How to Build a Devlog Goal System from Scratch

Stop Scope Creep: Build a Devlog Goal System From Scratch

Ever heard the story of “Project Phoenix,” the indie game that aimed to be a sprawling RPG with crafting, survival elements, and a branching narrative? It started with a burst of passion but ended up abandoned, a graveyard of half-finished features. The culprit? Lack of focus and clear, achievable goals. This is a fate a solid devlog goal system can help you avoid.

Define SMART Devlog Goals for Tangible Milestones

A good devlog is more than just a diary; it’s a tool. A tool for planning, reflecting, and staying on track. But it only works if you have something to track towards. This means setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Instead of “Improve combat,” try “Implement a basic enemy AI that can patrol a defined area and attack the player by the end of next week.” See the difference? One’s vague, the other’s actionable.

Tie these goals directly to your game’s milestones. Think vertical slice, core mechanics implemented, first playable demo. Each milestone should have its own set of SMART goals.

Choosing Your Devlog Tracking Method: Ditch the Chaos

How you track your game development progress is key. A disorganized devlog is as bad as no devlog. You have options:

• Spreadsheets: Simple, customizable, and free. Great for tracking individual tasks and deadlines.
• Project Management Software (Trello, Asana, Jira): Ideal for larger projects with multiple moving parts. Offers collaboration features if you’re working with a team.
• Dedicated Journals: Low-tech but surprisingly effective. A physical notebook can be a calming, distraction-free space for reflecting on your work.

The best method is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Don’t overcomplicate it.

Journaling Techniques to Boost Problem-Solving

Your devlog shouldn’t just be a list of completed tasks. It’s a place to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and learn from your mistakes. Use these journaling techniques:

• The "Five Whys": When you encounter a problem, ask “why” five times to dig down to the root cause.
• Retrospective Analysis: At the end of each week, review your progress and identify what went well, what didn’t, and what you can improve.
• Brain Dumping: When you’re stuck on a problem, just write down everything that comes to mind, no matter how silly it sounds. You might stumble upon a solution.

Indie devs often get bogged down in the technical details. These techniques force you to step back and think critically. They will bring clarity to any challenges that arise during the process of game development.

Avoid These Common Devlog Pitfalls

• Inconsistency: The biggest killer of devlogs. Commit to a schedule and stick to it.
• Vagueness: Don’t just say “Made progress on the UI.” Describe what you actually did.
• Ignoring Failures: Don’t only highlight your successes. Document your failures too. They’re valuable learning opportunities.
• Treating it as a Chore: Your devlog should be a tool you find helpful, not a burden. If you’re not enjoying it, re-evaluate your process.

A Framework for Structured Goal-Setting and Reflective Journaling

Combine structured goal-setting with reflective journaling. It’s a powerful combination.

1. Start with your overall game vision: What are you trying to create?
2. Break it down into milestones: Core mechanics, first level, etc.
3. Define SMART goals for each milestone: Be specific, measurable, and realistic.
4. Track your progress using your chosen method: Spreadsheet, project management software, or a dedicated journal.
5. Use journaling techniques to solve problems and reflect on your work: Five Whys, Retrospective Analysis, Brain Dumping.
6. Regularly review your goals and adjust as needed: Game development is an iterative process. Don’t be afraid to change course.

By combining structured goal-setting with reflective journaling, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your project, avoid scope creep, and stay motivated.

To make this process even easier, consider documenting your insights and track your progress with our handy game development journal templates. They are designed to help you structure your thoughts, set clear goals, and reflect on your progress, so you can focus on what matters most: creating an amazing game. game development journal