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GDD - Duty Calls
HomeDevelopment TeamOverviewGameplay MechanicsStory/SettingCharactersLevel/Environment DesignArt DesignGame AudioUser Interface/Experience (UI/UX)Technical SpecificationsMonetization/Business ModelMarketing/PromotionRoadmapAppendicesConclusion
- Game Design Document -

Duty Calls

Project Image
Project Development Plan

Feb 04, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026

Development Team

Joshua Jackson
Project Manager
Lead Programmer
Thomas Noorda
Assistant Project Manager
Lead Designer

OVERVIEW

Description

Duty Calls is a high-octane, first-person military shooter that immerses players in the gritty realities of modern warfare. As an elite operative in the global peacekeeping force, you’ll undertake covert missions, lead large-scale battles, and make split-second decisions that determine the fate of nations. From urban combat zones to remote war-torn landscapes, the game delivers a cinematic experience, combining fast-paced action with a gripping narrative about loyalty, sacrifice, and the true cost of duty.

Genres

• First-Person Shooter

• Action

• Tactical Shooter

• Military Simulation

Target Audience

Duty Calls targets players aged 16 and up who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed shooters with a focus on realism, strategy, and teamwork. It appeals to fans of military-themed games, competitive multiplayer experiences, and cinematic storytelling.

High Concept (Elevator Pitch)

A cinematic first-person shooter that immerses players in the role of an elite soldier navigating the complexities of modern warfare. With realistic combat, tactical gameplay, and a gripping narrative, it delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that challenges both skill and strategy.

GAMEPLAY MECHANICS

Core Mechanics

• First-Person Shooting: Precision gunplay with various weapons, each with unique handling, recoil, and damage characteristics.

• Tactical Combat: Players must use cover, flanking maneuvers, and team coordination to succeed in missions.

• Squad Commands: Issue orders to AI-controlled teammates, such as covering fire, breaching, or holding positions.

• Dynamic Movement: Sliding, vaulting, and leaning mechanics enhance maneuverability in combat.

• Loadout Customization: Tailor weapons, attachments, and gear before missions to fit different playstyles.

• Real-Time Decision-Making: Choose between multiple approaches to complete objectives, impacting the mission outcome.

• Multiplayer Modes: Competitive and cooperative gameplay with diverse match types, including team deathmatch, capture-the-flag, and objective-based missions.

• Stealth Mechanics: Silent takedowns, suppressed weapons, and environmental distractions for covert operations.

• Environmental Interaction: Destructible environments, dynamic weather, and interactive objects that influence combat.

• Progression System: Unlock new weapons, perks, and abilities as players level up or complete challenges.

• Cinematic Action Sequences: Quick-time events and large-scale battles that heighten the intensity of the narrative.

Objectives

• Eliminate Targets: Neutralize specific enemy soldiers, leaders, or high-value targets.

• Secure Locations: Capture and hold strategic points or areas of interest.

• Rescue Hostages: Locate and extract captured allies or civilians.

• Defend Positions: Protect key assets or locations from waves of enemy attacks.

• Retrieve Intelligence: Collect classified documents, data drives, or other critical information.

• Escort Missions: Safely guide VIPs, convoys, or vulnerable units to a secure location.

• Sabotage Operations: Destroy enemy equipment, vehicles, or infrastructure.

• Stealth Recon: Infiltrate enemy territory undetected to gather intel or mark targets.

• Extraction Missions: Fight through enemy forces to reach an evac point.

• Time-Sensitive Operations: Complete objectives within a strict time limit, such as disarming bombs or escaping danger.

• Survive Ambushes: Adapt to surprise enemy attacks and fight to survive.

• Coordinate Strikes: Call in airstrikes, artillery, or reinforcements to support mission goals.

• Neutralize Threats: Disable tanks, drones, or other advanced enemy tech.

• Investigate Areas: Explore for clues, hidden paths, or additional intel to advance the mission.

• Multiplayer Objectives: Compete in objective-based modes like capturing flags, planting explosives, or completing cooperative goals.

Progression Systems

• Experience Points (XP): Earn XP through mission completions, kills, and challenges to level up and unlock new gear or abilities.

• Skill Trees: Develop specialized skills such as increased accuracy, faster reload times, or advanced tactics (e.g., stealth or heavy combat skills).

• Weapon Unlocks: Gain access to new weapons, attachments, and upgrades by completing specific tasks or reaching milestones.

• Player Rank System: Advance through military ranks, with higher ranks granting additional perks, equipment, or missions.

• Custom Loadouts: Unlock and customize loadouts with weapons, gadgets, and perks suited to various playstyles.

• Challenge-Based Rewards: Complete daily or weekly challenges for bonus XP, rare gear, or cosmetic items.

