch</template-output>
+<template-output>vision_statement</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="4" goal="Identify target market" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Guide user to define their primary target audience with specific demographics, gaming preferences, and behavioral characteristics</action>
+<action>Push for specificity beyond generic descriptions like "people who like fun games" - challenge vague answers</action>
+<action>Explore secondary audiences if applicable and how their needs might differ</action>
+<action>Investigate the market context: opportunity size, competitive landscape, similar successful games, and why now is the right time</action>
+<action>Help identify a realistic and reachable audience segment based on evidence or well-reasoned assumptions</action>
+
+<template-output>primary_audience</template-output>
+<template-output>secondary_audience</template-output>
+<template-output>market_context</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="5" goal="Define game fundamentals" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Help user identify 2-4 core gameplay pillars that fundamentally define their game - everything should support these pillars</action>
+<action>Provide examples from successful games for inspiration (Hollow Knight's "tight controls + challenging combat + rewarding exploration")</action>
+<action>Explore what the player actually DOES - core actions, key systems, and interaction models</action>
+<action>Define the emotional experience goals: what feelings are you designing for (tension/relief, mastery/growth, creativity/expression, discovery/surprise)</action>
+<action>Ensure pillars are specific and measurable, focusing on player actions rather than implementation details</action>
+<action>Connect mechanics directly to emotional experiences through guided discussion</action>
+
+<template-output>core_gameplay_pillars</template-output>
+<template-output>primary_mechanics</template-output>
+<template-output>player_experience_goals</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="6" goal="Define scope and constraints" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Help user establish realistic project constraints across all key dimensions</action>
+<action>Explore target platforms and prioritization (PC, console, mobile, web)</action>
+<action>Discuss development timeline: release targets, fixed deadlines, phased release strategies</action>
+<action>Investigate budget reality: funding source, asset creation costs, marketing, tools and software</action>
+<action>Assess team resources: size, roles, availability, skills gaps, outsourcing needs</action>
+<action>Define technical constraints: engine choice, performance targets, file size limits, accessibility requirements</action>
+<action>Push for realism about scope - identify potential blockers early and document resource assumptions</action>
+
+<template-output>target_platforms</template-output>
+<template-output>development_timeline</template-output>
+<template-output>budget_considerations</template-output>
+<template-output>team_resources</template-output>
+<template-output>technical_constraints</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="7" goal="Establish reference framework" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Guide user to identify 3-5 inspiration games and articulate what they're drawing from each (mechanics, feel, art style) and explicitly what they're NOT taking</action>
+<action>Conduct competitive analysis: identify direct and indirect competitors, analyze what they do well and poorly, and define how this game will differ</action>
+<action>Explore key differentiators and unique value proposition - what's the hook that makes players choose this game over alternatives</action>
+<action>Challenge "just better" thinking - push for genuine, specific differentiation that's actually valuable to players</action>
+<action>Validate that differentiators are concrete, achievable, and compelling</action>
+
+<template-output>inspiration_games</template-output>
+<template-output>competitive_analysis</template-output>
+<template-output>key_differentiators</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="8" goal="Define content framework" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Explore the game's world and setting: location, time period, world-building depth, narrative importance, and genre context</action>
+<action>Define narrative approach: story-driven/light/absent, linear/branching/emergent, delivery methods (cutscenes, dialogue, environmental), writing scope</action>
+<action>Estimate content volume realistically: playthrough length, level/stage count, replayability strategy, total asset volume</action>
+<action>Identify if a dedicated narrative workflow will be needed later based on story complexity</action>
+<action>Flag content-heavy areas that require detailed planning and resource allocation</action>
+
+<template-output>world_setting</template-output>
+<template-output>narrative_approach</template-output>
+<template-output>content_volume</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="9" goal="Define art and audio direction" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Explore visual style direction: art style preference, color palette and mood, reference games/images, 2D vs 3D, animation requirements</action>
+<action>Define audio style: music genre and mood, SFX approach, voice acting scope, audio's importance to gameplay</action>
+<action>Discuss production approach: in-house creation vs outsourcing, asset store usage, AI/generative tools, style complexity vs team capability</action>
+<action>Ensure art and audio vision aligns realistically with budget and team skills - identify potential production bottlenecks early</action>
