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Here’s a 3-step guide to turning an idea into a concept document:

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Step 1. Find Inspiration

Ideas can come from anywhere:
  • Movies and books
  • Other games
  • Everyday life
  • Pinterest or ArtStation
For example, you might watch a show about motorcycle building and come up with a game about creating and selling bikes. It could be either a first-person simulator or a tycoon where you manage assembly lines. The same applies to visual inspiration: discovering an unusual artwork on ArtStation can spark a unique game setting or mechanic.
Tip: Always keep a notebook or digital board (like Notion or Miro) to collect your raw ideas.

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Step 2. Analyze the Idea

Once you have an idea, don’t rush into development — first, test it. This is where competitive analysis comes in. It usually involves three parts:

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2.1 Market Analysis

Research the following:
  • Competitors (similar games on the market)
  • Target audience (who will play your game)
  • Pricing models (how games in this genre are monetized)
Collect useful info about competitors:
  • Release year and sales
  • Studio experience
  • Publisher
  • Popularity on Twitch/YouTube
  • Unique selling points (USP)
  • Weak spots (what players disliked or what’s missing)
📌 Tools to use:
SteamSpy, SteamDB, Data.ai, SensorTower, Google Trends, Reddit, Twitter, GamaSutra, 80lvl.

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2.2 SWOT Analysis

Evaluate your team’s situation:
  • Strengths — what you do well
  • Weaknesses — where you lack experience
  • Opportunities — market gaps, new trends
  • Threats — risks or strong competitors

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2.3 Mechanics Deconstruction

Instead of reinventing the wheel, study how existing games handle mechanics you want to use. Steps:
  1. Define the purpose and constraints of the mechanic.
  2. Gather references (e.g., radar implementations in other games).
  3. Categorize variations and compare pros/cons.
  4. Break down the mechanic into core elements and feedback.
  5. Adapt the mechanic for your project.
  6. Document everything clearly for your team.
Example: radar/compass mechanic

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Step 3. Document It

Now it’s time to put everything together into a concept document.

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What to include:

  • Title — working title of the game
  • Overview — 2–3 sentence description
  • Genre, setting, visual style
  • Target platforms (PC, consoles, mobile)
  • Core gameplay mechanics
  • Main character description

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Formatting tips:

  • Add a table of contents for easy navigation
  • Use structured sections, lists, and highlights
  • Keep it clean and easy to read
Example tools: Google Docs, Notion, Confluence, Miro. At this stage, you’ll have a clear document that lets you decide whether to:
  • start development,
  • refine the idea,
  • or shelve it for later.
You can check out a ready-to-use template here.

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Conclusion

An idea is just the beginning. To turn it into a real project, you need a concept document. This document helps you:
  • validate your idea,
  • analyze strengths and risks,
  • share your vision with the team.
By following these three steps, you’ll save time, reduce risks, and create a solid foundation for development.