Best 3 Tools for Documenting Game Dev in 2024

Okay team, we need to talk about documenting our game dev process. I know, I know, it sounds about as fun as debugging someone else’s spaghetti code. But hear me out.

The Documentation Dilemma

We’ve all been there. A brilliant idea sparks at 3 AM, scribbled on a napkin, then…vanishes into the ether. Or remember that heated debate about the combat system? We thought we agreed on something, but now it’s a blurry memory and we’re back to square one. This is exactly why having a proper game dev journal or game development log can be a lifesaver. We need to track game development progress effectively, but how?

The problem is, documentation often feels like a chore. Scope creep happens, priorities shift, and suddenly maintaining a pristine design document becomes a luxury we can’t afford. Scattered notes, outdated spreadsheets, and a general feeling of overwhelm set in. I get it. But there’s a better way. We can embrace the uncertainty of game development by using tools that make documentation less of a burden and more of a natural part of our workflow. Think of it as navigating the chaos, not eliminating it.

So, I’ve been digging around and experimenting, and I’ve narrowed down three tools that I think can really help us. Let’s treat this as a behind-the-scenes look on how to approach solving these problems, and discuss them as an ongoing process of refinement, where we try to make sure we are tracking game development progress without getting bogged down in the process.

Tool #1: Trello - The Visual Taskmaster

Trello is a visual project management tool that helps teams organize tasks and track their progress.

Think of it as a digital whiteboard with sticky notes. You create boards, lists (e.g., “To Do,” “In Progress,” “Done”), and cards (individual tasks). Each card can contain descriptions, checklists, deadlines, attachments, and discussions.

• Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans offer more features.
• Pros: Visual, intuitive, collaborative, great for task management.
• Cons: Not ideal for in-depth design documentation or journaling design decisions.

We initially started using Trello to track tasks related to our platforming levels. Each level had its own card, and we used checklists to break down the work into smaller steps: “Initial Blockout,” “Gameplay Mechanics,” “Art Polish,” etc. It worked great for keeping us on track with production.

The problem is, Trello isn’t designed for recording the why behind our decisions. Why did we choose that particular enemy placement? Why did we scrap that cool movement mechanic? These crucial details get lost, and when we revisit the level later, we’re left scratching our heads. So, while Trello excels at managing what needs to be done, it falls short when it comes to journaling design or gameplay decisions. What we need is a way to journal design decisions and track all the “whys” behind the “whats.”

Tool #2: Google Docs - The Collaborative Word Processor

Google Docs is a web-based word processor that allows multiple users to collaborate on documents in real-time.

It’s familiar, accessible, and integrates seamlessly with other Google services. Many teams start by creating a central design document in Google Docs.

• Pricing: Free with a Google account.
• Pros: Collaborative, accessible, familiar, good for long-form documentation.
• Cons: Versioning issues, documentation rot, discoverability problems.

We tried using Google Docs for our game’s story bible. We created a sprawling document outlining the characters, lore, and plot. Multiple writers could contribute simultaneously, which was great for brainstorming.

However, after a few months, the document became unwieldy. Multiple revisions and conflicting ideas made it difficult to navigate. Important information was buried deep within the text, and nobody wanted to spend hours sifting through it. Versioning became a nightmare. Google Docs’ revision history helps, but it’s not a perfect solution. Information often gets fragmented and “documentation rot” sets in. Trying to find a specific design decision made six months ago felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Google Docs works great for initial brainstorming and collaborative writing, but it’s not ideal for maintaining a living, breathing game dev journal or development log. Discoverability is a major pain point.

Tool #3: Our Own Journaling Tool - The Purpose-Built Solution

We realized we needed something more focused. We needed a dedicated game dev journal – a tool designed specifically for tracking our progress, recording our design decisions, and building a valuable historical record of our project.

That’s why we built our own journaling tool. We wanted a place to not only record what we did each day, but why we made those choices. It lets you easily link entries to specific tasks in Trello, or sections of your design document in Google Docs. It’s designed to be searchable, taggable, and, most importantly, useful throughout the entire development process.

• Pricing: Free with paid tiers.
• Pros: Designed specifically for game dev, integrates with existing tools, searchable, taggable, promotes consistent documentation.
• Cons: Might require a shift in workflow.

Here’s the thing: Documentation isn’t about creating a perfect, static document. It’s about capturing the evolution of our ideas, learning from our mistakes, and building a shared understanding of the project. It’s about navigating the inherent uncertainty of game development. That’s what our journaling tool is designed to help us do. If you’re struggling to keep track of your game development journey, give it a try: Start Documenting Your Game Today