{"id":112400,"url":"https://github.com/roobyx/awesome-game-design","name":"awesome-game-design","description":"A comprehensive list of Game Design related learning materials, examples and tools.","projects_count":393,"last_synced_at":"2026-10-03T10:00:20.646Z","repository":{"id":49832247,"uuid":"275341781","full_name":"Roobyx/awesome-game-design","owner":"Roobyx","description":"A comprehensive list of Game Design related learning materials, examples and tools.","archived":false,"fork":false,"pushed_at":"2026-09-16T08:06:28.000Z","size":253,"stargazers_count":651,"open_issues_count":10,"forks_count":44,"subscribers_count":16,"default_branch":"master","last_synced_at":"2026-09-22T10:57:45.654Z","etag":null,"topics":["awesome","awesome-list","game-design","game-design-document","game-development","games","gdd","gdd-creation","learning-materials","list","postmortem","postmortems"],"latest_commit_sha":null,"homepage":"","language":null,"has_issues":true,"has_wiki":null,"has_pages":null,"mirror_url":null,"source_name":null,"license":"cc0-1.0","status":null,"scm":"git","pull_requests_enabled":true,"icon_url":"https://github.com/Roobyx.png","metadata":{"files":{"readme":"README.md","changelog":null,"contributing":"contributing.md","funding":null,"license":"LICENSE","code_of_conduct":null,"threat_model":null,"audit":null,"citation":null,"codeowners":null,"security":null,"support":null,"governance":null,"roadmap":null,"authors":null,"dei":null,"publiccode":null,"codemeta":null,"zenodo":null,"notice":null,"maintainers":null,"copyright":null,"agents":null,"claude":null,"gemini":null,"cursor":null,"copilot":null,"dco":null,"cla":null,"disclosure":null}},"created_at":"2020-06-27T09:43:32.000Z","updated_at":"2026-09-21T14:16:13.000Z","dependencies_parsed_at":"2026-09-12T03:10:55.087Z","dependency_job_id":"a099bf8d-0bf1-4467-8ade-93efecaa35c7","html_url":"https://github.com/Roobyx/awesome-game-design","commit_stats":null,"previous_names":[],"tags_count":0,"template":false,"template_full_name":null,"purl":"pkg:github/Roobyx/awesome-game-design","repository_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/Roobyx%2Fawesome-game-design","tags_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/Roobyx%2Fawesome-game-design/tags","releases_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/Roobyx%2Fawesome-game-design/releases","manifests_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/Roobyx%2Fawesome-game-design/manifests","owner_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/owners/Roobyx","download_url":"https://codeload.github.com/Roobyx/awesome-game-design/tar.gz/refs/heads/master","sbom_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories/Roobyx%2Fawesome-game-design/sbom","scorecard":null,"host":{"name":"GitHub","url":"https://github.com","kind":"github","repositories_count":343072799,"owners_count":37968613,"icon_url":"https://github.com/github.png","version":null,"created_at":"2022-05-30T11:31:42.601Z","updated_at":"2026-08-22T15:14:58.755Z","status":"online","status_checked_at":"2026-10-03T02:00:07.567Z","response_time":59,"last_error":null,"robots_txt_status":"success","robots_txt_updated_at":"2025-07-24T06:49:26.215Z","robots_txt_url":"https://github.com/robots.txt","online":true,"can_crawl_api":true,"host_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub","repositories_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repositories","repository_names_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/repository_names","owners_url":"https://repos.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/hosts/GitHub/owners"}},"created_at":"2026-01-23T02:22:45.982Z","updated_at":"2026-10-03T10:00:20.646Z","primary_language":null,"list_of_lists":false,"displayable":true,"categories":["Game development","GDD Creation Tools","Game design tools","Learning materials:","Game Architectural elements","Finished games GDDs:","Templates and examples:","Postmortems:"],"sub_categories":["Game Engines","Learning Resources","Postmortems Videos","Narrative Design Tools","Development:","Community Resources","Game Balancing \u0026 Systems Design","Indie Postmortems","Ludum Dare Game Jam Postmortems","AAA Studios Postmortems","Classic Game Postmortems (Videos from GDC)","Special Postmortems"],"readme":"# Awesome Game Design [![Awesome](https://awesome.re/badge-flat.svg)](https://awesome.re)\n\nA curated list of publicly available game design documents, design bibles, pitch documents, postmortems, learning materials, architecture resources, and tools. The main focus is game design materials; development tools and assets are included at the end.\n\nI do not own any of these documents. All rights belong to the original authors. Links are provided for reference and educational purposes only.\n\nEnjoy.\n\n## Contents\n\n- [Aggregators and Archives](#aggregators-and-archives)\n- [Finished Game Design Documents](#finished-game-design-documents)\n- [Pitches and Unreleased Documents](#pitches-and-unreleased-documents)\n- [Templates and Examples](#templates-and-examples)\n- [Learning Materials](#learning-materials)\n- [Postmortems](#postmortems)\n- [GDD Creation Tools](#gdd-creation-tools)\n- [Game Architecture](#game-architecture)\n- [Game Design Tools](#game-design-tools)\n- [Game Development](#game-development)\n- [Game Assets](#game-assets)\n- [Community](#community)\n\n## Aggregators and Archives\n\n- [Game Documents](https://gamedocs.org/documents/) - Curated index of publicly available game design documents, pitches, and templates.\n- [VGHF Digital Archive](https://archive.gamehistory.org/) - Video Game History Foundation's digital archive, including a Development and Production Materials collection of design documents and pitches.\n- [VGHF Library Catalog](https://library.gamehistory.org/) - Full catalog of VGHF holdings, including materials not yet digitized.\n- [Game Design Document Resources](https://github.com/mikewesthad/Game-Design-Document-Resources) - Curated examples and templates for game design documents.\n- [Valve Archive](https://valvearchive.com/Games/Half-Life/Documents/) - Archive of Valve's internal design documents, press kits, and production materials.\n\n## Finished Game Design Documents\n\n- [Grand Theft Auto](https://www.gamedevs.org/uploads/grand-theft-auto.pdf) - Design document for the original GTA.\n- [Diablo](http://www.graybeardgames.com/download/diablo_pitch.pdf) - Condor's original Diablo pitch document.\n- [Deus Ex](https://gamedocs.org/deus-ex-design-document-and-thief-4-submission-document/) - Annotated original Deus Ex design document, plus the Thief 4 submission document.\n- [BioShock](https://irrationalgames.ghoststorygames.com/insider/from-the-vault-may/) - Irrational Games' original BioShock pitch document, from the From the Vault series.\n- [Doom Bible](https://doomwiki.org/wiki/Doom_Bible) - Design document for id Software's Doom.\n- [Half-Life Alpha Document](https://valvearchive.com/Games/Half-Life/Documents/alpha_document.rtf) - Valve's early alpha design document for Half-Life.\n- [Half-Life Main Design Document](https://valvearchive.com/Games/Half-Life/Documents/Half%20Life%20Main%20v6.doc) - Valve's main Half-Life design document, version 6.\n- [GoldenEye 007](https://goldeneyedecoded.blogspot.com/2013/12/goldeneye-007-game-design-document-by.html) - Martin Hollis' April 1995 design document for Rare's GoldenEye 007, preserved as scanned pages.\n- [Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy Design Bible](https://jakanddaxterarchive.home.blog/2019/06/28/jak-and-daxter-the-precursor-legacy-design-bible/) - Naughty Dog's design bible; the PDF download is linked from the page.