• Mission Score Rating: Earn performance-based ratings (e.g., bronze, silver, gold) that unlock extra rewards or alternate mission paths.

• Cosmetic Customization: Unlock outfits, weapon skins, and badges to personalize characters and gear.

• Multiplayer Prestige System: Reset levels after reaching the max rank to gain exclusive icons, gear, and bragging rights.

• Co-op Progression: In cooperative modes, shared progress unlocks team-based upgrades like faster revive times or shared XP boosts.

• Faction Reputation: Align with factions in the story, gaining unique gear and missions based on reputation levels.

• Story Choices Impact: Decisions made during missions unlock alternate story paths, affecting characters and future objectives.

• Achievement System: Track in-game achievements that reward players with XP, gear, or cosmetic items.

• Battle Pass: A seasonal system offering tiered rewards as players progress through a mix of free and premium tracks.

Unique Features

• Dynamic Mission Paths: Missions adapt based on player choices, such as choosing stealth or full-on assault, altering objectives and outcomes in real time.

• AI Squad Bond System: Teammates build trust based on your leadership choices, affecting their performance, morale, and dialogue.

• Real-Time Global Conflict: A live in-game "War Map" shows a dynamic, evolving global battlefield where mission successes or failures directly affect future scenarios.

• Integrated Companion App: Players can track stats, plan loadouts, or strategize multiplayer matches on a mobile companion app.

• Morality-Based Gameplay: Decisions in the field, such as sparing or eliminating enemies, have long-term consequences on the story and how NPCs interact with you.

• Interactive Environments: Fully destructible buildings, reactive weather (e.g., fog or rain reducing visibility), and environmental hazards like collapsing structures.

• Co-op "Split Roles" Mode: Cooperative missions where each player has a distinct role (e.g., sniper, support, infiltrator) with unique objectives that must be synchronized.

• Battlefield Momentum System: Perform well in combat to earn temporary boosts for your squad, such as air support or advanced technology deployment.

• Holo-Briefing Integration: Missions begin with an immersive holographic briefing that players can interact with, setting strategies and customizing objectives.

• Asymmetric Multiplayer: A unique multiplayer mode where one team plays as highly trained operatives, and the other controls local militia with resourceful, makeshift tactics.

• Signature "Duty Chain" Combo System: Players are rewarded for seamless execution of kills, assists, and objective completions with tactical bonuses like drone support or reconnaissance intel.

• Cinematic Extraction Sequences: Extraction zones dynamically shift based on mission events, creating tense, action-packed endings to missions.

• Localized Damage Physics: Advanced hit detection system where enemy reaction depends on the location and caliber of the weapon used.

• Dynamic Ally Support: Call on non-playable ally factions to assist during missions based on your reputation and in-game relationships.

• Zero-Lag Voice Commands: Use a microphone to issue squad commands, like calling airstrikes or assigning cover positions, with instant in-game execution.

STORY/SETTING

Narrative Background

Set in a near-future world teetering on the brink of chaos, Duty Calls follows the rise of a clandestine global task force, Vanguard Unit, created to combat emerging threats that traditional armies cannot handle. As political alliances crumble and rogue states wield advanced technologies, a shadowy organization known as Eclipse orchestrates a series of global conflicts to destabilize the world. Players step into the boots of a seasoned operative, uncovering a conspiracy that spans continents, testing their loyalty, morality, and the true meaning of duty.

Setting

The game is set in a sprawling, near-future world marked by geopolitical instability and rapid technological advancements. Players will traverse diverse environments, from war-torn urban centers and dense jungle outposts to icy arctic bases and high-tech underground facilities. Dynamic weather and destructible environments add realism, while each location reflects the escalating tension of a world on the edge of all-out war.

CHARACTERS

Playable Characters

Captain Alex Cross

A decorated soldier and the leader of Vanguard Unit. Alex is a tactical mastermind with a deep sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to protecting civilians. Haunted by the ghosts of past missions, he struggles to balance personal sacrifice with his role as a leader.

Lieutenant Sophia Reyes

A skilled recon specialist and tech expert, Sophia excels at stealth and intelligence gathering. Her sharp wit and unshakable determination make her a vital asset in the field, though her rebellious streak sometimes puts her at odds with authority.

Sergeant Marcus "Brick" Jackson

The team’s heavy weapons expert, Marcus is known for his raw strength and unbreakable loyalty. A former MMA fighter, he brings an imposing physical presence to the battlefield, but his brash attitude often masks a surprisingly thoughtful and philosophical side.

Corporal Jin Nakamura

A tactical drone operator and demolitions expert, Jin is calm under pressure and always ready with a dry sense of humor. His innovative use of technology often turns the tide in impossible situations, earning him the nickname "The Ghost."

