Terms of reference for the development of a mobile game

The creation of any project begins with the development of a technical assignment, which includes key requirements for a future product. For the design of the game, documentation is used that takes into account the concept, specification, TOR and work plan. The design, elements of gameplay, mechanics and integration are thought out separately.

The technical task for a mobile game describes in detail all the parameters that the client would like to receive from the future product: from the general style to the monetization model and implementation tools. The document should contain not only strict technical data, but also explain the vision of the project by the customer and the target audience.

There is no universal TOR template for a mobile game, since it is drawn up individually for each product, but the following points are usually included in the document:

General information

• game genre (platformer, strategy, RPG, etc.);
• tasks and goals of the project (the AVADA MEDIA team forms a list of tasks, where each task is tied to one or more goals);
• 2D or 3D game view, isometric, rhombic, top view, etc .;
• multiplayer, online or single player;
• game functionality;
• target platforms: Android, IOS.

Marketing solutions and prototypes

After studying the market, ideas and features that distinguish the game from prototypes in this genre, which will make it successful in the market, are introduced into the terms of reference.

Screen format

Even when developing a technical specification, it is necessary to determine the basic characteristics of the product, including the aspect ratio and screen resolution, for which all typical interface elements, backgrounds and textures will be created. In addition, you should specify how the image will adapt to screens with different aspect ratios.

Monetization

The game should generate income for the client in one way or another. It can be sold for money, or it can be free, but at the same time it contains built-in advertising that gives deductions.

The Play Market and App Store offer optimal advertising and sales opportunities. One of the easiest options is to place the game in the paid section and promote it further.

Gameplay and game screens
This section describes all the key scenes that will be present in your game, as well as the transitions between them. One scene is a background and a collection of all objects on the screen, which are completely or partially replaced when switching to a new scene.

Additional requirements:

• Stores / Markets

Marketplaces where the game will be sold or distributed. This feature requires the implementation of special code that meets the requirements of game markets.

• Microtransaction model

Players may pay for additional benefits and amenities, such as disabling ads, purchasing a premium account with certain privileges or in-game items that provide benefits, and more.

• Social component

The game can have access to social networks, keep statistics of achievements, leaderboards and other options.

Networking (optional)

If necessary, the technical specification for games can describe the network protocol and other additional data intended to formalize the relationship between specialists and the customer.

A high-quality technical task for the development of a game is a guarantee that the specialists will complete the task accurately, on time and within the budget, and the customer will receive exactly the product he wanted. The AVADA MEDIA team not only prepares a detailed TOR, but also completely visualizes it in order to minimize the likelihood of misunderstanding between the parties.

At the preliminary stage, the manager discusses the project with the client, finds out the basic requirements, general provisions, tasks and goals of the game, after which specialists are involved in the work.  They analyze the data and prepare recommendations, which are approved and, as necessary, corrected by the customer.

• Prototyping with Moqups

The product mockup helps to quickly and efficiently demonstrate to the client the interface, use cases, system algorithms, gameplay, screens, design and other important elements.

Thanks to visualization, the customer can evaluate the full functionality of the game, make sure that all requirements have been taken into account and implemented in the project. This greatly simplifies the task of developers and avoids serious misunderstandings.

• Description of functionality

At the next stage, a complete checklist of project functions is drawn up. The specialists form a list of the game’s functionalities, and then transfer it to the pivot table.

• Video explaining the terms of reference

The video explanation describes how the product works. It acts as a presentation for the client, simply and clearly conveys information about the TK, and also demonstrates to specialists what tasks they need to implement in the future.

As a result, the customer receives a detailed and understandable visualization of the final product, in the design of which highly qualified specialists are involved.

If a client needs help and cannot quickly find out exactly how and in what sequence a technical assignment for a mobile game should be drawn up, we are ready to offer him a ready-made brief that simplifies the ordering process.

AVADA MEDIA develops and actively promotes mobile games on the market. Our products work stably even on devices with limited performance, capitalize quickly and bring profit to customers. To achieve this result, we carefully plan each stage and develop a technical assignment.