\n- [Star Fox 2 Design Document](https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/starfox2/imgeu/pdf/CLV-P-SADK.pdf) - Nintendo's official Star Fox 2 design document.\n- [Star Fox 2 Arwing Design Document](https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/starfox2/imgeu/pdf/CLV-P-SADK2.pdf) - Companion Star Fox 2 document focused on the Arwing.\n- [Monaco](https://gamedocs.org/monaco-game-design-document/) - The original 2003 Monaco game design document.\n- [Grim Fandango](https://gamedocs.org/grim-fandango-puzzle-document/) - Puzzle design document for Grim Fandango.\n- [Sam \u0026 Max: Hit the Road](https://gamedocs.org/sam-max-hit-the-road-design-document/) - Design document for the LucasArts adventure game.\n- [Rogue Legacy Design Notes](https://gamedocs.org/rogue-legacy-design-notes/) - Design notes for Cellar Door Games' rogue-lite.\n- [WipEout](https://gamedocs.org/wipeout-game-design-document/) - Design document for Psygnosis' WipEout.\n- [Dirty Bomb](https://gamedocs.org/dirty-bomb-from-splash-damage-game-design-doc-art-book-and-soundtrack/) - Game design document, art book, and soundtrack from Splash Damage.\n- [Azrael's Tear](https://gamedocs.org/azraels-tear-game-design-documents/) - Design documents and proposal for the 1996 adventure game.\n- [Captain Claw](https://gamedocs.org/captain-claw/) - Game design document for Monolith's Captain Claw.\n- [Pid](https://gamedocs.org/pid-game-design-document-from-might-and-delight/) - Game design document from Might and Delight.\n- [Saints Row Undercover](https://gamedocs.org/saints-row-undercover-gdd-and-walkthrough/) - Design document and walkthrough for the cancelled PSP title.\n- [Remember Me (GBA RPG)](https://gamedocs.org/remember-me-gba-rpg-demo-documents-assets-and-soundtrack/) - Documents, assets, and soundtrack for the unreleased Game Boy Advance RPG.\n- [Destiny and Halo UX/UI Designs](https://gamedocs.org/destiny-and-halo-ux-ui-designs/) - HUD specifications and UI flowcharts by David Candland.\n- [The Chronicles of Spellborn Artbook](https://gamedocs.org/the-chronicles-of-spellborn-artbook/) - Artbook and design materials for the MMO.\n- [Wasteland 2 Vision Document](https://gamedocs.org/wasteland-2-vision-document/) - inXile's vision document for Wasteland 2.\n- [List of Game Design Documents](https://gamedocs.org/list-of-game-design-documents-fallout-tron-silent-hill-and-more/) - Collection covering Fallout, TRON, Silent Hill, and more.\n- [Prince of Persia 2](https://www.popot.org/documentation/documents/1991-08-08_PoP2_Design_Bible.pdf) - Design bible for Prince of Persia 2.\n- [Burnt Out Cop](http://gamescrye.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/BURNT-OUT-COP-Design-Overview.pdf) - Design overview for the cancelled title.\n- [Leisure Suit Larry 5](http://allowe.com/gamedesign/Larry5%20Design.pdf) - Design document for Leisure Suit Larry 5.\n- [Frontier Pharmacist](http://allowe.com/gamedesign/Freddy%20Design.pdf) - Design document from the Leisure Suit Larry series.\n- [Shape Up or Slip Out](http://allowe.com/gamedesign/Larry6%20Design.pdf) - Design document for Leisure Suit Larry 6.\n- [The Sky Above, the Sky Below](http://allowe.com/gamedesign/Torin%20Design.pdf) - Design document for the Torin project.\n- [Love for Sail](http://allowe.com/gamedesign/Larry7%20Design.pdf) - Design document for Leisure Suit Larry 7.\n- [Leisure Suit Larry's Casino](http://allowe.com/gamedesign/Larry%27s%20Casino%20Design.PDF) - Design document for Leisure Suit Larry's Casino.\n\n## Pitches and Unreleased Documents\n\n- [Alice: Asylum Design Bible](https://archive.org/details/alice-asylum-design-bible-feb-2023-v-1.1_202310) - American McGee's full design bible for the unreleased Alice: Asylum.\n- [Metal Gear Solid 2 Grand Game Plan](https://gamedocs.org/metal-gear-solid-2-grand-game-plan/) - Kojima Productions' design plan for Metal Gear Solid 2.\n- [The Monster Island Pitch](https://gamedocs.org/the-monster-island-pitch-from-irrational-games/) - Ken Levine's pitch for the unreleased Monster Island.\n- [Planescape: Torment Vision Statement](https://gamedocs.org/planescape-torment-vision-statement/) - Black Isle's vision statement for Planescape: Torment.\n- [Narbacular Drop](https://gamedocs.org/narbacular-drop/) - Design documents for the Portal predecessor from Nuclear Monkey Software.\n- [Monster Knight](https://gamedocs.org/the-insomniac-game-that-never-was-monster-knight/) - Design bible for Insomniac's cancelled PlayStation 2 game.\n- [Mythos Pitch](https://gamedocs.org/mythos-pitch/) - Pitch document for Flagship Studios' Mythos.\n- [The Flame in the Flood Pitch](https://gamedocs.org/the-flame-in-the-flood-pitch/) - Pitch document from The Molasses Flood.\n- [Guacamelee! Design Pitch](https://gamedocs.org/guacamelee-design-pitch/) - DrinkBox Studios' original pitch.\n- [SpongeBob Card Game Pitch](https://gamedocs.org/pitch-for-a-spongebob-card-game-by-tinytouchtales/) - Pitch document by TiNYTOUCHTALES.\n- [Transport Tycoon Pitch](https://gamedocs.org/chris-sawyers-transport-tycoon-pitch-and-snippets-of-source-code/) - Chris Sawyer's pitch and source code snippets.\n- [Shred Nebula Pitch and Gameplay Documents](https://gamedocs.org/shred-nebula-pitch-and-gameplay-documents/) - Pitch and gameplay documents for Shred Nebula.\n- [Classic LucasArts Game Design Documents](https://gamedocs.org/classic-lucasarts-game-design-documents/) - Design documents from LucasArts' adventure game era.\n- [Double Fine Game Design Documents from Lee Petty](https://gamedocs.org/double-fine-productions-game-design-documents-from-lee-petty/) - Documents from Stacking, Brutal Legend, Headlander, and more.\n- [Thomas Grové Design Documents and Pitches](https://gamedocs.org/game-design-documents-and-pitches-from-designer-thomas-grove-street-fighter-iv-flashback-and-more/) - Pitches including Street Fighter IV: Flashback.\n- [Richard Hill-Whittall Design Documents](https://gamedocs.org/game-design-documents-from-designer-richard-hill-whittall/) - Design documents from an independent developer.\n- [Development Journals: Prince of Persia and Karateka](https://gamedocs.org/development-journals-prince-of-persia-and-karateka/) - Jordan Mechner's development journals.\n- [What Remains of Edith Finch Concept Docs](https://gamedocs.org/early-concept-docs-for-what-remains-of-edith-finch/) - Early concept documents and moodboards from Giant Sparrow.\n- [Ninja Theory Documents](https://gamedocs.org/ninja-theory-documents/) - Design documents from Ninja Theory.\n- [Metroid 1.5 Random Musings](https://www.slideshare.net/ChozoBoy/metroid1-5-randommusings2) - Design document for Retro Studios' cancelled Metroid 1.5.\n- [ZACH-LIKE](https://gamedocs.org/zach-like/) - Zachtronics' book of behind-the-scenes design documents and prototypes.\n\n## Templates and Examples\n\n- [Unity Game Design Document Template](https://connect-prd-cdn.unity.com/20201215/83f3733d-3146-42de-8a69-f461d6662eb1/Game-Design-Document-Template.pdf) - First-party GDD template from Unity.\n- [A GDD Template for the Indie Developer](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/a-gdd-template-for-the-indie-developer) - Widely cited indie-focused template and guide by Jason Bakker.\n- [Chris Taylor Design Template](https://gamedocs.org/game-design-template-from-chris-taylor/) - Design template from the creator of Dungeon Siege and Total Annihilation.\n- [Nikkona GDD Template](https://gamedocs.org/gdd-template/) - Community GDD template.\n- [Simple Game Design Document Template](https://artsybarrels.itch.io/simple-gdd-template) - Beginner-focused template released under CC-BY 4.0.