Private Elena Kovac

The newest recruit to the Vanguard Unit, Elena is a sharpshooter with an impeccable aim and a drive to prove herself. Despite her inexperience, her adaptability and resilience quickly earn her respect among the team.

Specialist Omar Rahim

A former intelligence officer turned field operative, Omar specializes in covert ops and enemy infiltration. His mysterious past and tactical brilliance make him an enigmatic but invaluable member of the squad.

Warrant Officer Claire Duvall

A combat medic with nerves of steel, Claire ensures the team stays in the fight no matter the odds. She’s compassionate but fiercely protective of her squad, willing to put herself in harm's way to save others.

Non Playable Characters (NPCs)

General Ethan Ward

The no-nonsense commander of Vanguard Unit, Ward is a seasoned strategist who balances the weight of the world on his shoulders. While he rarely shows emotion, his decisions are guided by a fierce dedication to global stability.

Dr. Olivia Carter

A brilliant scientist working for the task force, Olivia provides critical intel, develops cutting-edge tech, and serves as the team’s moral compass. She’s resourceful and unafraid to challenge authority when lives are at stake.

Sergeant Leon "Ironclad" Ortega

A logistics officer responsible for resupplying and equipping the team, Leon is a trusted ally in the field. His cheerful demeanor hides a tragic past that fuels his resolve to support the mission.

Agent Zara Mikhailov

A shadowy intelligence operative with ties to various global factions, Zara provides cryptic but crucial information. Her true motives are often unclear, making her both an asset and a potential threat.

Colonel Amir Faheem

The leader of a splinter militia caught between Vanguard Unit and Eclipse. Amir’s motives are ambiguous, and his alliance depends on how the player handles certain missions.

Freelancer Dylan Hayes

A mercenary for hire, Dylan works for whoever pays the most. With a sharp tongue and a knack for survival, he’s willing to help the team—for a price.

Civilian Leader Maria Torres

A courageous community leader caught in the crossfire, Maria helps players navigate civilian resistance efforts and provides vital intel on the ground.

Arms Dealer Vincent “Vince” Delgado

An underground weapons dealer with connections on all sides of the conflict, Vince offers rare gear and information—but only to those who can afford his price.

Enemy Characters

Eclipse Grunts

The backbone of Eclipse's forces, these well-trained soldiers are armed with standard rifles and basic tactical gear. They work in groups, relying on strength in numbers.

Shock Troopers

Heavy infantry equipped with reinforced armor and riot shields. These enemies use suppressive fire and brute force to break through defenses.

Sniper Units

Positioned at elevated vantage points, these enemies pick off targets from afar with deadly precision. They force players to stay mobile and take cover.

Dreadnought Operatives

Elite soldiers outfitted with experimental exosuits, granting them enhanced speed and strength. They are deadly in both close and ranged combat.

Tech Hackers

Specialized enemies that disable player drones, disrupt HUDs, and create electronic traps, forcing players to adapt without their usual technological tools.

Drone Swarms

Autonomous flying units equipped with machine guns and EMP capabilities. These enemies attack in coordinated patterns, overwhelming players who aren’t prepared.

Mech Titans

Massive walking tanks armed with heavy machine guns, missile launchers, and flamethrowers. Players must destroy weak points to bring them down.

Juggernauts

Towering brutes in full-body armor that are nearly impervious to standard weapons. Juggernauts wield miniguns and devastate with slow, relentless attacks.

Flame Troopers

Enemies equipped with flamethrowers and incendiary grenades, these combatants are terrifying in enclosed spaces, forcing players to fight strategically.

(BOSS) Lieutenant Ivan Korov

A recurring foe who serves as a boss encounter. His sheer strength and aggressive tactics create high-stakes, cinematic battles.

(BOSS) Dr. Emilia Wexler’s Bioweapons

Mutated creatures designed in secret labs, these enemies are fast, unpredictable, and horrifyingly resilient, adding a survival-horror element to the game.

(BOSS) Rogue AI “Aegis” Drones

Swarms of autonomous drones controlled by Aegis, each with unique behaviors, such as cloaking, kamikaze dives, or coordinated attacks to overwhelm players.

(BOSS) Vanguard Traitors

Former operatives turned rogue, these enemies mirror the player's skill set, making them some of the most challenging and unpredictable foes in the game.

LEVEL/ENVIRONMENT DESIGN

Levels

Urban Inferno

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The mission begins in a sprawling metropolitan city that has become a battlefield. Skyscrapers crumble as Eclipse forces lay siege to the streets, forcing players to navigate through wreckage and flames. Amid the chaos, the primary objective is to rescue a high-value VIP trapped in a collapsing building. Civilians scream for help as sniper fire rains down from above, and enemy troops ambush players at every turn. The level ends with a daring rooftop extraction under heavy fire.

