| name | gd-design-game-loop |
| description | Core gameplay loop design documentation. Use when defining the core gameplay loop, mapping the player experience over time, designing session structures, or identifying pacing issues. |
Game Loop Design
Core Loop Template
# Core Loop Specification v[X.X]
**Last Updated:** YYYY-MM-DD
**Owners:** [Designers]
## Loop Overview
[PRE-GAME] → [SESSION] → [POST-GAME] → [LOOP BACK]
## Session Structure
### Pre-Game Phase
**Duration:** [Target time]
**Player Actions:**
1. [Action 1]
2. [Action 2]
3. [Action 3]
**Emotional Beat:** [Feeling player has]
**Objectives:**
- [Goal 1]
- [Goal 2]
---
### Session Start (0:00 - [X:XX])
**State:** Players [enter spawn/start]
**Objectives:** [Initial goals]
**Threats:** [What can hurt players]
**Emotional Beat:** [Feeling]
**Key Events:**
- [X:XX] - [Event 1]
- [Y:YY] - [Event 2]
---
### Early Game ([X:XX] - [Y:YY])
**State:** [Game state description]
**Objectives:** [What players should do]
**Threats:** [What challenges exist]
**Emotional Beat:** [Feeling]
---
### Mid Game ([Y:YY] - [Z:ZZ])
**State:** [Game state description]
**Objectives:** [What players should do]
**Threats:** [What challenges exist]
**Emotional Beat:** [Feeling]
---
### Late Game ([Z:ZZ] - [End])
**State:** [Game state description]
**Objectives:** [Final objectives]
**Threats:** [Maximum challenges]
**Emotional Beat:** [Feeling]
---
### End Game
**Victory Conditions:**
- [Condition 1]
- [Condition 2]
**Defeat Conditions:**
- [Condition 1]
- [Condition 2]
**Rewards:**
- [What players earn]
- [Progression updates]
---
## Post-Game Phase
**Duration:** [Target time]
**Player Actions:**
1. [Action 1]
2. [Action 2]
**Emotional Beat:** [Feeling]
**Session Loop:** [What brings players back]
Loop Design Principles
Engagement
Keep players engaged by:
- Immediate action - Something to do right away