\n- [Free GDD and One-Pager Templates](https://indiegameacademy.com/free-game-design-document-template-how-to-guide/) - Editable GDD and one-pager templates with a guide.\n- [Game Design Document Templates Collection](https://itch.io/c/6453009/game-design-document-templates) - Living collection of community GDD templates.\n- [Generic Example 1](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-yiF2Pq-OgJaTXsMAQbIckoDzGINz26O/view) - Community example document.\n- [Generic Example 2](https://drive.google.com/file/d/17-51Uwxqle3DZVleir6OhDlWA_aerw5g/view) - Community example document.\n\n## Learning Materials\n\n### General Design\n\n- [The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses](https://www.routledge.com/The-Art-of-Game-Design-A-Book-of-Lenses-Third-Edition/Schell/p/book/9781138632059) - Jesse Schell's foundational design text.\n- [A Theory of Fun for Game Design](https://www.theoryoffun.com/) - Raph Koster's influential book on why games are fun.\n- [Raph Koster's Blog](https://www.raphkoster.com/) - Ongoing essays from the author of A Theory of Fun.\n- [Game Maker's Toolkit](https://www.youtube.com/@GMTK) - Mark Brown's video library analyzing game design principles.\n- [Lost Garden](https://lostgarden.com/) - Daniel Cook's influential game design blog with essays and frameworks.\n- [The Door Problem](https://lizengland.com/blog/2014/04/the-door-problem/) - Liz England's classic essay on what a game designer does.\n- [Designer Notes](https://www.designer-notes.com/) - Soren Johnson's game design podcast and blog.\n- [Ask a Game Dev](https://askagamedev.tumblr.com/) - Industry Q\u0026A from a veteran game developer.\n- [Game Design Patterns Wiki](http://virt10.itu.chalmers.se/index.php/Main_Page) - Academic design pattern collection from Chalmers University of Technology.\n- [Game Developer](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/) - Industry news, design articles, and technical postmortems.\n\n### Level Design\n\n- [The Level Design Book](https://book.leveldesignbook.com/) - Free, actively maintained reference on level design theory and practice.\n- [Steve Lee](https://www.youtube.com/@SteveLee_GameDev) - Level design breakdowns from a lead designer on Dishonored 2 and BioShock Infinite.\n\n### Systems and Economy Design\n\n- [GDKeys](https://gdkeys.com/) - Practical deep dives into economic systems, skill trees, and progression.\n- [Deconstructor of Fun](https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/) - Analysis of free-to-play economies and monetization.\n\n### Narrative Design\n\n- [Emily Short's Interactive Storytelling](https://emshort.blog/) - Canonical archive on interactive fiction and storylets.\n- [Game Narrative Resources](https://sashakirlee.com/game-narrative-resources) - Curated, mostly free narrative design resources.\n\n### Player Psychology and UX\n\n- [The Gamer's Brain](https://celiahodent.com/) - Celia Hodent's work on cognitive science and game UX.\n- [Gamer Motivation Model](https://quanticfoundry.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Gamer-Motivation-Model-Reference.pdf) - Empirically grounded player motivation taxonomy from Quantic Foundry.\n- [Game UI Database](https://www.gameuidatabase.com/) - Searchable reference of game user interfaces.\n\n### Game Feel\n\n- [Game Feel: A Game Designer's Guide to Virtual Sensation](http://www.game-feel.com/) - Steve Swink's definitive text on game feel.\n\n### Accessibility\n\n- [Game Accessibility Guidelines](https://gameaccessibilityguidelines.com/) - Industry-standard accessibility checklist.\n- [Can I Play That?](https://caniplaythat.com/) - Accessibility reviews and reference guides.\n- [AbleGamers](https://www.ablegamers.org/) - Accessible Player Experience design patterns.\n\n### Game Audio\n\n- [GameSoundCon](https://www.gamesoundcon.com/) - Game audio industry surveys, talks, and resources.\n- [A Sound Effect](https://www.asoundeffect.com/) - Sound design interviews and craft articles.\n- [Game Audio Learning](https://gameaudiolearning.com/) - Structured free learning paths for game audio.\n\n### Practitioner Essays\n\n- [Polaris Game Design Retreat Reports](https://polarisgamedesign.com/reports/) - Collaborative practitioner reports on design problems.\n- [Project Horseshoe Reports](https://www.projecthorseshoe.com/reports/) - Annual collaborative design reports.\n\n### Academic Research\n\n- [Game Studies](https://www.gamestudies.org/) - The founding open-access games research journal.\n- [DiGRA Digital Library](https://dl.digra.org/) - Open archive of DiGRA conference proceedings.\n- [ToDiGRA](https://todigra.org/) - Transactions of the Digital Games Research Association.\n\n### Courses\n\n- [MIT OCW: Creating Video Games](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/cms-611j-creating-video-games-fall-2014/) - Full MIT lecture videos and projects, free.\n- [Game Design and Development with Unity](https://www.coursera.org/specializations/game-design-and-development) - Michigan State University specialization.\n\n### Video Channels\n\n- [GDC](https://www.youtube.com/@gdc) - Hundreds of free Game Developers Conference talks.\n- [Extra Credits](https://www.youtube.com/@extracredits) - Foundational game design theory series.\n- [Adam Millard — The Architect of Games](https://www.youtube.com/@ArchitectofGames) - Essays on game loops, progression, and roguelikes.\n- [AI and Games](https://www.youtube.com/@AIandGames) - Research-backed analysis of game AI and procedural generation.\n- [Razbuten](https://www.youtube.com/@Razbuten) - Empirical studies of onboarding and readability.\n- [Design Doc](https://www.youtube.com/@DesignDoc) - Essays on tutorials, feedback, and difficulty.\n\n### Podcasts and Newsletters\n\n- [Board Game Design Lab](https://boardgamedesignlab.com/) - Long-running tabletop design interview podcast.\n- [Game Developer Podcast](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/podcasts) - Production and interview podcast.\n- [Think Like a Game Designer](https://justingarydesign.substack.com/) - Newsletter and podcast by Justin Gary.\n- [GameDiscoverCo](https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/) - Data-driven game discovery and market analysis.\n- [Game Maker's Toolkit Newsletter](https://gamemakerstoolkit.com/) - Written companion to the GMTK channel.\n\n## Postmortems\n\n(The following archive was originally compiled from [pixelprospector.com](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.pixelprospector.com/the-big-list-of-postmortems) and is preserved via the Wayback Machine.)\n\n\u003c!--lint disable awesome-list-item awesome-spell-check no-undefined-references double-link--\u003e\n\n### Indie Postmortems\n\n#### 1998-1999\n\n- [System Shock 2](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3406/postmortem_irrational_games_.php) (Irrational Games) **[1999]**\n\n#### 2000-2004\n\n- [Gish](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2176/indie_postmortem_chronic_logics_.php) (Chronic Logic) **[2004]**\n\n#### 2005-2009\n\n- [Wik \u0026 The Fable Of Souls](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2199/indie_postmortem_reflexives_wik_.php) (Reflexive) **[2005]**\n- [Eets](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2687/postmortem_klei_entertainments_.php) (Klei Entertainment) **[2006]**\n- [Armadillo Run](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2728/indie_postmortem_armadillo_run.php) (Peter Stock) **[2006]**\n- [The Graveyard](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3865/postmortem_tale_of_tales_the_.php) (Tale of Tales) **[2008]**\n- [Schizoid](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3796/postmortem_torpex_games_schizoid.php) (Torpex Games) **[2008]**\n- [BIT.TRIP