A Method to Formalise Game Design Praxis

The present study employs the qualitative method of Grounded Theory to analyse insights from interviews with 11 game design professionals, with the aim of investigating possible shared approaches and practices. The paper proposes a preliminary comprehensive theoretical framework centred on the core category “Balancing Permanence and Change”, revealing designers' nuanced approach to simultaneously maintaining stability and flexibility in their creative process. Collaborative and iterative methods allow them to construct and sustain stable elements while preserving adaptability to potential constraints. The framework can deepen the understanding of game design practices, offering a comprehensive perspective on designers' decision-making processes. In addition, a Pearson's chi-square test was performed to assess the framework's coherence. Future works should evaluate framework's applicability across genres and different cultural contexts.