A flowchart is a visual logic map that represents the sequence of actions, decisions, or states in a game system. It uses shapes and directional arrows to describe how gameplay, narrative, UI, or mechanics progress from one step to another.
It’s not just a diagram. It’s a tool to think, align, and de-risk systems before they’re built.
1️⃣ Definition
A flowchart is a diagrammatic structure used to represent how systems behave — especially in terms of input, output, conditions, and flow. It helps clarify design logic, edge cases, and dependencies across the team.
📍A flowchart is where you debug the system — before it even exists.
2️⃣ Why Flowcharts Matter in Game Design
Function | What It Supports |
System clarity | Visualize loops, fail states, win conditions |
Dialogue design | Map branching conversations or tone shifts |
Quest logic | Handle conditions, triggers, and alternate paths |
UI navigation | Trace menus, buttons, and feedback layers |
Onboarding | Guide tutorial pacing and unlock structure |
Cross-discipline alignment | Designers, writers, engineers, and producers see the same logic |
📍If the system can’t be flowcharted clearly, it probably isn’t ready to build.
3️⃣ Core Flowchart Elements
Symbol | Meaning |
▭ Rectangle | Action step (“Grant sword”, “Load scene”) |
◇ Diamond | Decision (“Does player have key?”) |
⬭ Parallelogram | Input/output (“Play animation”, “Get score”) |
→ Arrow | Flow direction (from one step to the next) |
📍Use consistent logic symbols. Treat the flowchart like pseudocode anyone can read.
4️⃣ Use Cases in Game Design
Area | Example |
Narrative | Dialogue trees in Disco Elysium, Mass Effect |
Quests | Branches like “If NPC is dead, skip step 3” |
Combat Systems | AI logic: Chase → Attack → Flee |
Crafting | Resource input → Recipe check → Output item |
Onboarding | FTUE: Learn → Act → Reward → Loop |
Menus & UI | Options → Audio → Back → Resume |
Failure Flow | Combat → Death → Retry → Checkpoint |
📍Every mechanic has a flow — even simple ones. Charting them exposes what’s missing or misaligned.
5️⃣ Flowchart vs Mind Map
Feature | Flowchart | Mind Map |
Structure | Directional logic | Nonlinear exploration |
Purpose | Clarify systems, test logic | Generate and group ideas |
Design phase | Mid/late (after ideation) | Early (during brainstorms) |
📍Start with a mind map. Evolve into a flowchart. One feeds the other.
6️⃣ Tools for Making Flowcharts
Tool | Strength |
Miro / Whimsical | Real-time collaboration, color coding |
Figma | Combines UI flow + logic charting |
Lucidchart / Draw.io | Formal flowcharting with templates |
Twine | Specialized for dialogue and branching narratives |
Notion / Whitespace | Lightweight, fast-to-edit inline diagrams |
📍Use visual tools that your whole team can understand — not just engineers.
✅ Flowchart Design Checklist
📍Don’t chart complexity — chart clarity.
Summary
Term | Flowchart |
What it is | A visual diagram that represents gameplay logic, branching systems, or player flows |
Why it matters | Clarifies structure, reduces edge cases, aligns the team |
Where it’s used | Dialogue, quests, UI, onboarding, AI, crafting, progression |
Design goal | Make the system transparent, testable, and explainable — before it’s built |
📍A flowchart isn’t just a planning artifact. It’s a design clarity weapon — one node at a time.