The rational design approach is a step-by-step methodology that rationalizes the design process for video game production. It helps game and level designers to create games or challenging tasks by planning the design logic of your game. This approach goes through the entire process of video game production.
This approach can be split into 2 phases. The Rational Game Design plans the game systems, game mechanics, related player skills, inputs, atomic parameters and game elements. The Rational Level Design involves the level design parameters, level design pattern, modifiers, rewards and their distribution in the level of the game.
The RGD and RLD approaches provide solid guidelines and data for creating the game, not only for the design team. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the rational design approach and the documents that result from it are communication tools for the whole team. They allow everyone working on a game project to stay on track and speak the same language.
Gameplay System Design in Rational Game Design Approach
Technical Graphic Design Guideline (WIP🚧)
The rational design approach is "design-centric", which means it puts the game/level design at the core of the project by starting with RGD and continuing with prototyping, RLD and playtests analysis. It tackles every aspect of the game that is gameplay-related. This is different from a "project-centric" approach that uses a top-down process of game production. It starts by defining the mandate of the game and, then, defines the associated player experience, high-level concept, and player motivation strategy. This process is centred around artistic, musical, world, and narrative aspects.
Relationship between Gameplay and Level Design