3 Underrated Tools for Indie Game Dev Energy You Should Try

3 Underrated Tools for Indie Game Dev Energy You Should Try

Indie game development is a marathon, not a sprint.

Burnout is real. Creative fatigue is a constant threat.

How can you stay energized and focused when you’re wearing all the hats?

We asked experienced indie devs about their secret weapons.

Here are three underrated digital tools that can help you boost your energy and reignite your passion, along with practical advice to avoid common pitfalls.

Tool #1: Trello + Pomodoro: Project Management with a Mindful Twist

Project management tools can feel overwhelming. Many end up adding to the stress, not reducing it.

Instead of a complex system, try a simple Trello board combined with the Pomodoro Technique.

“I used to get lost in the weeds, constantly switching between tasks,” says Sarah, solo developer of Starlight Symphony. “Trello helped me visualize the entire project, and the Pomodoro timer forced me to take breaks. It sounds simple, but it was a game-changer.”

Here’s how to make it work:

1. Create a Trello board with columns like “To Do,” “In Progress,” “Testing,” and “Done.”
2. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
3. Use a Pomodoro timer (25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of break).
4. Move cards between columns as you progress.

Common Pitfall: Overloading the “To Do” column. Avoid this by prioritizing tasks ruthlessly. What needs to be done today? What can wait?

Sarah adds, “The key is to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. Don’t try to cram everything in. Less is more.”

Tool #2: Brain.fm: Your Personal Focus Soundtrack

Music can be a powerful tool for focus, but finding the right tracks can be time-consuming and distracting.

Brain.fm offers AI-generated music designed to improve focus, relaxation, and sleep.

“I was skeptical at first,” admits Mark, creator of the roguelike Dungeon Diver. “But Brain.fm really helped me get into a flow state. I use different settings for different tasks.”

Here’s how to customize Brain.fm for maximum effect:

• Coding: Use the “Focus” setting with high intensity.
• Art/Design: Opt for the “Creative Flow” setting.
• Relaxation: Choose the “Meditate” or “Relax” setting during breaks.

Common Pitfall: Forgetting to adjust the intensity. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you. Consider noise-canceling headphones for optimal focus.

Mark recommends, “Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings. What works for coding might not work for level design.”

Tool #3: Obsidian: Brainstorming Without the Brain Drain

Note-taking apps are essential, but many become cluttered and overwhelming.

Obsidian is a Markdown-based note-taking app with a unique feature: it lets you create links between notes, building a network of connected ideas.

“I used to keep all my game design ideas scattered across different documents,” explains Emily, who’s developing the narrative adventure Echoes of the Past. “Obsidian helped me connect the dots and see the bigger picture.”

Here’s how to use Obsidian for brainstorming:

1. Create a new note for each idea, concept, or task.
2. Use internal links ([[Note Title]]) to connect related notes.
3. Use Obsidian’s graph view to visualize the connections between your ideas.

Common Pitfall: Getting lost in the network. Stay focused by creating clear entry points and organizing your notes into folders. Don’t overthink the connections. Let them emerge naturally.

Emily says, “The graph view is surprisingly helpful. It allows you to see patterns you might have missed otherwise.”

Documenting Your Journey: A Path to Sustainable Creativity

These tools can significantly improve your energy and focus. However, true sustainability comes from understanding your own process.

This means documenting your progress, tracking your challenges, and celebrating your victories.

Keeping a game dev journal is a powerful way to do this. It provides a record of your journey, allowing you to identify patterns, learn from your mistakes, and stay motivated.

It also allows for more effective sharing of information through devlogs. Sharing your work is a great way to build community and stay accountable.

Start by reflecting on your current workflow. What are your biggest energy drains? What are your most productive times of day?

Experiment with these tools, track your progress, and adjust your approach as needed.

To truly solidify these insights and track your progress, remember to reflect and stay inspired in game development with our journaling tool and see tangible results. This is the next step towards a fulfilling journey as a game developer.