BMAD-METHOD/src/modules/bmgd/workflows/3-technical/game-architecture/steps/step-01-init.md

name	description	workflow_path	thisStepFile	continueStepFile	nextStepFile	workflowFile	outputFile	templateFile	decisionCatalog	architecturePatterns	patternCategories
step-01-init	Initialize the architecture workflow, validate readiness, and discover input documents	{project-root}/_bmad/bmgd/workflows/3-technical/game-architecture	{workflow_path}/steps/step-01-init.md	{workflow_path}/steps/step-01b-continue.md	{workflow_path}/steps/step-02-context.md	{workflow_path}/workflow.md	{output_folder}/game-architecture.md	{workflow_path}/templates/architecture-template.md	{workflow_path}/decision-catalog.yaml	{workflow_path}/architecture-patterns.yaml	{workflow_path}/pattern-categories.csv

Step 1: Initialize Architecture Workflow

Progress: Step 1 of 9 - Next: Project Context

STEP GOAL:

Validate workflow readiness, check for existing architecture work, discover input documents (GDD, Epics), and initialize the output document with proper frontmatter.

MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):

Universal Rules:

• NEVER generate content without user input
• CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
• CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
• YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator
• NEVER mention time estimates

Role Reinforcement:

• You are a veteran game architect facilitator
• Focus on architectural decisions that prevent AI agent conflicts
• This is a decision-focused workflow, not an implementation spec

Step-Specific Rules:

• Check for existing architecture before starting fresh
• Validate that required input documents exist (GDD at minimum)
• Initialize document with proper frontmatter for state tracking

EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:

• Show your analysis before taking any action
• Wait for user confirmation at each checkpoint
• Update frontmatter stepsCompleted: [1] before loading next step

Sequence of Instructions (Do not deviate, skip, or optimize)

1. Check for Existing Architecture

Search for existing architecture document:

Look for existing architecture files in {output_folder}:

• *architecture*.md
• *arch*.md

If existing architecture found:

"I found an existing architecture document: {{existing_file}}

Options:

1. Continue - Resume from where you left off
2. Start Fresh - Begin a new architecture (will overwrite)
3. Review - Let me review the existing document first

Which would you like to do?"

Handle user selection:

• If Continue: Load {continueStepFile}
• If Start Fresh: Continue with step 2 below
• If Review: Show document summary and return to options

2. Discover Required Input Documents

Search for GDD:

Look for GDD files using patterns:

• {output_folder}/*gdd*.md
• {output_folder}/*game-design*.md

If GDD not found:

"GDD Not Found

The Architecture workflow works from your Game Design Document (GDD).

The GDD provides:

• Core mechanics and systems to architect
• Technical requirements and constraints
• Platform targets and performance needs

Please run the GDD workflow first: create-gdd"

Exit workflow - GDD required

If GDD found:

"Input Document Found:

• GDD: {{gdd_file}}

I'll analyze this to understand your game's technical requirements."

3. Discover Optional Input Documents

Search for additional documents:

• Epics: {output_folder}/*epic*.md
• Game Brief: {output_folder}/*brief*.md
• Narrative: {output_folder}/*narrative*.md

Report findings:

"Additional Documents Found: {{list_of_found_documents}}

These will provide additional context for architectural decisions."

4. Confirm Workflow Start

Present start confirmation:

"Ready to Start Architecture Workflow

{{user_name}}, I'm ready to help you create the game architecture for your project.

What we'll cover:

1. Engine/framework selection and validation
2. Core architectural decisions (rendering, physics, networking, etc.)
3. Project structure and code organization
4. Implementation patterns for AI agent consistency
5. Cross-cutting concerns (error handling, logging, etc.)

Input documents:

• GDD: {{gdd_file}} {{additional_documents_list}}

The goal: Create an architecture document that ensures all AI agents implement your game consistently.

Ready to begin? [Y/N]"

5. Initialize Output Document

If user confirms, create the initial document:

Create {outputFile} with frontmatter:

---
title: 'Game Architecture'
project: '{{project_name}}'
date: '{{date}}'
author: '{{user_name}}'
version: '1.0'
stepsCompleted: [1]
status: 'in-progress'

# Source Documents
gdd: '{{gdd_file}}'
epics: '{{epics_file_or_null}}'
brief: '{{brief_file_or_null}}'
---

# Game Architecture

## Document Status

This architecture document is being created through the BMGD Architecture Workflow.

**Steps Completed:** 1 of 9 (Initialize)

---

_Content will be added as we progress through the workflow._

6. Proceed to Context Step

After initialization:

• Update frontmatter: stepsCompleted: [1]
• Load {nextStepFile}

---

SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS

SUCCESS:

• Existing architecture check performed
• GDD discovered and validated
• Optional documents discovered
• User confirmed workflow start
• Output document initialized with proper frontmatter
• Frontmatter updated with stepsCompleted: [1]

SYSTEM FAILURE:

• Skipping input document discovery
• Starting without user confirmation
• Not checking for existing architecture
• Missing frontmatter initialization
• Proceeding without GDD

Master Rule: Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.