Key Elements

• Collapsing structures

• Civilian rescue sequences

• Sniper ambushes

Jungle Shadows

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Players are dropped into the heart of a dense rainforest under cover of darkness. The jungle teems with danger, from patrolling Eclipse forces to natural hazards like quicksand and venomous creatures. Players must use stealth to avoid detection, slipping past enemy camps and disabling perimeter alarms. The mission crescendos with a high-octane firefight as the enemy compound is raided, with players facing waves of reinforcements while securing critical intel.

Key Elements

• Dense vegetation for stealth

• Tripwire traps and ambushes

• A climactic firefight in the compound

Arctic Siege

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Set in a remote Arctic research facility, this level pits players against not only Eclipse forces but the brutal environment itself. Blizzard winds reduce visibility, and icy terrain makes movement treacherous. Players infiltrate the facility through a frozen cavern, encountering heavily armed guards and experimental bioweapons. As the mission progresses, the facility begins to collapse under an explosive chain reaction, forcing a desperate race to escape before being buried under the ice.

Key Elements

• Harsh blizzard conditions

• Destructible ice bridges

• Time-sensitive escape before the facility collapses

Desert Blitz

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Set in an arid, sprawling desert, this mission begins with players chasing an armored convoy across dunes in a high-speed vehicle sequence. Sandstorms frequently sweep across the landscape, obscuring vision and adding tension to the chase. Players disembark to assault an abandoned refinery where the convoy has taken refuge, engaging in close-quarters combat while evading reinforcements. The mission ends with a standoff against Eclipse forces in a maze of rusty pipelines and crumbling structures.

Key Elements

• Vehicle combat sequences

• A sandstorm limiting visibility

• Final showdown at an abandoned refinery

Underground Awakening

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This level takes players deep into an abandoned underground bunker that was once a top-secret research site. The atmosphere is eerie, with flickering lights and echoes of distant sounds creating a tense environment. Players navigate through narrow corridors, dodging traps and facing rogue drones guarding the site. Midway through the mission, mutated bioweapons escape containment, turning the level into a desperate survival scenario. The mission climaxes with a boss fight against a massive mutated creature in a vast underground chamber.

Key Elements

• Puzzle-solving to navigate traps

• Bioweapon encounters

• A tense boss fight with mutated creatures

Sky Fortress Raid

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Players board a massive airborne fortress operated by Eclipse, beginning with an exhilarating aerial combat sequence. After breaching the fortress, they fight through heavily fortified corridors, encountering elite troops and automated defenses. Certain sections of the level take place in zero-gravity, where gunfights become disorienting and thrilling. The mission ends with the players planting charges to disable the fortress, racing against a self-destruct timer as they parachute to safety.

Key Elements

• Aerial combat and boarding sequences

• Zero-gravity gunfights in certain sections

• Self-destruct timer escape

Urban Siege: Return to Ruins

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Returning to the city from the first mission, players find it further devastated and under complete Eclipse control. Nighttime brings new dangers as patrols and drone swarms scan the rubble for intruders. Players must navigate the ruins carefully, avoiding detection while gathering intel from a downed satellite. The level ends with a large-scale battle as NPC allies join forces with the player to push back the enemy and secure the area.

Key Elements

• Nighttime stealth through rubble

• Evading drone swarms

• Coordinated attacks with NPC allies

Eclipse Stronghold

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The penultimate mission takes place at Eclipse's heavily fortified headquarters. Players fight through a multi-layered fortress filled with advanced defenses, including automated turrets and laser grids. The environment shifts from sterile corridors to massive industrial facilities, creating varied combat scenarios. The mission culminates in an epic boss fight against Lieutenant Ivan Korov, a towering brute armed with experimental weaponry. After defeating Korov, players plant charges to destroy the stronghold and barely escape the ensuing chaos.

Key Elements

• Multi-layered defense systems

• Final confrontation with Lieutenant Ivan Korov

• Destruction of the stronghold's main power core

Digital Frontier

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The setting shifts to a surreal, digital environment as players enter the rogue AI Aegis’s virtual network. Reality bends with glitchy visuals, fragmented structures, and shifting platforms. Players solve puzzles to disable key systems while fending off hordes of digital enemies. The level culminates in a battle against Aegis’s digital avatar, which adapts and evolves throughout the fight. Players must think quickly to outmaneuver the AI and escape the collapsing virtual world.

Key Elements

• Glitchy, surreal visuals

• Environmental puzzles

• Final showdown with Aegis’ digital avatar

World’s End

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The grand finale takes place on a sprawling battlefield where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Players fight alongside allied NPCs, combining infantry combat, vehicle warfare, and aerial strikes to push back Eclipse’s forces. A massive thunderstorm rages, adding chaos and beauty to the cinematic setting. The mission ends with a multi-stage boss fight against Director Conrad Voss, piloting an enormous war machine that players must dismantle piece by piece.