+<action>Note if a comprehensive style guide will be needed for consistent production</action>
+
+<template-output>visual_style</template-output>
+<template-output>audio_style</template-output>
+<template-output>production_approach</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="10" goal="Assess risks" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Facilitate honest risk assessment across all dimensions - what could prevent completion, what could make it unfun, what assumptions might be wrong</action>
+<action>Identify technical challenges: unproven elements, performance concerns, platform-specific issues, tool dependencies</action>
+<action>Explore market risks: saturation, trend dependency, competition intensity, discoverability challenges</action>
+<action>For each major risk, develop actionable mitigation strategies - how to validate assumptions, backup plans, early prototyping opportunities</action>
+<action>Prioritize risks by impact and likelihood, focusing on proactive mitigation rather than passive worry</action>
+
+<template-output>key_risks</template-output>
+<template-output>technical_challenges</template-output>
+<template-output>market_risks</template-output>
+<template-output>mitigation_strategies</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="11" goal="Define success criteria" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Define the MVP (Minimum Playable Version) - what's the absolute minimum where the core loop is fun and complete, with essential content only</action>
+<action>Establish specific, measurable success metrics: player acquisition, retention rates, session length, completion rate, review scores, revenue targets, community engagement</action>
+<action>Set concrete launch goals: first-month sales/downloads, review score targets, streamer/press coverage, community size</action>
+<action>Push for specificity and measurability - challenge vague aspirations with "how will you measure that?"</action>
+<action>Clearly distinguish between MVP milestones and full release goals, ensuring all targets are realistic given resources</action>
+
+<template-output>mvp_definition</template-output>
+<template-output>success_metrics</template-output>
+<template-output>launch_goals</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="12" goal="Identify immediate next steps" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Identify immediate actions to take right after this brief: prototype core mechanics, create art style tests, validate technical feasibility, build vertical slice, playtest with target audience</action>
+<action>Determine research needs: market validation, technical proof of concept, player interest testing, competitive deep-dive</action>
+<action>Document open questions and uncertainties: unresolved design questions, technical unknowns, market validation needs, resource/budget questions</action>
+<action>Create actionable, specific next steps - prioritize by importance and dependency</action>
+<action>Identify blockers that must be resolved before moving forward</action>
+
+<template-output>immediate_actions</template-output>
+<template-output>research_needs</template-output>
+<template-output>open_questions</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<!-- YOLO Mode - Generate everything then refine -->
+<step n="3" goal="Generate complete brief draft" if="collaboration_mode == 'yolo'">
+<action>Based on initial context and any provided documents, generate a complete game brief covering all sections</action>
+<action>Make reasonable assumptions where information is missing</action>
+<action>Flag areas that need user validation with [NEEDS CONFIRMATION] tags</action>
+
+<template-output>core_concept</template-output>
+<template-output>elevator_pitch</template-output>
+<template-output>vision_statement</template-output>
+<template-output>primary_audience</template-output>
+<template-output>secondary_audience</template-output>
+<template-output>market_context</template-output>
+<template-output>core_gameplay_pillars</template-output>
+<template-output>primary_mechanics</template-output>
+<template-output>player_experience_goals</template-output>
+<template-output>target_platforms</template-output>
+<template-output>development_timeline</template-output>
+<template-output>budget_considerations</template-output>
+<template-output>team_resources</template-output>
+<template-output>technical_constraints</template-output>
+<template-output>inspiration_games</template-output>
+<template-output>competitive_analysis</template-output>
+<template-output>key_differentiators</template-output>
+<template-output>world_setting</template-output>
+<template-output>narrative_approach</template-output>
+<template-output>content_volume</template-output>
+<template-output>visual_style</template-output>
+<template-output>audio_style</template-output>
+<template-output>production_approach</template-output>
+<template-output>key_risks</template-output>
+<template-output>technical_challenges</template-output>
+<template-output>market_risks</template-output>
+<template-output>mitigation_strategies</template-output>
+<template-output>mvp_definition</template-output>
+<template-output>success_metrics</template-output>
+<template-output>launch_goals</template-output>
+<template-output>immediate_actions</template-output>
+<template-output>research_needs</template-output>
+<template-output>open_questions</template-output>
+
+<action>Present the complete draft to the user</action>
+<ask>Here's the complete game brief draft. What would you like to adjust or refine?</ask>
+</step>
+
+<step n="4" goal="Refine brief sections" repeat="until-approved" if="collaboration_mode == 'yolo'">
+<ask>Which section would you like to refine?
