How to Debug Game Design Amnesia Like a Pro

The Case of the Vanishing Vision: How I Stopped Forgetting My Game’s Purpose

It happened again. Six months into development, staring at a sprawling skill tree, I had absolutely no clue why I’d added half of these abilities. My passion project, “Cosmic Janitor,” a quirky space-cleaning simulator with rogue-lite elements, was bloating into a confusing mess. Design amnesia had struck, hard.

I wasn’t alone. Talking to other indie devs, this seemed like a common ailment: the slow, insidious creep of feature bloat, driven by forgotten intentions and shiny new ideas that diluted the original vision. I needed a cure, and fast.

That’s when I stumbled upon a talk by Anya Sharma, the developer behind the critically acclaimed puzzle game, “Lumiflora.” Her secret? Meticulous dev journaling. I managed to snag an interview to learn more.

Me: Anya, thanks for talking to me. Your game’s design is so focused. How did you avoid the “feature creep” monster?

Anya: (Laughs) It tried to get me! But seriously, the key is remembering why you made specific choices. That’s where a good game dev journal comes in. It’s not just about logging progress; it’s about capturing your thought process.

Me: So, like a diary for your game?

Anya: Kind of, but more structured. Think of it as a time capsule of your design intentions. When you’re six months in and questioning a design decision, you can go back and say, “Ah, right! I added that grappling hook because I wanted to emphasize verticality in level design.”

Me: Makes sense. But where do you even start?

Anya’s Guide to Building a Bulletproof Game Dev Journal

Anya: Okay, here’s my process. It’s evolved over time, but the core principles remain the same:

1. Capture the Genesis: Before you write a single line of code, document your initial inspiration. What sparked the idea? What feeling are you trying to evoke? What are your core mechanics? Don’t just write “fun platformer.” Write why you think it’ll be fun, what makes it unique, and who your target audience is.
2. Define Pillars, Not Just Features: Instead of focusing solely on features, identify your core design pillars. These are the guiding principles that inform every decision. For Lumiflora, my pillars were “Serenity,” “Intrigue,” and “Discovery.” Every feature had to align with at least one of these. If it didn’t, it was cut.
3. Document Everything (Major and Minor): Every design decision, no matter how small, should be logged. Why did you choose that specific font? Why did you decide to use a grid-based movement system instead of free movement? The “why” is crucial.
4. Visuals are Your Friend: Screenshots, sketches, mood boards – include them all! A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when you’re trying to recapture a feeling or visual style.
5. Track Pivots & the Reasoning Behind Them: Games evolve. You’ll inevitably need to make changes. When you do, document why you’re changing things. What problem are you trying to solve? What are the potential consequences of this change? This helps you avoid accidentally undoing previous decisions later.
6. Regularity is Key: Set aside time each day (or at least a few times a week) to update your journal. Even 15 minutes is better than nothing. The more consistent you are, the more valuable your journal will be.
7. Choose the Right Tool: Don’t rely on scattered text files and sticky notes. Find a tool that works for you. Something that allows you to easily organize your thoughts, add images, and search for specific information.

Me: What are some common pitfalls people fall into when trying to keep a game development log?

Anya: Inconsistency is the biggest killer. People start strong, then fall off the wagon. Another is being too vague. “Improved enemy AI” tells you nothing. “Improved enemy AI to be more reactive to player flanking maneuvers, enhancing the feeling of tactical combat” is much better. And finally, poor organization. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, your journal is useless.

Me: Any tips for staying organized?

Anya: Use tags, categories, and a clear naming convention for your entries. For example, you could tag entries by feature, system, or design pillar.

Me: This is incredibly helpful, Anya. Thank you!

My Transformation: From Amnesiac to Architect

Inspired by Anya’s advice, I overhauled my own approach. I started meticulously documenting my design decisions, using a dedicated tool to keep everything organized. I began defining design pillars for "Cosmic Janitor": “Whimsical,” “Challenging,” and “Rewarding.”

The results were immediate. When I felt lost, I could quickly refer back to my journal, rediscover my initial intentions, and make informed decisions. I cut features that didn’t align with my pillars, refocused on the core experience, and rediscovered my passion for the project.

Now, when I look at the skill tree, I know exactly why each ability is there. It’s all documented. The game is tighter, more focused, and, dare I say, more fun.

If you’re struggling with design amnesia, take Anya’s advice to heart. Start a game dev journal. Capture your vision. And build the game you always dreamed of making.

Ready to start documenting your game development journey and avoid design amnesia? Try our development journal today and keep your vision alive.