Key Elements

• Combined arms combat (vehicles, infantry, and drones)

• Dynamic weather with heavy rain and lightning

• A multi-stage boss fight with Director Conrad Voss

Environments

Urban Battlefield, Jungle Warfare Zone, Arctic Research Facility, Desert Outskirts, Underground Bunker, Sky Fortress, Ruined City at Night, Eclipse Headquarters, Virtual Network, Global Battlefield

ART DESIGN

Art Direction Guidelines

• Realistic and gritty style with immersive detail.

• Muted and earthy color palette with accent colors for interactive elements.

• Detailed military uniforms and gear with clear faction differentiation.

• Enemy designs focused on uniformity for soldiers and distinctive features for elites.

• Environments should reflect their setting with a focus on environmental storytelling.

• High-contrast lighting to create tension, with dynamic light sources for atmosphere.

• Realistic special effects for fire, smoke, and destruction.

• Fluid animations for characters and environmental elements like foliage and debris.

• Futuristic tech design for high-level enemies and AI with glowing elements.

• Use of dynamic weather and environmental conditions to affect gameplay and visuals.

Visual Style

Designed to be a mix of gritty realism and cinematic spectacle, with an emphasis on immersive, detailed environments that reflect the harsh realities of warfare. The art style leans into a grounded, almost documentary-like aesthetic for the soldier and environment designs, aiming to make the player feel like they’re stepping into a real, lived-in world. However, certain elements—such as explosions, lighting effects, and futuristic tech—will be exaggerated to emphasize the intensity and emotional weight of key moments. This combination of realism with cinematic flair ensures the world feels both authentic and exciting, drawing players into its atmosphere while providing visually striking moments. The use of high-contrast lighting, dynamic weather effects, and atmospheric special effects will add to the tension and drama of the experience.

GAME AUDIO

Music

Intense, orchestral arrangements with modern electronic elements to reflect the high-stakes nature of warfare. The soundtrack features powerful, adrenaline-pumping scores for combat sequences, using heavy percussion and brass to enhance the feeling of urgency. In contrast, quieter, atmospheric tracks are used in exploration or downtime moments, providing emotional depth and contrast. The use of ambient soundscapes—like distant explosions or the hum of machinery—integrates seamlessly with the music, further immersing players in the game world and enhancing the overall tension and drama of the narrative.

Sound Effects

• Gunfire (various weapon types)

• Explosions (grenades, rockets, C4)

• Footsteps (on different surfaces)

• Character grunts and dialogue

• Vehicle sounds (engines, tires screeching, crashes)

• Reloading weapons

• Ambient environmental sounds (wind, rain, jungle, etc.)

• Impact sounds (bullets hitting surfaces, body impacts)

• Stealth actions (footsteps on soft ground, stealth kills)

• Alarm and notification sounds (alerting enemies or player)

• Drone and machine sounds (futuristic technology noises)

• HUD and UI interaction sounds (button presses, menu navigation)

• Door creaks and openings

• Radio chatter and comms

• Background city sounds (distant traffic, sirens, etc.)

• Power-ups and item pickups

• Tension-building music and background drones

• Weather effects (thunder, lightning, wind)

• Damage sounds (character injury or near-death effects)

Voice Acting

A diverse range of performances to bring the characters and world to life. Key roles include commanding officers delivering orders, intense combat dialogue from soldiers, and emotional lines for characters in high-stakes situations. NPCs will have varied voices, reflecting their roles within the factions and environments, while enemies will have aggressive or robotic tones. The protagonist will need a strong, gritty voice to embody the determined, no-nonsense soldier persona, with occasional moments of vulnerability during key narrative moments. The voice acting will be dynamic, changing depending on the intensity of the situation, from heated combat exchanges to quiet, reflective moments. Additionally, radio chatter, brief comms, and NPC interactions throughout the game world will help create an immersive, realistic experience.

USER INTERFACE/EXPERIENCE (UI/UX)

UI Design

• Main Menu (Play, Options, Exit)

• In-Game HUD (Health bar, Ammo count, Objectives)

• Inventory Menu (Weapons, Gear, Items)

• Pause Menu (Resume, Restart, Settings)

• Settings Menu (Audio, Video, Controls)

• Dialogue Box (Character speech, Choices)

• Map/Minimap (Location, Objectives, Enemies)

• Weapon Wheel/Selection Menu

• Health/Armor Indicators (Visual cues for damage taken)

• Objective Tracker (On-screen mission info)

• Button Icons (Interact, Reload, Pause, etc.)