+
+1. Game Vision
+2. Target Market
+3. Game Fundamentals
+4. Scope and Constraints
+5. Reference Framework
+6. Content Framework
+7. Art and Audio Direction
+8. Risk Assessment
+9. Success Criteria
+10. Next Steps
+11. Save and continue</ask>
+
+<action>Work with user to refine selected section</action>
+<action>Update relevant template outputs</action>
+</step>
+
+<!-- Final steps for both modes -->
+<step n="13" goal="Create executive summary">
+<action>Synthesize all sections into a compelling executive summary</action>
+<action>Include:
+- Game concept in 1-2 sentences
+- Target audience and market
+- Core gameplay pillars
+- Key differentiators
+- Success vision</action>
+
+<template-output>executive_summary</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="14" goal="Compile supporting materials">
+<action>If research documents were provided, create a summary of key findings</action>
+<action>Document any stakeholder input received during the process</action>
+<action>Compile list of reference games and resources</action>
+
+<template-output>research_summary</template-output>
+<template-output>stakeholder_input</template-output>
+<template-output>references</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="15" goal="Final review and handoff">
+<action>Generate the complete game brief document</action>
+<action>Review all sections for completeness and consistency</action>
+<action>Flag any areas that need design attention with [DESIGN-TODO] tags</action>
+
+<ask>The game brief is complete! Would you like to:
+
+1. Review the entire document
+2. Make final adjustments
+3. Generate an executive summary version (3-page limit)
+4. Save and prepare for GDD creation
+
+This brief will serve as the primary input for creating the Game Design Document (GDD).
+
+**Recommended next steps:**
+
+- Create prototype of core mechanic
+- Proceed to GDD workflow: `workflow gdd`
+- Validate assumptions with target players</ask>
+
+<check if="user chooses option 3 (executive summary)">
+  <action>Create condensed 3-page executive brief focusing on: core concept, target market, gameplay pillars, key differentiators, and success criteria</action>
+  <action>Save as: {output_folder}/game-brief-executive-{{game_name}}-{{date}}.md</action>
+</check>
+
+<template-output>final_brief</template-output>
+<template-output>executive_brief</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="16" goal="Update status and complete">
+<check if="standalone_mode != true">
+  <invoke-workflow path="{project-root}/bmad/bmm/workflows/workflow-status">
+    <param>mode: update</param>
+    <param>action: complete_workflow</param>
+    <param>workflow_name: game-brief</param>
+  </invoke-workflow>
+
+  <check if="success == true">
+    <output>Status updated! Next: {{next_workflow}}</output>
+  </check>
+</check>
+
+<output>**✅ Game Brief Complete, {user_name}!**
+
+**Brief Document:**
+
+- Game brief saved to {output_folder}/bmm-game-brief-{{game_name}}-{{date}}.md
+
+{{#if standalone_mode != true}}
+**Status Updated:**
+
+- Progress tracking updated
+  {{else}}
+  Note: Running in standalone mode (no status file).