BEAT](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4041/postmortem_gaijin_games_bittrip_.php) (Gaijin Games) **[2009]**\n- [Cogs](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.lazy8studios.com/2009/cogs_postmortem) (Lazy 8 Studios) **[2009]**\n- [Darwinia](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3994/developing_ai_in_darwinia.php) (Introversion) **[2009]**\n- [The Blackwell Convergence](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4188/postmortem_wadjet_eyes_the_.php) (Wadjet Eye) **[2009]**\n- [Weapon of Choice](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3899/postmortem_mommys_best_games_.php) (Mommy's Best Games) **[2009]**\n- [Swords \u0026 Soldiers](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4230/postmortem_ronimo_games_swords__.php) (Ronimo Games) **[2009]**\n- [Trino](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/752/postmortem_cmu_etcs_.php) (Trinoteam) **[2009]**\n\n#### 2010-2014\n\n- [Aaaaa! — A Reckless Disregard for Gravity](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6144/postmortem_dejobaan_games_aaaaa_.php) (Dejobaan Games) **[2010]**\n- [The Path](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/5902/postmortem_tale_of_tales_the_path.php) (Tale of Tales) **[2010]**\n- [Droplitz](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4235/postmortem_blitz_games_droplitz.php) (Blitz Games) **[2010]**\n- [Hydro Thunder Hurricane](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/134555/postmortem_vector_units_hydro_.php) (Vector Unit) **[2010]**\n- [NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4254/postmortem_over_the_top_games_.php) (Over the Top Games) **[2010]**\n- [Igneous](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/893/student_postmortem_.php) (Going Down In Flames) **[2010]**\n- [Explosionade](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6250/postmortem_mommys_best_games_.php) (Mommy's Best Games) **[2011]**\n- [The Adventures Of Shuggy](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/134866/postmortem_smudged_cat_games_the_.php) (Smudged Cat Games) **[2011]**\n- [Octodad](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/1003/postmortem_.php) (Octodad Team) **[2011]**\n- [Super Meat Boy](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6348/postmortem_team_meats_super_meat_.php) (Team Meat) **[2011]**\n- [Gemini Rue](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/946/postmortem_joshua_nuernbergers_.php) (Joshua Nuernberger) **[2011]**\n- [Guns Of Icarus](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/1019/postmortem_muse_games_guns_of_.php) (Muse Games) **[2011]**\n- [Recettear](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/01/17/post-mortem-recettear/) (Carpe Fulgur) **[2011]**\n- [Monsters (Probably) Stole My Princess](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6310/postmortem_mediatonics_monsters_.php) (Mediatonic) **[2011]**\n- [Ray Ardent: Science Ninja](https://web.archive.org/web/20110523210620/http://nrdland.com/2011/02/post-mortem-ray-ardent-science-ninja/) (Ninja Robot Dinosaur) **[2011]**\n- [Fez](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1015731/Cubes-All-the-Way-Down) [VIDEO] (Polytron) **[2012]**\n- [Frozen Synapse](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/134984/postmortem_mode_7_games_frozen_.php) (Mode 7 Games) **[2012]**\n- [Lume](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/181503/postmortem_state_of_plays_lume.php) (State of Play) **[2012]**\n- [Outland](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/169282/postmortem_housemarques_outland.php) (Housemarque) **[2012]**\n- [Dead Nation](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.housemarque.com/dead-nation-postmortem-part-3/) (Housemarque) **[2012]**\n- [Dust: An Elysian Tail](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/180520/postmortem_humble_hearts_dust_.php) (Humble Hearts) **[2012]**\n- [SpaceChem](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/172250/postmortem_zachtronics_.php) (Zachtronics Industries) **[2012]**\n- [Jetpack Joyride](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1015527/Depth-in-Simplicity-The-Making) [VIDEO] (Halfbrick Studios) **[2012]**\n- [Gun Godz](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/169969/postmortem_vlambeers_gun_godz.php) (Vlambeer) **[2012]**\n- [Forge](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/PaulCulp/20121210/183211/The_Specialists_An_alternative_Development_Method_on_Forge.php) (Dark Vale Games) **[2012]**\n- [The Binding of Isaac](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/182380/postmortem_mcmillen_and_himsls_.php) (Edmund McMillen and Florian Himsl) **[2012]**\n- [Hell Yeah!](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://aurelien-regard.blogspot.fr/2012/12/the-full-hell-yeah-postmortem.html) (Arkedo) **[2012]**\n- [Zack Zero](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/173453/postmortem_crocodile_.php) (Crocodile Entertainment) **[2012]**\n- [AI War](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://christophermpark.blogspot.com/2013/06/ai-war-first-four-years-postmortem-and.html) (Arcen Games) **[2013]**\n- [Anomaly Warzone Earth](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/185535/postmortem_11_bit_studios_.php) (11 Bit Studios) **[2013]**\n- [Cinders](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://moacube.com/blog/cinders-postmortem-2-production-and-business/) (Moacube) **[2013]**\n- [Ethan: Meteor Hunter](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/OlivierPenot/20131204/206274/Indies_going_all_in_with_selfpublishing_an_Ethan_Meteor_Hunter_post_mortem.php) (Seaven Studio) **[2013]**\n- [Guacamelee!](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/200658/postmortem_drinkbox_studios_.php) (DrinkBox Studios) **[2013]**\n- [Intrusion 2](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-6LoSnX4h4) [VIDEO] (Aleksey Abramenko) **[2013]**\n- [Natural Selection 2](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/187299/postmortem_unknown_worlds_.php) (Unknown Worlds Entertainment) **[2013]**\n- [Pixeljunk 4am](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/189359/postmortem_qgames_pixeljunk_4am.php) (Q-Games) **[2013]**\n- [Speedrunner HD](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoJgu105gZ0) [VIDEO] (Casper Van Est) **[2013]**\n- [Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/218372/postmortem_the_chinese_rooms_.php) (The Chinese Room) **[2014]**\n- [Super Win The Game](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/KylePittman/20141112/229946/When_quotDoing_Everything_Rightquot_Goes_Wrong.php) (Minor Key Games) **[2014]**\n- [Vessel](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.overbyte.com.au/index.php/overbyte-blog/entry/vessel-post-mortem-part-1) (Overbyte) **[2014]**\n\n#### 2015-2019\n\n- [Cogmind](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=49090.0) (Grid Sage Games) **[2015]**\n- [Goat Simulator](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://gamasutra.com/blogs/ArminIbrisagic/20150220/236427/Goat_Simulator_Post_Mortem.php) (Armin Ibrisagic) **[2015]**\n- [Airscape: The Fall of Gravity](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://gamasutra.com/blogs/DanielWest/20150908/253040/Good_isnt_good_enough__releasing_an_indie_game_in_2015.php) (Daniel West) **[2015]**\n- [Halfway](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://robotality.com/blog/one-year-of-halfway/) (Robotality) **[2015]**\n- [Heroki](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://gamasutra.com/blogs/MichaelBalm/20150831/252538/Small_Indie_Reaches_for_the_Skies__The_Making_of_Heroki.php) (Michael