When to Use Dev Logs Instead of Post-Mortems

When to Use Dev Logs Instead of Post-Mortems

Choosing between a dev log and a post-mortem feels like deciding your next move in a chess game. Both document your game development journey, but they serve fundamentally different purposes and are most effective at different stages. A hasty post-mortem can prematurely declare “checkmate” on a project with potential, while neglecting a dev log leaves valuable lessons unrecorded. Let’s strategize the best approach for your project.

The Problem: Premature Autopsies and Missed Opportunities

Many indie devs fall into the trap of writing a post-mortem too early, often when a project hits a roadblock. This feels like declaring defeat before exploring alternative solutions. On the flip side, neglecting a regular dev log means losing crucial insights into design decisions, problem-solving processes, and evolving game mechanics. You miss the opportunity to engage with your audience and adjust your strategy based on feedback. It’s like playing chess blindfolded, relying solely on memory and intuition.

The Solution: A Strategic Approach to Documentation

Think of dev logs as your proactive plays, moves you make during the game to adapt and improve. Post-mortems are the end-game analysis, dissecting the entire match to understand what worked and what didn’t. Here’s a step-by-step guide, structured like a card game, to help you choose the right documentation strategy:

Step 1: Assess Your Project Phase – Draw a Card

Draw a card from the “Project Phase” deck. Is your project in early development, mid-production, or nearing completion?

• Early Development (Prototyping/Concept): Dev logs are your best bet. Share your initial ideas, experiments, and design choices. This is the time for community feedback and course correction.
• Mid-Production (Feature Implementation/Content Creation): Continue with dev logs, focusing on specific features, challenges, and solutions. Show gameplay footage, art updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
• Nearing Completion (Polishing/Bug Fixing): Dev logs are still valuable for showcasing progress and addressing player concerns. A post-mortem might be premature, unless you’re pivoting or drastically changing direction.
• Project Completed/Abandoned: Now’s the time for a post-mortem. Analyze the entire development process, from initial concept to final release (or cancellation).

Step 2: Understand Your Audience – Know Your Opponent

Consider who you’re writing for. Is it for yourself, your team, or the public?

• For Yourself: A game dev journal, used daily, will become your greatest ally to track game development progress. Focus on detailed notes, personal reflections, and problem-solving strategies.
• For Your Team: Dev logs can facilitate communication, keep everyone aligned, and document key decisions. Post-mortems can identify areas for improvement in your team’s workflow.
• For the Public: Dev logs build community, generate hype, and provide valuable feedback. Post-mortems, once the game is released (or shelved), offer transparency and valuable insights for aspiring developers.

Step 3: Evaluate Time Investment – Manage Your Resources

Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to documentation.

• Limited Time: Prioritize short, frequent dev logs. Focus on key milestones and challenges. A detailed post-mortem might be too time-consuming.
• Sufficient Time: Embrace regular dev logs and a comprehensive post-mortem. Consider creating video dev logs or in-depth written reports.

Examples From the Trenches

Many indie devs have successfully used both dev logs and post-mortems.

• Dev Logs for Community Building: Rami Ismail (formerly of Vlambeer) famously used dev logs to document the development of games like Ridiculous Fishing and Nuclear Throne. This built a dedicated community and provided valuable feedback throughout the process.
• Post-Mortems for Learning and Growth: Thomas Brush, the solo developer behind Neversong, has shared incredibly insightful post-mortems on his YouTube channel, analyzing both the successes and failures of his projects.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Perfectionism: Don’t strive for perfection in your dev logs. The goal is to document your process, not create a polished marketing piece.
• Inconsistency: Consistency is key. Set a schedule for your dev logs and stick to it. Even short, regular updates are better than sporadic, lengthy posts.
• Ignoring Feedback: Pay attention to the feedback you receive on your dev logs. Use it to improve your game and engage with your community.
• Fear of Vulnerability: Be honest about your struggles and challenges in your dev logs and post-mortems. This builds trust with your audience and provides valuable insights for other developers.

Your Next Move: Consistent Documentation

Ultimately, the best approach is to embrace both dev logs and post-mortems, using them strategically at different stages of your project. Think of dev logs as your ongoing strategy, and post-mortems as your final analysis. Consistent and strategic documentation will help you learn from your mistakes, build a community, and ultimately, increase your chances of success.

Ready to start documenting your game development journey? A game dev journal can be your secret weapon for tracking your progress, organizing your thoughts, and maximizing your learning. Check out our powerful journaling tool designed specifically for game developers and level up your development game.