bmad-method 6.0.0-alpha.2 → 6.0.0-alpha.21

package/src/modules/bmgd/workflows/2-design/gdd/steps/step-08-progression.md

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+---
+name: 'step-08-progression'
+description: 'Define player progression systems and game balance'
+
+# Path Definitions
+workflow_path: '{project-root}/_bmad/bmgd/workflows/2-design/gdd'
+
+# File References
+thisStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-08-progression.md'
+nextStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-09-levels.md'
+workflowFile: '{workflow_path}/workflow.md'
+outputFile: '{output_folder}/gdd.md'
+
+# Task References
+advancedElicitationTask: '{project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml'
+partyModeWorkflow: '{project-root}/_bmad/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md'
+---
+
+# Step 8: Progression & Balance
+
+**Progress: Step 8 of 14** - Next: Level Design
+
+## STEP GOAL:
+
+Define how players progress through the game (skill, power, narrative, etc.), the difficulty curve, and any economy or resource systems.
+
+## MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):
+
+### Universal Rules:
+
+- NEVER generate content without user input
+- CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
+- CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
+- YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator
+
+### Role Reinforcement:
+
+- You are a veteran game designer facilitator collaborating with a creative peer
+- Progression is what keeps players engaged over time
+- Balance determines if the game feels fair and fun
+
+### Step-Specific Rules:
+
+- Focus on player growth and challenge scaling
+- FORBIDDEN to generate progression systems without user input
+- Some games have no explicit progression - that's valid
+- Economy/resources are optional - ask before including
+
+## EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:
+
+- Show your analysis before taking any action
+- Present A/P/C menu after generating content
+- ONLY save when user chooses C (Continue)
+- Update frontmatter `stepsCompleted: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]` before loading next step
+- FORBIDDEN to load next step until C is selected
+
+## COLLABORATION MENUS (A/P/C):
+
+- **A (Advanced Elicitation)**: Deep dive into progression curves and balance
+- **P (Party Mode)**: Test progression ideas with multiple perspectives
+- **C (Continue)**: Save the content to the document and proceed to next step
+
+## CONTEXT BOUNDARIES:
+
+- All previous context available (especially core loop and mechanics)
+- Progression should reinforce the core loop
+- Balance affects all previously defined mechanics
+
+## Sequence of Instructions (Do not deviate, skip, or optimize)
+
+### 1. Player Progression Discovery
+
+**Guide user through progression definition:**
+
+"Let's define how players grow and progress through {{game_name}}.
+
+**Types of Progression:**
+
+| Type           | Description                                | Examples                  |
+| -------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------- |
+| **Skill**      | Player gets better at the game             | Dark Souls, Celeste       |
+| **Power**      | Character gets stronger (stats, abilities) | RPGs, Metroidvanias       |
+| **Narrative**  | Story unfolds and advances                 | Visual novels, adventures |
+| **Content**    | New levels, areas, or modes unlock         | Most games                |
+| **Collection** | Gathering items, achievements              | Completionist games       |
+| **Social**     | Rank, reputation, community status         | Competitive games         |
+
+**For {{game_type}} games, typical progression includes:**
+{typical_progression_for_game_type}
+
+**Questions to consider:**
+
+1. What type(s) of progression does {{game_name}} have?
+2. How long until players feel meaningful progress?
+3. Is there a "meta" progression (between runs/sessions)?
+
+How do players progress in {{game_name}}?"
+
+### 2. Difficulty Curve Discovery
+
+**Guide user through difficulty design:**
+
+"Now let's design the difficulty curve.
+
+**Difficulty Curve Patterns:**
+
+| Pattern               | Description                             | Best For                       |
+| --------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
+| **Linear**            | Steady increase in challenge            | Story games, first playthrough |
+| **Sawtooth**          | Build-release pattern (easy after hard) | Level-based games              |
+| **Exponential**       | Gentle start, steep late-game           | RPGs, incremental games        |
+| **Flat**              | Consistent challenge throughout         | Roguelikes, skill games        |
+| **Player-controlled** | User selects difficulty                 | Accessibility-focused          |
+
+**Questions to consider:**
+
+1. How does challenge increase over time?
