💻 GDD Work Session

Game Programming - CSCI 3213

Spring 2026 - Week 9 Thursday

Oklahoma City University

• Finalize your Game Design Document
• Set up your Unity project structure
• Initialize Git repository
• Create basic project scaffolding
• Begin implementing core systems
• Schedule and plan your development timeline

Based on Tuesday's Feedback:

• Scope Adjustments:
  • Did peers suggest your scope was too large/small?
  • Revise feature list accordingly
  • Be honest about 7-week timeline
• Clarity Improvements:
  • Were your mechanics clear?
  • Add diagrams or flowcharts if needed
  • Explain the "why" behind design choices
• Technical Planning:
  • List specific design patterns you'll use
  • Identify technical risks and mitigation plans
  • Document third-party assets needed
• Milestone Detail:
  • Break down what you'll deliver each week
  • Be specific (not just "work on game")

Step 1: Create New Project

• Open Unity Hub
• Click "New Project"
• Choose template (2D or 3D based on your game)
• Name it clearly (e.g., "TowerChaos" not "Game1")
• Choose appropriate save location

Step 2: Configure Project Settings

• Edit → Project Settings:
• Set Company Name and Product Name
• Configure target platform (PC, Mac, WebGL)
• Set screen resolution and aspect ratio
• Configure quality settings if needed

Step 3: Organize Folder Structure

Assets/
├── Scenes/
├── Scripts/
│   ├── Player/
│   ├── Enemies/
│   ├── Managers/
│   ├── UI/
│   └── Patterns/
├── Prefabs/
├── Materials/
├── Sprites/ (for 2D) or Models/ (for 3D)
├── Audio/
│   ├── Music/
│   └── SFX/
└── Resources/

Step 1: Create .gitignore

Unity projects need a special .gitignore file

• Visit: github.com/github/gitignore
• Download Unity.gitignore
• Place in project root (outside Assets folder)
• Rename to .gitignore

Step 2: Initialize Repository

# In terminal/command prompt, navigate to project folder
cd path/to/your/project

# Initialize git
git init

# Add all files
git add .

# First commit
git commit -m "Initial project setup"

Step 3: Create GitHub Repository

• Go to github.com and create new repository
• Name it same as Unity project
• Don't initialize with README (you already have commits)
• Link local repo to GitHub:

git remote add origin https://github.com/yourusername/yourproject.git
git branch -M main
git push -u origin main

Essential Scripts to Create Today:

1. GameManager.cs (Singleton):

   public class GameManager : MonoBehaviour
   {
       public static GameManager Instance { get; private set; }
   
       void Awake()
       {
           if (Instance != null && Instance != this)
           {
               Destroy(gameObject);
               return;
           }
           Instance = this;
           DontDestroyOnLoad(gameObject);
       }
   
       // Game state management
       public void StartGame() { }
       public void PauseGame() { }
       public void GameOver() { }
   }

2. PlayerController.cs (Basic Movement):
   • Create placeholder movement
   • Test controls work
   • Will refine later
3. Basic Scene Setup:
   • Create MainMenu scene
   • Create Game scene
   • Add placeholder UI canvas

Before Your First Work Commit:

• ✅ Project opens without errors
• ✅ Folder structure created
• ✅ .gitignore in place
• ✅ GitHub repository linked
• ✅ GameManager created
• ✅ At least one scene created
• ✅ Basic player object or placeholder in scene

Commit Message Best Practices:

# Good commit messages
git commit -m "Add GameManager singleton"
git commit -m "Implement basic player movement"
git commit -m "Create main menu UI"

# Bad commit messages
git commit -m "stuff"
git commit -m "fixed it"
git commit -m "asdf"

Break Down Your Next 2 Weeks:

Required: Implement at least 3 patterns

Pattern Implementation Schedule:

Next 60-75 Minutes - Work on:

1. Finalize GDD (30 min):
   • Incorporate Tuesday feedback
   • Add technical details
   • Document patterns and milestones
2. Set Up Unity Project (15 min):
   • Create project
   • Organize folders
   • Configure settings
3. Initialize Git (10 min):
   • Add .gitignore
   • Create GitHub repo
   • Make initial commit
4. Start Coding (30+ min):
   • Create GameManager
   • Build basic player controller
   • Set up scenes

Git Issues:

• Problem: "Permission denied" when pushing to GitHub
  • Solution: Set up SSH keys or use HTTPS with personal access token
• Problem: Repository too large
  • Solution: Make sure .gitignore is correct (excludes Library folder)

Unity Issues:

• Problem: Scripts not compiling
  • Solution: Check console for errors, ensure namespace is correct
• Problem: Missing references
  • Solution: Use using UnityEngine; at top of scripts

Project Organization:

• Problem: Can't find assets
  • Solution: Stick to folder structure, name files clearly

Unity Project Setup:

• Unity Learn: "Create with Code" - Project setup module
• Unity Documentation: docs.unity3d.com

Git & GitHub:

• GitHub Unity .gitignore: github.com/github/gitignore
• Git basics: git-scm.com/doc
• GitHub for Unity: unity.com/solutions/github

Design Patterns Reference:

• Course lecture slides (Weeks 2-8, 11-15)
• Game Programming Patterns: gameprogrammingpatterns.com

Getting Help:

• Office Hours: Monday/Wednesday 2:00-4:00 PM
• Email: bobby.reed@okcu.edu
• Discord/Slack: [if applicable]

Due by Next Tuesday:

1. Submit Final GDD:
   • Complete with all feedback incorporated
   • Shared Google Doc link to Canvas
2. Share GitHub Repository:
   • Submit repo link to Canvas
   • Ensure repo is public or professor has access
   • At least 3 commits by next class
3. Development Progress:
   • Player controls functional
   • Basic scene with game world
   • One core system started (movement, combat, puzzle, etc.)

Week 10 (No Class Meeting):

• Independent work week
• Focus on core mechanic implementation
• Office hours available for help
• Goal: Be ready for First Playable in Week 11

Before You Leave Today:

• ✅ GDD finalized (or nearly done)
• ✅ Unity project created and organized
• ✅ Git repository initialized
• ✅ GitHub repo created and linked
• ✅ At least one script created (GameManager)
• ✅ Project runs without errors
• ✅ First commit pushed to GitHub

Show Instructor Before Leaving:

Quick check that you have:

• Unity project opening correctly
• GitHub repository set up
• GDD in good shape

Today's Accomplishments:

• ✅ Refined Game Design Document
• ✅ Set up Unity project structure
• ✅ Initialized Git and GitHub
• ✅ Created project foundation
• ✅ Began core development

Next Steps:

• Week 10: Independent development
• Week 11: First Playable demos
• Keep committing to Git daily
• Use office hours if stuck

Your game development journey begins now! 🚀