• Progression Bars (XP, Level progression)

• Notification Popups (Achievements, Alerts)

• Tooltips (Item/Objective explanations)

• Loading Screen (Progress bar, Tips)

• Game Over Screen (Retry, Main Menu options)

• Crosshair (Customizable or static)

• Quick Action Buttons (Grenade, Medkits, etc.)

• Status Effects Icons (Poisoned, Stunned, etc.)

• Game Currency/Score Display

Controls

• W, A, S, D (Keyboard) / Left Stick (Controller): Move character

• Shift (Keyboard) / Left Trigger (Controller): Sprint

• Ctrl (Keyboard) / Right Trigger (Controller): Crouch

• Mouse Movement (Keyboard) / Right Stick (Controller): Look around

• Q, E (Keyboard) / Left/Right Bumper (Controller): Lean left/right

• Left Mouse Button (Keyboard) / RT (Controller): Fire weapon

• Right Mouse Button (Keyboard) / LT (Controller): Aim down sights

• R (Keyboard) / X (Controller): Reload

• 1, 2, 3, 4 (Keyboard) / D-pad (Controller): Weapon selection

• F (Keyboard) / B (Controller): Melee attack

• G (Keyboard) / Y (Controller): Throw grenade

• E (Keyboard) / A (Controller): Interact with objects, open doors, pick up items

• F (Keyboard) / B (Controller): Pick up ammo, health packs

• Spacebar (Keyboard) / A (Controller): Jump

• C (Keyboard) / Right Stick Button (Controller): Change stance (prone, crouch, stand)

• Tab (Keyboard) / View Button (Controller): Open inventory

• M (Keyboard) / Select Button (Controller): Open map

• V (Keyboard) / Back Button (Controller): Toggle objective tracker

• Esc (Keyboard) / Start Button (Controller): Open pause menu

• Arrow Keys (Keyboard) / D-pad (Controller): Navigate menu

• Enter (Keyboard) / A (Controller): Select menu option

• Esc (Keyboard) / B (Controller): Return to game or menu

• T (Keyboard) / Left Stick Button (Controller): Open voice chat wheel

• Z (Keyboard) / Right Stick Button (Controller): Use quick communication commands (e.g., "Enemy spotted", "Need ammo")

• Mouse Wheel Up/Down (Keyboard) / D-pad (Controller): Switch between grenades and gadgets

• 5, 6, 7 (Keyboard) / Right Bumper (Controller): Use special abilities (medkits, turrets, etc.)

• W, A, S, D (Keyboard) / Left Stick (Controller): Control vehicle movement

• Mouse Movement (Keyboard) / Right Stick (Controller): Control vehicle camera

• Spacebar (Keyboard) / A (Controller): Jump or boost (for specific vehicles)

• Left Mouse Button (Keyboard) / RT (Controller): Fire vehicle weapon

• R (Keyboard) / X (Controller): Reload vehicle weapon

Tutorials

• Basic Movement and Controls

• Aiming and Shooting Mechanics

• Sprinting and Crouching

• Reloading and Weapon Switching

• Interacting with Objects and Picking Up Items

• Grenade Throwing and Special Abilities

• Combat Tactics (Cover, Stealth, Melee)

• Map Navigation and Objective Tracking

• Inventory Management and Weapon Customization

• Using Vehicles and Vehicle Combat

• Communication and Team Tactics

• Health and Armor Systems

• Progression and Upgrades

• Advanced Combat Techniques (Countering, Flanking)

• Game Over and Respawn Mechanics

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Game Engine

Unreal Engine

Platforms

• PC (Windows)

• PlayStation 5

• Xbox Series X/S

• Nintendo Switch

Hardware Requirements

• PC (Windows)

RAM: 16 GB RAM

Processor Speed: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 / AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

Performance Target

Deliver smooth and immersive gameplay with a consistent frame rate of 60 FPS on both minimum and recommended hardware configurations. The game will prioritize high-quality visuals and responsive controls, ensuring that even during intense combat sequences and large-scale battles, the performance remains stable. To achieve this, the game will be optimized for various platforms, with settings that allow players to adjust graphical fidelity for a balance between performance and visual quality, particularly on lower-end systems.

Networking Features

• Online Multiplayer (Co-op and PvP)

• Dedicated Servers for Matchmaking

• Voice Chat Integration

• Friends List and Party System

• Cross-Platform Play (PC, PlayStation, Xbox)

• Leaderboards and Rankings

• Matchmaking System (Skill-based, Region-based)

• Online Co-op Campaign

• Game Lobbies with Custom Settings

• Cloud Saves for Progress Syncing

• In-Game Notifications for Events and Updates

• Anti-Cheat System

• Customizable Server Options for Private Matches

MONETIZATION/BUSINESS MODEL

Pricing Model

The game will be sold as a full-priced premium product on all platforms, offering a complete experience with a rich single-player campaign and multiplayer modes. This ensures that players get full access to core gameplay mechanics and features without any immediate need for additional purchases.