Balm) **[2015]**\n- [INK](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://gamasutra.com/blogs/AlejandroHitti/20150821/251762/Postmortem_ZackBellGames_INK.php) (ZackBellGames) **[2015]**\n- [Never Alone](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/236049/Postmortem_ELine_Media_and_Upper_One_Games_Never_Alone.php) (Upper One Games / E-Line Media) **[2015]**\n- [Next Penelope](https://web.archive.org/web/20150813101104/http://aurelregard.tumblr.com/post/126207860704/ive-made-a-9-out-of-10-on-my-own-what-if-i-could) (Aurelien Regard) **[2015]**\n- [Nub's Adventure](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://gamasutra.com/blogs/MaximilianCsuk/20150720/248957/PostMortem_Part_II_for_Nubs_Adventure_an_exploratory_platformer_for_iOS_and_Android.php) (Maximilian Csuk) **[2015]**\n- [Out There](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://gamasutra.com/blogs/MichaelPeiffert/20150402/240302/Out_There_A_Postmortem.php) (Mi-Clos) **[2015]**\n- [Resogun](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/240548/The_game_is_the_boss_A_Resogun_postmortem.php) (Housemarque) **[2015]**\n- [Stardew Valley](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/the-4-years-of-self-imposed-crunch-that-went-into-i-stardew-valley-i-) - Solo developer Eric Barone's retrospective on the four years of crunch behind Stardew Valley.\n- [Crashlands](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/crashlands-postmortem) - Postmortem from Butterscotch Shenanigans, written while the studio was fighting cancer.\n- [Disastr_Blastr](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/disastr_blastr-post-postmortem) - Solo developer post-postmortem from the Steam Greenlight era.\n- [PONCHO](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/poncho-a-postmortem) - Five-year multi-platform indie postmortem.\n- [Slime Rancher](https://gdcvault.com/play/1024628/-Slime-Rancher-A-Preemptive) - GDC talk: a preemptive postmortem from Monomi Park.\n- [Tangled Orbs](https://www.orfeasel.com/tangled-orbs-postmortem-an-overview-of-my-latest-solo-game-project/) - Solo Unreal Engine 4 postmortem.\n- [Slay the Spire: Metrics](https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1025731/-Slay-the-Spire-Metrics) - GDC talk on the data-driven design of Slay the Spire.\n- [Celeste](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RlpMhBKNr0) - Free GDC level design workshop for Celeste.\n- [Starcom Nexus](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/starcom-nexus-postmortem-an-indie-dev-journey) - Early Access to 1.0 postmortem.\n- [Drunk Shotgun](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/how-i-wasted-4k-and-half-a-year-of-my-life-to-develop-a-game-that-earned-only-30) - Solo developer postmortem on a commercial failure.\n- [Immortal Darkness: Curse of the Pale King](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/a-postmortem-making-games-is-easy-selling-them-not-so-much-) - Postmortem on the gap between making and selling a game.\n\n#### 2020-2024\n\n- [Mika and the Witch's Mountain](https://web.archive.org/web/2023/https://chibig.com/mika-post-mortem-part-i/) (Chibig) **[2020]**\n- [A Short Hike](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW8gWgpptI8) - Free GDC postmortem from solo developer Adam Robinson-Yu.\n- [Hades](https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1026975/Breathing-Life-into-Greek-Myth) [VIDEO] (Supergiant Games) **[2020]**\n- [Core Defense](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/case-study-making-core-defense-a-solo-dev-success-2) - Solo developer case study with revenue numbers.\n- [Inscryption](https://gdcvault.com/play/1027845/Independent-Games-Summit-Sacrifices-Were) - GDC talk: Sacrifices Were Made, from solo developer Daniel Mullins.\n- [Balatro Timeline](https://localthunk.com/blog/balatro-timeline-3aarh) (LocalThunk) **[2024]**\n- [Dredge](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/trawling-in-the-deep-how-black-salt-games-made-spooky-fishing-rpg-i-dredge-i-) - Postmortem interview with Black Salt Games.\n- [Inkbound](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/postmortem-inkbound-s-journey-in-early-access) - Early Access journey postmortem from Shiny Shoe.\n- [Empires of the Undergrowth](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/postmortem-how-empires-of-the-undergrowth-came-together-in-over-7-years-of-early-access) - Seven years of Early Access.\n- [The Last Humble Bee](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/the-last-humble-bee-postmortem-staying-sane-in-solo-development) - Solo development and mental health postmortem.\n- [Saturnalia](https://gdcvault.com/play/1034451/Independent-Games-Summit-Saturnalia) - GDC postmortem on a game that did not meet commercial expectations.\n- [Windy Meadow](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/deep-dive-windy-meadow) - Narrative indie deep dive from Aureus Gaj.\n- [Let's! Revolution!](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/prototyping-i-let-s-revolution-i-transforming-i-minesweeper-i-into-a-turn-based-strategy-roguelike) - Prototyping to turn-based roguelike postmortem.\n- [The Ouroboros King](https://oriolcosp.com/the-ouroboros-king-development-post-mortem/) - Solo developer's first commercial game postmortem.\n- [Rusted Moss](https://www.minibunnies.com/blog/suyf78h3894ywbawd6tnyyzg6vcyl8) - Developer retrospective on what they would change in a sequel.\n\n#### 2025-2026\n\n- [Outer Wilds](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_wFM7eDvd0) - Conference talk on weaving the open world mystery of Outer Wilds, plus the [making-of documentary](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbY0mBXKKT0).\n\n### Cancelled and Shut-down Projects\n\n- [Orient: A Hero's Heritage](https://gamedev.net/tutorials/game-design/game-design-and-theory/postmortem-orient-a-heros-heritage-r2491) - Postmortem for a cancelled project from RAS Ltd.\n- [The Cycle: Frontier](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/postmortem-bringing-the-cycle-frontier-to-unreal-editor-for-fortnite) - Production postmortem from a shut-down live service game.\n\n### Data and Metrics Postmortems\n\n- [Slay the Spire: Metrics](https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1025731/-Slay-the-Spire-Metrics) - Data-driven design postmortem.\n- [Among Us: The Data](https://innersloth.itch.io/among-us/devlog/50755/the-data-among-us) - InnerSloth's data analysis of Among Us (self-described as not quite a postmortem).\n- [Core Defense](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/case-study-making-core-defense-a-solo-dev-success-2) - Solo developer case study with revenue numbers.\n\n### Game Jam Postmortems\n\n- [Rocket Jockey (JS13k)](https://ryankubik.com/blog/js13k-2021-rocket-jockey) - JS13k game jam postmortem from Ryan Kubik.\n- [Linux Game Jam 2023](https://samsai.eu/post/linux-game-jam-2023-retrospective/) - Game jam retrospective with placement data.\n- [Neongarten](https://www.pixelatedplaygrounds.com/sidequests/neongarten-postmortem) - Jam-to-Steam postmortem from Tiny Mass Games.