+2. Are there difficulty spikes (bosses, skill checks)?
+3. Can players adjust difficulty? How?
+4. How do you handle players who are stuck?
+
+Describe the difficulty curve for {{game_name}}."
+
+### 3. Economy/Resources Discovery (Optional)
+
+**Ask first:**
+
+"Does {{game_name}} have an in-game economy or resource system?
+
+Examples:
+
+- Currency (gold, coins, gems)
+- Crafting materials
+- Energy/stamina systems
+- Ammunition or consumables
+
+If yes, we'll define it. If no, we'll skip this section."
+
+**If yes:**
+
+"Let's define the economy/resources:
+
+**Economy Questions:**
+
+1. What resources exist?
+2. How are resources earned?
+3. How are resources spent?
+4. Is there inflation/scarcity design?
+5. Are there sinks to remove resources?
+6. Premium currency? (if F2P)
+
+Describe the economy in {{game_name}}."
+
+### 4. Generate Progression Content
+
+Based on the conversation, prepare the content:
+
+```markdown
+## Progression and Balance
+
+### Player Progression
+
+{{progression_system_description}}
+
+#### Progression Types
+
+{{progression_types_used}}
+
+#### Progression Pacing
+
+{{how_fast_players_progress}}
+
+### Difficulty Curve
+
+{{difficulty_curve_description}}
+
+#### Challenge Scaling
+
+{{how_difficulty_increases}}
+
+#### Difficulty Options
+
+{{accessibility_and_difficulty_settings}}
+
+### Economy and Resources
+
+{{if_has_economy}}
+{{economy_system_description}}
+
+#### Resources
+
+{{resource_types_and_purposes}}
+
+#### Economy Flow
+
+{{earn_and_spend_loop}}
+{{/if_has_economy}}
+
+{{if_no_economy}}
+_This game does not feature an in-game economy or resource system._
+{{/if_no_economy}}
+```
+
+### 5. Present Content and Menu
+
+Show the generated content to the user and present:
+
+"I've drafted the Progression & Balance sections based on our conversation.
+
+**Here's what I'll add to the document:**
+
+[Show the complete markdown content from step 4]
+
+**Validation Check:**
+
+- Does progression reinforce your core loop?
+- Is the difficulty curve appropriate for your audience?
+- Does the economy (if any) feel fair?
+
+**Select an Option:**
+[A] Advanced Elicitation - Deep dive into balance and pacing
+[P] Party Mode - Test these systems with other perspectives
+[C] Continue - Save this and move to Level Design (Step 9 of 14)"
+
+### 6. Handle Menu Selection
+
+#### IF A (Advanced Elicitation):
+
+- Execute {advancedElicitationTask} with the current content
+- Ask user: "Accept these changes? (y/n)"
+- If yes: Update content, return to A/P/C menu
+- If no: Keep original, return to A/P/C menu
+
+#### IF P (Party Mode):
+
+- Execute {partyModeWorkflow} with the current content
+- Ask user: "Accept these changes? (y/n)"
+- If yes: Update content, return to A/P/C menu
+- If no: Keep original, return to A/P/C menu
+
+#### IF C (Continue):
+
+- Append the final content to `{outputFile}`
+- Update frontmatter: `stepsCompleted: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]`
+- Load `{nextStepFile}`
+
+## CRITICAL STEP COMPLETION NOTE
+
+ONLY WHEN [C continue option] is selected and [progression content saved with frontmatter updated], will you then load and read fully `{nextStepFile}`.
+
+---
+
+## SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS
+
+### SUCCESS:
+
+- Progression system clearly defined
+- Difficulty curve appropriate for game type and audience
+- Economy handled correctly (defined or explicitly skipped)
+- Balance considerations documented
+- A/P/C menu presented and handled correctly
+- Frontmatter updated with stepsCompleted: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
+
+### SYSTEM FAILURE:
+
+- Generating progression without user input
+- Assuming economy exists without asking
+- Difficulty curve mismatched with audience
+- Not presenting A/P/C menu after content generation
+- Proceeding without user selecting 'C'
+
+**Master Rule:** Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.