Microtransactions

• Weapon Skins Pack - $4.99

Unlock a variety of unique, stylish weapon skins to customize your loadout, including camouflage, neon, and metallic designs.

• Character Skins Pack - $7.99

Access exclusive character skins to change the appearance of your soldier, with options ranging from military uniforms to futuristic armor sets.

• Emote Pack - $2.99

Add fun and expressive emotes for in-game interactions, including wave, salute, dance, and more.

• Vehicle Skins Pack - $5.99

Customize your in-game vehicles with unique paint jobs, decals, and futuristic designs to make your ride stand out.

• Battle Pass (Seasonal) - $9.99

Gain access to the seasonal Battle Pass, unlocking exclusive rewards like skins, emotes, weapon blueprints, and more as you complete missions and progress.

• Supply Drop Bundle - $4.99

Purchase a supply drop bundle containing random cosmetic items, including skins, emotes, and exclusive weapon modifications.

• Special Ops Pack - $14.99

Unlock a set of exclusive special ops skins, unique weapons, and a new vehicle skin, perfect for elite players looking to show off their prowess.

• XP Boost - $1.99

Boost your XP gain by 50% for 1 hour, accelerating your progression and unlocking content faster.

• Weapon Blueprints - $3.99

Unlock custom weapon blueprints with pre-set attachments for enhanced gameplay and aesthetics.

• Nameplate Customization - $0.99

Personalize your player nameplate with unique designs, colors, and icons to stand out in multiplayer lobbies.

DLCs

• Shadow Ops - $14.99

A new campaign expansion featuring covert missions behind enemy lines, introducing new weapons, enemy types, and stealth-based gameplay mechanics.

• Warzone: Aftermath - $19.99

A large expansion that adds new multiplayer maps, including war-torn cities and abandoned military bases, plus new game modes and challenges for an enhanced PvP experience.

• Nightfall Campaign - $15.99

Experience a new dark-themed campaign set during a global blackout, with new narrative-driven missions, atmospheric environments, and light-based mechanics.

• Operation: Omega - $16.99

A futuristic DLC introducing a new storyline set in a dystopian future with advanced technology, robotic enemies, and high-tech weapons and gadgets.

• Zombie Apocalypse - $14.99

A survival-based DLC introducing a new mode where players face waves of zombie enemies, with new maps, weapons, and cooperative multiplayer gameplay.

Advertisements

• There will be no advertisements inside Duty Calls.

MARKETING/PROMOTION

Social Media

• Twitter

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• TikTok

• Discord (official server for player interaction)

• Steam Community (for PC players)

Press Releases

• Announcement of Game Development Kickoff

• Gameplay Reveal

• Introduction of Key Gameplay Features

• Beta Testing Phase Launch Announcement

• Release Date Announcement

• Post-Launch Updates and Content Expansions

• Awards and Recognitions Received

• Major Gameplay Milestones and Community Achievements

• DLC Announcements and Features

• Partnership and Collaboration Announcements

• Expansion of Game’s Community Events or Tournaments

• Significant Sales Milestones or Success Stories

Trailers

• Teaser Trailer

• Gameplay Reveal Trailer

• Story and World-Building Trailer

• Beta Announcement Trailer

• Launch Trailer

• Post-Launch Update Trailer

• DLC Expansion Trailer

• Major Event or Milestone Trailer

Demos

• Pre-Alpha Demo

• Closed Beta Demo

• Open Beta Demo

• Early Access Demo

• Launch Demo

Events

• E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo)

• PAX (Penny Arcade Expo)

• GDC (Game Developers Conference)

• TwitchCon

ROADMAP

Alpha Phase

The Alpha Phase of Duty Calls marks the point where the game's core military gameplay is finally in place, but still very much a work in progress. At this stage, players will be able to experience the basic shooting mechanics, early mission objectives, and some key features like the perk system, but expect a lot of placeholder assets, unfinished levels, and rough animations. The first few levels and character models are introduced, although not fully polished, and bugs will be frequent—such as inconsistent enemy AI behavior, broken mission triggers, or unbalanced weapon stats. While the core combat system is functional, the primary goal in this phase is to ensure that the game's pacing and mission flow work well. Internal testing is focused on debugging major issues, fine-tuning the combat, and refining the basic gameplay loop, with a heavy emphasis on performance optimization for smoother gameplay. The Alpha phase will likely be limited to a small group of internal testers, providing feedback on the initial gameplay experience, with some early gameplay footage released to build hype for future public testing and marketing.