\n- [Infographic: Game Jam Postmortems](https://web.archive.org/web/20121018185925/http://www.mcfunkypants.com/2011/infographic-game-jam-postmortems/) (McFunkyPants) **[2011]**\n- [Infographic: Game Jam Postmortem Survey](https://web.archive.org/web/20120116123916/http://www.mcfunkypants.com/2011/game-jam-survey/) (McFunkyPants) **[2011]**\n- [Ludum Dare Postmortems](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/tag/postmortem/) (Ludum Dare) **[various years]**\n\n### AAA Studio Postmortems\n\n#### 1998-1999\n\n- [Myth: The Fallen Lords](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131691/postmortem_bungies_myth_the_.php) (Bungie) **[1998]**\n- [Thief: The Dark Project](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131762/postmortem_thief_the_dark_project.php) (Looking Glass Studios) **[1999]**\n\n#### 2000-2004\n\n- [Age of Empires II: Age of Kings](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131844/postmortem_ensemble_studios_age_.php) (Ensemble Studio) **[2000]**\n- [Deus Ex](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3114/postmortem_ion_storms_deus_ex.php) (Ion Storm) **[2000]**\n- [Diablo II](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3124/postmortem_blizzards_diablo_ii.php) (Blizzard) **[2000]**\n- [Unreal Tournament](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3161/postmortem_epic_games_unreal_.php) (Epic Games) **[2000]**\n- [Vampire: The Masquerade — Redemption](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3147/nihilistic_softwares_vampire_the_.php) (Nihilistic Software) **[2000]**\n- [Wild 9](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3417/postmortem_shiny_entertainments_.php) (Shiny Entertainment) **[2000]**\n- [Rainbow Six](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131829/postmortem_redstorms_rainbow_six.php) (Red Storm Entertainment) **[2000]**\n- [Black \u0026 White](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3067/postmortem_lionhead_studios_.php) (Lionhead Studio) **[2001]**\n- [Baldur's Gate II](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3084/baldurs_gate_ii_the_anatomy_of_a_.php) (BioWare) **[2001]**\n- [Fallout Tactics](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3088/postmortem_micro_forte_s_fallout_.php) (Micro Forte) **[2001]**\n- [No One Lives Forever](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3069/postmortem_monoliths_no_one_.php) (Monolith) **[2001]**\n- [Operation Flashpoint](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3018/postmortem_bohemia_interactive_.php) (Bohemia Interactive Studios) **[2001]**\n- [Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2985/postmortem_naughty_dogs_jak_and_.php) (Naughty Dog) **[2002]**\n- [Neverwinter Nights](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2918/postmortem_biowares_neverwinter_.php) (BioWare) **[2002]**\n- [Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2993/postmortem_factor_5s_star_wars_.php) (Factor 5) **[2002]**\n- [Galactic Civilizations](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2862/postmortem_stardocks_galactic_.php) (Stardock Entertainment) **[2003]**\n- [Ratchet \u0026 Clank](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2842/postmortem_insomniac_games_.php) (Insomniac Games) **[2003]**\n- [Splinter Cell](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2830/postmortem_tom_clancys_splinter_.php) (Ubisoft) **[2003]**\n- [TRON 2.0](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2810/postmortem_monoliths_tron_20.php) (Monolith) **[2003]**\n\n#### 2005-2009\n\n- [Project Gotham Racing 3](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2396/postcard_from_gdc_europe_2005_the_.php) (Bizarre Creations) **[2005]**\n- [WipEout Pure](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2398/postcard_from_gdc_europe_2005_.php) (SCEE) **[2005]**\n- [Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2187/shaping_ty_the_tasmanian_tiger_2_.php) (Krome Studios) **[2005]**\n- [Psychonauts](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/classic-postmortem-the-development-of-the-original-psychonauts-was-a-fraught-experience) - Classic postmortem on the fraught development of the original Psychonauts.\n- [Galactic Civilizations 2: Dread Lords](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2653/postmortem_stardocks_galactic_.php) (Stardock Entertainment) **[2006]**\n- [Indigo Prophecy](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2731/postmortem_indigo_prophecy.php) (Quantic Dream) **[2006]**\n- [RoboBlitz](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1737/postmortem_naked_sky_.php) (Naked Sky Entertainment) **[2007]**\n- [Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1748/postmortem_blue_fangs_zoo_tycoon_.php) (Blue Fang) **[2007]**\n- [BioShock](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3774/postmortem_2k_boston2k_.php) (2K Boston/2K Australia) **[2008]**\n- [Ratchet \u0026 Clank Future: Tools of Destruction](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3889/postmortem_insomniacs_ratchet__.php) (Insomniac Games) **[2008]**\n- [Uncharted: Drake's Fortune](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3809/postmortem_naughty_dogs_.php) (Naughty Dog) **[2008]**\n- [Bionic Commando Rearmed](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3912/postmortem_capcomgrins_bionic_.php) (Capcom/GRIN) **[2009]**\n- [Crackdown](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4126/postmortem_realtime_worlds_.php) (Realtime Worlds) **[2009]**\n- [Darkest of Days](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4201/postmortem_8monkeys_darkest_of_.php) (8Monkey) **[2009]**\n- [The World Ends With You](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4010/postmortem_square_enixs_the_.php) (Square Enix) **[2009]**\n- [Tomb Raider: Underworld](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4122/postmortem_crystal_dynamics_tomb_.php) (Crystal Dynamics) **[2009]**\n\n#### 2010-2014\n\n- [A Boy and His Blob](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4271/postmortem_wayforwards_a_boy_and_.php) (WayForward) **[2010]**\n- [Brutal Legend](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4308/postmortem_double_fines_brutal_.php) (Double Fine) **[2010]**\n- [Deadliest Warrior](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6202/postmortem_pipeworks_softwares_.php) (Pipeworks Software) **[2010]**\n- [Hydro Thunder Hurricane](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6184/postmortem_vector_units_hydro_.php) (Vector Unit) **[2010]**\n- [Matt Hazard: Blood Bath and Beyond](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4262/postmortem_vicious_cycles_matt_.php) (Vicious Cycle) **[2010]**\n- [Super Monkey Ball 2](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4288/postmortem_segaother_oceans_.php) (Sega/Other Ocean) **[2010]**\n- [Crash Bandicoot](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.naughtydog.com/site/post/making_crash_bandicoot_by_andy_gavin_and_jason_rubin/) (Naughty Dog) **[2011]**\n- [Magicka](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/134840/postmortem_arrowhead_game_.php) (Arrowhead Game Studios) **[2011]**\n- [Okamiden](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6315/postmortem_capcoms_okamiden.php) (Capcom) **[2011]**\n- [Renegade Ops](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/171897/postmortem_avalanche_studios_.php) (Avalanche Studios) **[2012]**\n- [Sins Of A Solar Empire](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/179030/postmortem_stardock_entertainment_.php) (Stardock Entertainment) **[2012]**\n- [Uncharted: Golden Abyss](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/181082/postmortem_sony_bend_studios_.php) (Sony Bend Studios) **[2012]**\n- [Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/190432/postmortem_overhaul_games_.php) (Overhaul Games) **[2013]**\n- [God of War: Ascension](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/193695/postmortem__sony_santa_monicas_.php) (Sony Santa Monica) **[2013]**\n- [Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/197269/postmortem_kingdoms_of_amalur_.php) (Big Huge Games / 38 Studios) **[2013]**\n- [Resident Evil 4](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/195143/postmortem_resident_evil_4.php) (Capcom) **[2013]**\n- [Spider-Man](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/194852/postmortem_treyarchs_2002_hit_.php) (Treyarch) **[2013]**\n\n#### 2015-2019\n\n- [Deadly Premonition](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/252418/Classic_Postmortem_Deadly_Premonition.php) (Access Games) **[2015]**\n- [The Walking Dead](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/classic-postmortem-telltale-games-the-walking-dead-2012) - Classic postmortem on Telltale's episodic production.