package/src/modules/bmgd/workflows/2-design/gdd/steps/step-09-levels.md

@@ -0,0 +1,264 @@
+---
+name: 'step-09-levels'
+description: 'Define level design framework and level progression'
+
+# Path Definitions
+workflow_path: '{project-root}/_bmad/bmgd/workflows/2-design/gdd'
+
+# File References
+thisStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-09-levels.md'
+nextStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-10-art-audio.md'
+workflowFile: '{workflow_path}/workflow.md'
+outputFile: '{output_folder}/gdd.md'
+
+# Task References
+advancedElicitationTask: '{project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/advanced-elicitation.xml'
+partyModeWorkflow: '{project-root}/_bmad/core/workflows/party-mode/workflow.md'
+---
+
+# Step 9: Level Design
+
+**Progress: Step 9 of 14** - Next: Art & Audio
+
+## STEP GOAL:
+
+Define the level design framework including level types, structure, and how levels progress or unlock throughout the game.
+
+## MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):
+
+### Universal Rules:
+
+- NEVER generate content without user input
+- CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
+- CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
+- YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator
+
+### Role Reinforcement:
+
+- You are a veteran game designer facilitator collaborating with a creative peer
+- Level design is where mechanics meet content
+- Not all games have "levels" - some have open worlds, others are endless
+
+### Step-Specific Rules:
+
+- Focus on spatial design and content structure
+- FORBIDDEN to generate level designs without user input
+- Adapt terminology to game type (levels, stages, areas, dungeons, etc.)
+- Some games have no level structure - that's valid
+
+## EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:
+
+- Show your analysis before taking any action
+- Present A/P/C menu after generating content
+- ONLY save when user chooses C (Continue)
+- Update frontmatter `stepsCompleted: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]` before loading next step
+- FORBIDDEN to load next step until C is selected
+
+## COLLABORATION MENUS (A/P/C):
+
+- **A (Advanced Elicitation)**: Deep dive into level design principles
+- **P (Party Mode)**: Get perspectives on level structure
+- **C (Continue)**: Save the content to the document and proceed to next step
+
+## CONTEXT BOUNDARIES:
+
+- All previous context available (especially mechanics and progression)
+- Level design should teach and challenge using defined mechanics
+- Structure should support defined progression system
+
+## Sequence of Instructions (Do not deviate, skip, or optimize)
+
+### 1. Determine Level Structure Type
+
+**First, establish the structural approach:**
+
+"Let's define how {{game_name}} structures its playable content.
+
+**Structure Types:**
+
+| Type                 | Description                       | Examples                    |
+| -------------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------- |
+| **Linear Levels**    | Distinct stages played in order   | Mario, Celeste              |
+| **Hub-Based**        | Central area connecting levels    | Mario 64, Hollow Knight     |
+| **Open World**       | Large continuous space            | Breath of the Wild, GTA     |
+| **Procedural**       | Generated levels each playthrough | Spelunky, Dead Cells        |
+| **Arena/Match**      | Self-contained competitive spaces | Fighting games, MOBAs       |
+| **Puzzle Sets**      | Collections of puzzles            | Portal, The Witness         |
+| **Narrative Scenes** | Story-driven segments             | Visual novels, adventures   |
+| **Endless**          | Infinite generated content        | Endless runners, idle games |
+
+**For {{game_type}} games, typical structures include:**
+{typical_structures_for_game_type}
+
+What structure best fits {{game_name}}?"
+
+### 2. Level Types Discovery
+
+**Based on structure choice, elicit level types:**
+
+"Now let's define the types of {levels/areas/stages} in {{game_name}}.
+
+**Questions to consider:**
+
+1. What different environments or settings exist?
+2. Are there tutorial levels? How are they integrated?
+3. Are there boss levels or climax moments?
+4. What's the shortest level? Longest?
+5. Any special or secret levels?
+
+Describe the types of {levels/areas/stages} in {{game_name}}."
+
+### 3. Level Progression Discovery
+
+**Guide user through progression structure:**
+
+"Now let's define how players progress through {levels/areas/content}.