Beta Phase

The Beta Phase of Duty Calls is the stage where the game becomes more accessible to a larger audience, typically involving external players who provide valuable feedback on the gameplay experience. During this phase, the game is mostly feature-complete, with most of the levels, characters, and mechanics in place, though there may still be some polishing to be done. The Beta version focuses on refining the user experience, balancing gameplay elements, and identifying any remaining bugs or performance issues. For Duty Calls, the Beta Phase will likely involve both Closed Beta and Open Beta stages. In the Closed Beta, a select group of players will be given access to the game, providing focused feedback on specific areas such as combat, level design, and multiplayer features. This is the time to test network stability, identify exploits or bugs in the multiplayer modes, and fine-tune the progression systems. The Open Beta, on the other hand, opens up the game to a broader audience, allowing a larger sample of players to test the game in different environments. The goal here is to stress-test the game under heavy traffic, get broader player feedback on overall balance, and address any remaining performance issues before the final release. Throughout the Beta Phase, the developers will actively monitor player feedback, tweak gameplay mechanics based on the feedback, fix major issues that arise, and continue improving the overall experience. The Beta also helps build excitement for the official release, showcasing the game to the public while allowing the team to polish the final product based on real-world player experiences.

Release

The Release Phase of Duty Calls is when the game is fully polished and prepared for public launch. By this point, all major bugs have been fixed, the levels, characters, and environments are complete, and the core mechanics are fully refined. The focus during this phase is on final optimization, ensuring smooth performance across all supported platforms, and addressing any lingering issues that may affect the player experience. The game’s combat mechanics, multiplayer features, and progression systems are fully implemented and balanced, with a focus on ensuring everything works seamlessly. During the Release Phase, marketing efforts intensify, with trailers, demo versions, and other promotional materials rolling out to the public, and the game is prepared for launch across all platforms. The final version of the game is packaged and submitted for certification and distribution, and developers monitor early feedback for any immediate post-launch fixes or updates that may be necessary. The team will also begin planning for the post-launch roadmap, including DLC expansions, live events, and seasonal content. The release phase is all about getting the game into players' hands and ensuring a smooth, engaging experience from the first moment of gameplay to long-term post-launch support.

Post Launch Support

Post Launch Support for Duty Calls focuses on maintaining and enhancing the game after its official release. Once the game is out in the world, the development team shifts to ensuring that players continue to have an enjoyable and stable experience. The primary goals during this phase include fixing any critical bugs or performance issues that players report, optimizing the game based on player feedback, and addressing any unexpected technical problems that weren’t identified during earlier testing phases. In addition to bug fixes and patches, Post Launch Support also involves the introduction of new content, such as downloadable content (DLC), seasonal updates, and live events to keep players engaged. For Duty Calls, this could include new multiplayer maps, additional weapons, unique skins, or narrative-driven DLC that expands on the game’s story. The team will also focus on community interaction—listening to player feedback on forums, social media, and support channels to determine the next steps for ongoing updates and features. Furthermore, Post Launch Support often includes balancing changes to ensure the gameplay remains fair and fun, particularly in multiplayer modes where weapon stats or character abilities might need adjusting based on player behavior. Event-based content, such as seasonal challenges or special game modes, can help keep the game feeling fresh for both new and returning players. Ultimately, this phase is about ensuring the longevity of Duty Calls, keeping the community engaged, and continuing to improve the game based on player input, with the goal of creating a vibrant, active player base long after launch.

APPENDICES

Concept Art

• Soldier character designs (various factions and classes)

• Enemy soldier designs (different enemy types)

• Weapon concept art (assault rifles, snipers, grenades, etc.)

• Military vehicle designs (tanks, helicopters, APCs)

• Map/environment concepts (urban warfare, jungle, desert, etc.)

• Explosive device designs (land mines, grenades, C4)

• Player HUD elements (health bars, ammo count, minimap)

• Special abilities (perks, tactical gear)

• Faction logos and insignias

• Cover art for game packaging and digital storefronts

Legal Disclaimers

• Copyright Notice (for the game and all assets)

• Trademark Information (including the game's title and any logos)

• End User License Agreement (EULA)

• Terms of Service (for online features, multiplayer, etc.)

• Privacy Policy (regarding user data collection and usage)

• Refund Policy (if applicable for digital purchases)

• Age Rating Disclaimer (rating by ESRB, PEGI, etc.)

• Content Warning (if the game contains violence, language, or other sensitive content)

• Accessibility Statement (if applicable, outlining support for various disabilities)

• Third-Party Software Acknowledgments (for any external software or libraries used in the game)

Credits

• Numb Thumb Studios

Conclusion

This Game Design Document was written by 2DPK Studios for the project Duty Calls and was created on November 30th 2024 using the Indie Vision mobile application developed by 2DPK Studios.