Comparing Devlog Goals: Which System Boosts Indie Games?

“Why bother with devlogs? Nobody cares about my struggles!” - Sound familiar? Many indie devs feel this way, especially when starting out.

But consistently sharing your game’s journey is vital for visibility. The secret? Setting devlog goals that actually work.

This article explores different devlog goal systems to boost your indie game and help you track game development progress. We will also discuss how a game dev journal can help you stay organized.

Time-Based Devlogs: Predictable but Potentially Stale

Time-based devlogs (e.g., weekly updates) offer predictability. Your audience knows when to expect new content.

This can build a consistent following. It also forces you to share something, even if development seems slow.

However, the downside is potential for filler. “This week I fixed a bug and tweaked the UI” isn’t exactly gripping.

To avoid this, plan ahead. Brainstorm potential topics for each week. Consider behind-the-scenes glimpses, concept art, or music snippets.

Feature-Based Devlogs: Focused and Informative

Feature-based devlogs revolve around specific game elements. For example, detailing the new combat system or level design.

These are highly informative for interested players. They showcase concrete progress and demonstrate your game’s unique selling points.

The risk? Uneven pacing. Some features take longer to develop than others, leading to content droughts.

Mitigate this by breaking down larger features into smaller, devlog-friendly chunks. Show the evolution of a single enemy AI over several posts.

Engagement-Based Devlogs: Reactive and Community-Driven

Engagement-based devlogs respond to community feedback. Address questions, showcase fan art, or run polls about future features.

This fosters a strong connection with your audience. It makes them feel invested in your game’s development.

The challenge is reliance on external factors. If nobody asks questions, you have no content.

Seed the conversation. Ask leading questions in your previous devlogs. Run contests or challenges to generate user-generated content.

Choosing the Right System: It Depends

The best devlog system depends on your game and development stage. Early in development, time-based or feature-based logs work well.

As you build a community, incorporate engagement-based elements. Experiment and find a hybrid approach that suits you.

Don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy. If a system isn’t working, switch it up. Adapt to your audience and development needs.

Common Pitfalls: How to Avoid Them

Unrealistic deadlines are a devlog killer. Promise weekly updates you can’t deliver, and you’ll quickly burn out.

Be honest about your bandwidth. It’s better to post less frequently but consistently.

Lack of content variety is another problem. Devlogs shouldn’t be dry lists of tasks completed.

Inject personality. Share your passion for the project. Discuss your design philosophy. Make it engaging.

Ignoring feedback is a missed opportunity. Respond to comments and questions. Show your audience you value their input.

Implementing Your Devlog System: A Step-by-Step Guide

First, define your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your devlogs?

Second, choose your platforms. Will you use a blog, social media, or both?

Third, create a content calendar. Plan out your devlog topics for the next few weeks or months.

Fourth, set realistic goals. How often will you post? How much time will you dedicate to each devlog?

Fifth, track your progress. Monitor your engagement metrics. What’s working? What’s not?

Sixth, be consistent. Even when development is tough, stick to your schedule.

Bridging Creativity and Discipline Through Journaling

Beyond public devlogs, a personal game dev journal is invaluable. Use it to brainstorm ideas, track progress, and reflect on challenges.

A game dev journal helps you organize your thoughts, identify patterns, and improve your development process. It also serves as a repository of knowledge that you can reference later.

Integrating your journal into your devlog routine is a game-changer. Use your journal to draft devlog posts, document experiments, and gather feedback.

By using a dedicated journal to track your game development progress, you can easily transform your daily entries into compelling devlog content. This helps you stay consistent with your devlogs and boosts the visibility of your indie game.

Want a simple way to keep track of your ideas, development process, and progress? Consider using a tool designed to do just that. Start documenting your indie game journey with our journaling tool and streamline your devlog creation. Start Your Game Dev Journal Today