\n- [Dance Central](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/postmortem-harmonix-s-dance-central-2010-) - Postmortem on Harmonix's Dance Central.\n\n#### 2020-2024\n\n- [Katamari Damacy](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/postmortem-the-singular-design-of-namco-s-katamari-damacy-2004-) - Postmortem on the singular design of Katamari Damacy.\n- [American McGee's Alice](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/postmortem-i-american-mcgee-s-alice-i-) - Classic postmortem on the 2000 cult classic.\n- [Haunt](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/classic-postmortem-nanaonhas-haunt-2012) - Classic postmortem on NanaOn-Sha's Kinect-era title.\n\n### Classic Game Postmortems (GDC Videos)\n\n- [DOOM](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014627/Classic-Game-Postmortem) [VIDEO] (Tom Hall, John Romero) **[2011]**\n- [Elite](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014628/Classic-Game-Postmortem) [VIDEO] (David Braben) **[2011]**\n- [Bejeweled](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014626/Classic-Game-Postmortem) [VIDEO] (Jason Kapalka) **[2011]**\n- [Maniac Mansion](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014732/Classic-Game-Postmortem-MANIAC) [VIDEO] (Ron Gilbert, Double Fine Productions) **[2011]**\n- [Marble Madness](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014629/Classic-Game-Postmortem-MARBLE) [VIDEO] (Mark Cerny) **[2011]**\n- [Pac-Man](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014631/Classic-Game-Postmortem-PAC) [VIDEO] (Toru Iwatani, Namco) **[2011]**\n- [Pitfall](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014632/Classic-Game-Postmortem-PITFALL) [VIDEO] (David Crane) **[2011]**\n- [Populous](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014633/Classic-Game-Postmortem) [VIDEO] (Peter Molyneux, Lionhead Studios) **[2011]**\n- [Prince of Persia](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014634/Classic-Game-Postmortem-PRINCE-OF) [VIDEO] (Jordan Mechner) **[2011]**\n- [Raid on Bungeling Bay](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014635/Classic-Game-Postmortem-RAID-ON) [VIDEO] (Will Wright) **[2011]**\n- [Video Games Turn 25: A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1014592/Video-Games-Turn-25-A) (Satoru Iwata, Nintendo) **[2011]**\n- [Fallout](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1015843/Classic-Game-Postmortem) [VIDEO] (Timothy Cain, Obsidian Entertainment) **[2012]**\n- [Gauntlet](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1015841/Classic-Game-Postmortem) [VIDEO] (Ed Logg) **[2012]**\n- [GoldenEye 007](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1016460/Classic-Postmortem-GoldenEye) [VIDEO] (Martin Hollis) **[2012]**\n- [Harvest Moon](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1015842/Classic-Game-Postmortem-Harvest) [VIDEO] (Yasuhiro Wada) **[2012]**\n- [Ultima Online](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1016629/Classic-Game-Postmortem-Ultima) [VIDEO] (Raph Koster, Rich Vogel, Starr M. Long) **[2012]**\n\n### Special Postmortems\n\n- [What Went Wrong? Learning From Past Postmortems](https://web.archive.org/web/20190325062431/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4001/what_went_wrong_learning_from_.php) (Gamasutra Special) **[2009]**\n- [GDC Postmortems Playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNu0OXEmMXnA46j4CDZLVsVj-ysmWwW6s) - YouTube playlist collection of GDC postmortems.\n\n\u003c!--lint enable awesome-list-item awesome-spell-check no-undefined-references double-link--\u003e\n\n## GDD Creation Tools\n\n- [Dundoc](https://www.dundoc.com/) - Collaborative game design document and idea management tool.\n- [Nuclino](https://blog.nuclino.com/how-to-create-a-modern-game-design-document-gdd-in-nuclino) - Lightweight collaborative wiki for team knowledge and documents.\n- [Affine](https://affine.pro/) - Self-hosted note-taking and knowledge base that works well for GDD creation.\n- [IMS Creators](https://ims.cr5.space/) - Collaborative game design tool integrated with project management.\n- [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/) - Local-first Markdown knowledge base; portable GDD that survives vendor shutdown.\n- [Notion](https://www.notion.so/) - Widely used team knowledge base and GDD workspace.\n- [GitBook](https://www.gitbook.com/) - Hosted documentation with search and permissions.\n- [Milanote](https://milanote.com/templates/game-design) - Visual boards with purpose-built game design templates.\n- [World Anvil](https://www.worldanvil.com/) - Worldbuilding and lore wiki with timelines and maps.\n- [LegendKeeper](https://www.legendkeeper.com/) - Lightweight collaborative worldbuilding wiki for small teams.\n- [Kanka](https://kanka.io/) - Self-hostable campaign and world wiki.\n\n## Game Architecture\n\n### Entity Component System (ECS)\n\n- [Overwatch Gameplay Architecture](https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1024001/-Overwatch-Gameplay-Architecture-and) - GDC talk by Timothy Ford on Overwatch's ECS usage.\n- [Flecs](https://github.com/SanderMertens/flecs) - High-performance C/C++ ECS.\n- [EnTT](https://github.com/skypjack/entt) - Header-only C++ ECS used in many shipped games.\n- [ECS FAQ](https://github.com/SanderMertens/ecs-faq) - Canonical explainer of ECS, archetypes, and data-oriented design.\n\n### State Machines and Behavior Trees\n\n- [Dundoc](https://www.dundoc.com/) - Avenge your Game Idea and Plunge into the Future Gaming Portal. Design your game idea the right way\n- [Nuclino](https://blog.nuclino.com/how-to-create-a-modern-game-design-document-gdd-in-nuclino) - A lightweight and collaborative wiki for all your team's knowledge, docs, and notes\n- [Affine](https://affine.pro/) - Great self-hosted note taking/knowledge base that serves well for GDD creation\n- [IMS Creators](https://ims.cr5.space/) - Collaborative game design creation tool integrated with project management\n- [Beehave](https://github.com/bitbrain/beehave) - Behavior trees for Godot with live debugging.\n- [UnityHFSM](https://github.com/Inspiaaa/UnityHFSM) - Hierarchical finite state machine for Unity.\n- [Stateless](https://github.com/dotnet-state-machine/stateless) - Engine-independent state machine library for .NET.\n- [Strudo](https://strudoapp.com/) - Game development documentation platform for creating and managing GDDs and other production documents.\n\n### Networking\n\n- [Mirror](https://github.com/MirrorNetworking/Mirror) - Open-source Unity networking library.\n- [FishNet](https://github.com/FirstGearGames/FishNet) - Modern open-source Unity networking alternative.\n- [LiteNetLib](https://github.com/RevenantX/LiteNetLib) - Reliable UDP library for custom authoritative servers.\n- [Gaffer On Games](https://gafferongames.com/post/) - Glenn Fiedler's articles on networked physics and client-server architecture.\n- [Client-Server Game Architecture](https://www.gabrielgambetta.com/client-server-game-architecture.html) - Clear explanation of prediction, reconciliation, and lag compensation.