+  To track progress across workflows, run `workflow-init` first.
+  {{/if}}
+
+**Next Steps:**
+
+{{#if standalone_mode != true}}
+
+- **Next required:** {{next_workflow}} ({{next_agent}} agent)
+- **Optional:** Consider creating a prototype of core mechanic or validating assumptions with target players before proceeding
+
+Check status anytime with: `workflow-status`
+{{else}}
+Since no workflow is in progress:
+
+- Refer to the BMM workflow guide if unsure what to do next
+- Or run `workflow-init` to create a workflow path and get guided next steps
+  {{/if}}
+  </output>
+  </step>
+
+</workflow>

package/src/modules/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/game-brief/template.md

@@ -0,0 +1,205 @@
+# Game Brief: {{game_name}}
+
+**Date:** {{date}}
+**Author:** {{user_name}}
+**Status:** Draft for GDD Development
+
+---
+
+## Executive Summary
+
+{{executive_summary}}
+
+---
+
+## Game Vision
+
+### Core Concept
+
+{{core_concept}}
+
+### Elevator Pitch
+
+{{elevator_pitch}}
+
+### Vision Statement
+
+{{vision_statement}}
+
+---
+
+## Target Market
+
+### Primary Audience
+
+{{primary_audience}}
+
+### Secondary Audience
+
+{{secondary_audience}}
+
+### Market Context
+
+{{market_context}}
+
+---
+
+## Game Fundamentals
+
+### Core Gameplay Pillars
+
+{{core_gameplay_pillars}}
+
+### Primary Mechanics
+
+{{primary_mechanics}}
+
+### Player Experience Goals
+
+{{player_experience_goals}}
+
+---
+
+## Scope and Constraints
+
+### Target Platforms
+
+{{target_platforms}}
+
+### Development Timeline
+
+{{development_timeline}}
+
+### Budget Considerations
+
+{{budget_considerations}}
+
+### Team Resources
+
+{{team_resources}}
+
+### Technical Constraints
+
+{{technical_constraints}}
+
+---
+
+## Reference Framework
+
+### Inspiration Games
+
+{{inspiration_games}}
+
+### Competitive Analysis
+
+{{competitive_analysis}}
+
+### Key Differentiators
+
+{{key_differentiators}}
+
+---
+
+## Content Framework
+
+### World and Setting
+
+{{world_setting}}
+
+### Narrative Approach
+
+{{narrative_approach}}
+
+### Content Volume
+
+{{content_volume}}
+
+---
+
+## Art and Audio Direction
+
+### Visual Style
+
+{{visual_style}}
+
+### Audio Style
+
+{{audio_style}}
+
+### Production Approach
+
+{{production_approach}}
+
+---
+
+## Risk Assessment
+
+### Key Risks
+
+{{key_risks}}
+
+### Technical Challenges
+
+{{technical_challenges}}
+
+### Market Risks
+
+{{market_risks}}
+
+### Mitigation Strategies
+
+{{mitigation_strategies}}
+
+---
+
+## Success Criteria
+
+### MVP Definition
+
+{{mvp_definition}}
+
+### Success Metrics
+
+{{success_metrics}}
+
+### Launch Goals
+
+{{launch_goals}}
+
+---
+
+## Next Steps
+
+### Immediate Actions
+
+{{immediate_actions}}
+
+### Research Needs
+
+{{research_needs}}
+
+### Open Questions
+
+{{open_questions}}
+
+---
+
+## Appendices
+
+### A. Research Summary
+
+{{research_summary}}
+
+### B. Stakeholder Input
+
+{{stakeholder_input}}
+
+### C. References
+
+{{references}}
+
+---
+
+_This Game Brief serves as the foundational input for Game Design Document (GDD) creation._
+
+_Next Steps: Use the `workflow gdd` command to create detailed game design documentation._