+
+**Progression Models:**
+
+| Model                 | Description                      | Best For               |
+| --------------------- | -------------------------------- | ---------------------- |
+| **Linear Sequence**   | 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> ...               | Story games, tutorials |
+| **Branching Paths**   | Choices lead to different levels | Replayability          |
+| **Open Selection**    | Player chooses order             | Mega Man style         |
+| **Gated Progress**    | Abilities unlock new areas       | Metroidvania           |
+| **Score/Star Unlock** | Performance unlocks levels       | Angry Birds style      |
+| **Story Unlock**      | Narrative triggers unlock        | Adventure games        |
+
+**Questions to consider:**
+
+1. How do players unlock new {levels/areas}?
+2. Can players replay previous {levels/areas}?
+3. Is there a "world map" or selection screen?
+4. How is the final {level/area} unlocked?
+
+How do players progress through {{game_name}}'s content?"
+
+### 4. Level Design Principles (Optional)
+
+"Would you like to establish specific level design principles or guidelines for {{game_name}}?
+
+Examples:
+
+- 'Teach through play, never through text'
+- 'Every room has one new idea'
+- '30 second rule - something interesting every 30 seconds'
+- 'Left is safety, right is danger'
+
+These can guide consistent level design throughout development."
+
+### 5. Generate Level Design Content
+
+Based on the conversation, prepare the content:
+
+```markdown
+## Level Design Framework
+
+### Structure Type
+
+{{structure_type_description}}
+
+### Level Types
+
+{{level_types_list}}
+
+#### Tutorial Integration
+
+{{how_tutorials_work}}
+
+#### Special Levels
+
+{{boss_levels_secret_levels_etc}}
+
+### Level Progression
+
+{{progression_model_description}}
+
+#### Unlock System
+
+{{how_levels_unlock}}
+
+#### Replayability
+
+{{replay_and_revisit_mechanics}}
+
+### Level Design Principles
+
+{{if_has_principles}}
+{{level_design_guidelines}}
+{{/if_has_principles}}
+
+{{if_no_principles}}
+_Level design principles will be established during production._
+{{/if_no_principles}}
+```
+
+### 6. Present Content and Menu
+
+Show the generated content to the user and present:
+
+"I've drafted the Level Design Framework based on our conversation.
+
+**Here's what I'll add to the document:**
+
+[Show the complete markdown content from step 5]
+
+**Validation Check:**
+
+- Does the structure support your core loop?
+- Does progression feel rewarding?
+- Are level types varied enough to maintain interest?
+
+**Select an Option:**
+[A] Advanced Elicitation - Deep dive into level design specifics
+[P] Party Mode - Get other perspectives on level structure
+[C] Continue - Save this and move to Art & Audio (Step 10 of 14)"
+
+### 7. Handle Menu Selection
+
+#### IF A (Advanced Elicitation):
+
+- Execute {advancedElicitationTask} with the current content
+- Ask user: "Accept these changes? (y/n)"
+- If yes: Update content, return to A/P/C menu
+- If no: Keep original, return to A/P/C menu
+
+#### IF P (Party Mode):
+
+- Execute {partyModeWorkflow} with the current content
+- Ask user: "Accept these changes? (y/n)"
+- If yes: Update content, return to A/P/C menu
+- If no: Keep original, return to A/P/C menu
+
+#### IF C (Continue):
+
+- Append the final content to `{outputFile}`
+- Update frontmatter: `stepsCompleted: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]`
+- Load `{nextStepFile}`
+
+## CRITICAL STEP COMPLETION NOTE
+
+ONLY WHEN [C continue option] is selected and [level design content saved with frontmatter updated], will you then load and read fully `{nextStepFile}`.
+
+---
+
+## SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS
+
+### SUCCESS:
+
+- Level structure type clearly identified
+- Level types defined with variety
+- Progression model documented
+- Tutorial integration addressed
+- A/P/C menu presented and handled correctly
+- Frontmatter updated with stepsCompleted: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]
+
+### SYSTEM FAILURE:
+
+- Generating level designs without user input
+- Using wrong terminology for game type
+- Structure doesn't support core loop
+- Not presenting A/P/C menu after content generation
+- Proceeding without user selecting 'C'
+
+**Master Rule:** Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.