\n\n### Game AI\n\n- [Game AI Pro](https://www.gameaipro.com/) - Free professional chapters on behavior, pathfinding, and scheduling.\n\n### Architecture Books and Courses\n\n- [Game Engine Architecture](https://www.gameenginebook.com/) - Jason Gregory's standard reference on engine subsystems.\n- [Handmade Hero](https://handmadehero.org/) - From-scratch game and engine programming course.\n- [Red Blob Games](https://www.redblobgames.com/) - Interactive guides on pathfinding, hex grids, and procedural generation.\n\n## Game Design Tools\n\n### Narrative Design Tools\n\n- [Arrow](https://github.com/mhgolkar/Arrow) - Open-source tool for nonlinear interactive storytelling.\n- [Twine](https://twinery.org/) - Open-source tool for interactive, nonlinear stories.\n- [articy:draft](https://www.articy.com/) - Professional narrative design tool with version control and collaboration.\n- [Ink/Inky](https://www.inklestudios.com/ink/) - Inkle Studios' narrative scripting language.\n- [Yarn Spinner](https://yarnspinner.dev/) - Dialogue system used in Night in the Woods and other narrative games.\n- [Arcweave](https://arcweave.com/) - Web-based narrative design tool with real-time collaboration.\n- [StoryPlay](https://github.com/monapdx/StoryPlay) - Visual editor for building interactive experiences.\n- [Ren'Py](https://www.renpy.org/) - The standard open-source visual novel engine.\n- [Dialogic](https://github.com/dialogic-godot/dialogic) - Full visual novel dialogue addon for Godot.\n- [Dialogue Manager](https://github.com/nathanhoad/godot_dialogue_manager) - Lightweight Godot dialogue system with a visual editor.\n- [PatterKit](https://patterkit.dev/) - Line-based voiced dialogue pipeline with coverage testing.\n\n### Game Balancing and Systems Design\n\n- [Machinations](https://machinations.io/) - Visual design tool for game systems and balancing.\n- [Loopy](https://ncase.me/loopy/) - Draw feedback-loop and system simulations in the browser.\n\n### Level Design Tools\n\n- [Tiled](https://www.mapeditor.org/) - The de-facto 2D tilemap editor.\n- [LDtk](https://ldtk.io/) - Modern 2D level editor with auto-layers and engine integrations.\n- [TrenchBroom](https://trenchbroom.github.io/) - Modern Quake and Doom-class 3D brush editor.\n- [Ogmo Editor](https://ogmo-editor-3.github.io/) - Simple 2D level editor.\n\n## Game Development\n\n### Learning Resources\n\n- [3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development](https://gamemath.com/) - Free book on the math used in game development.\n- [Collision Detection](http://www.jeffreythompson.org/collision-detection/) - Book explaining collision algorithms using basic shapes.\n- [The Book of Shaders](https://thebookofshaders.com/) - Free, hands-on fragment shader book.\n- [The Nature of Code](https://natureofcode.com/) - Free book on vectors, forces, particles, and neural networks.\n- [Game Programming Patterns](https://gameprogrammingpatterns.com/) - Free online book on essential programming patterns for games.\n\n### Game Engines\n\n#### Popular Open Source Engines\n\n- [Bevy](https://bevyengine.org/) - Data-driven game engine built in Rust.\n- [Godot Engine](https://godotengine.org/) - Popular open-source 2D/3D engine under the MIT license.\n- [Defold](https://defold.com/) - Free 2D game engine particularly strong for mobile development.\n- [GDevelop](https://gdevelop.io/) - No-code, visual-scripting engine for designers and students.\n- [O3DE](https://github.com/o3de/o3de) - Open-source 3D engine with CryEngine lineage.\n- [Stride](https://github.com/stride3d/stride) - Full C# 3D engine with an editor.\n- [Fyrox](https://fyrox.rs/) - Rust 3D engine with a full editor.\n- [Wicked Engine](https://wickedengine.net/) - Modern C++ renderer and engine.\n\n#### Lightweight and Specialized Engines\n\n- [LÖVE](https://love2d.org/) - Free 2D game framework using Lua.\n- [Pico-8](https://www.lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php) - Fantasy console for making and sharing tiny games.\n- [raylib](https://github.com/raysan5/raylib) - Lightweight C framework for prototyping.\n- [MonoGame](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame) - XNA successor used by many indie titles.\n- [FNA](https://github.com/FNA-XNA/FNA) - Faithful XNA reimplementation that ships on consoles.\n- [libGDX](https://github.com/libgdx/libgdx) - Mature cross-platform Java and Kotlin framework.\n- [Heaps.io](https://github.com/heapsio/heaps) - Haxe engine behind the Dead Cells toolchain.\n- [HaxeFlixel](https://github.com/HaxeFlixel/flixel) - 2D Haxe framework for jam-scale games.\n- [SDL](https://github.com/libsdl-org/SDL) - The lowest-level portable layer most engines build on.\n- [SFML](https://www.sfml-dev.org/) - C++ multimedia library for building custom engines.\n\n#### Web Engines\n\n- [Phaser](https://phaser.io/) - Leading HTML5 2D engine.\n- [Babylon.js](https://www.babylonjs.com/) - Full-featured web 3D engine.\n- [three.js](https://threejs.org/) - Standard WebGL and WebGPU 3D library.\n- [PlayCanvas](https://playcanvas.com/) - Browser-based collaborative 3D engine and editor.\n\n## Game Assets\n\n- [Kenney](https://kenney.nl/) - Public-domain art and audio assets for prototyping.\n- [OpenGameArt](https://opengameart.org/) - Free assets with varying licenses.\n- [Lospec](https://lospec.com/) - Pixel art palettes and tools.\n- [Material Maker](https://materialmaker.org/) - Node-based procedural PBR material authoring.\n- [LibreSprite](https://libresprite.github.io/) - Open-source pixel art and animation editor.\n- [Piskel](https://www.piskelapp.com/) - Browser-based pixel art and spritesheet editor.\n\n## Community\n\n### Forums and Communities\n\n- [r/gamedesign Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedesign/wiki/index/) - Curated resources from the Reddit game design community.\n- [r/gamedev](https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/) - Largest general game development community.\n- [r/gameai](https://www.reddit.com/r/gameai/) - Focused game AI and gameplay programming community.\n- [r/roguelikedev](https://www.reddit.com/r/roguelikedev/) - Systems and procedural generation depth with weekly dev logs.\n- [r/IndieDev](https://www.reddit.com/r/IndieDev/) - Indie feedback and marketing community.\n- [TIGSource Forums](https://www.tigsource.com/) - Long-running developer log forum.\n- [itch.io](https://itch.io/) - Game jams, playtesting, and release platform for indie and experimental work.\n- [Unreal Slackers](https://discord.com/invite/unrealslackers) - Large Unreal Engine community Discord.\n\n### Industry Reading\n\n- [IGDA](https://igda.org/) - International Game Developers Association resource library.\n- [GameDev.net](https://www.gamedev.net/) - Long-running game development community with articles and forums.\n- [GDC Vault](https://www.gdcvault.com/) - Archive of Game Developers Conference talks.\n- [80.lv](https://80.lv/) - Technical art and game development articles and interviews.\n- [GameFromScratch](https://www.gamefromscratch.com/) - Engine and tool news and reviews.\n\n### Other Awesome Lists\n\n- [awesome-gamedev](https://github.com/Calinou/awesome-gamedev) - Broad game development list.\n- [magictools](https://github.com/ellisonleao/magictools) - Large game development tools list.\n- [awesome-game-engines](https://github.com/ChessMax/awesome-game-engines) - Engine catalogue.\n\n## Contributing\n\nContributions welcome! Read the [contribution guidelines](contributing.md) first.\n","projects_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/lists/roobyx%2Fawesome-game-design/projects"}