When to Use Dev Notes Instead of Design Docs

Ditch the Design Doc? When Dev Notes Unlock Indie Game Magic

Are you an indie game dev bogged down by design documents before you even have a prototype? You’re not alone. Many solo developers and small teams fall into the trap of over-planning, stifling creativity and slowing down progress. The solution? Learn when to use lean, agile dev notes instead.

The challenge is finding the right balance between planning and doing. Too much planning early on leads to analysis paralysis. Too little, and you’re building on shaky foundations. This article helps you decide when to use quick dev notes for rapid iteration and when it’s time for a more structured design document.

Embrace the Power of Dev Notes for Early-Stage Exploration

Early in development, your game is a cloud of ideas. Design docs try to solidify something that’s still forming. This is where dev notes shine.

Think of dev notes as your personal playground. They’re informal, messy, and iterative. Use them to:

• Brainstorm mechanics: “What if the player could dash, but it consumes stamina?”
• Experiment with features: “Try a grappling hook that only attaches to specific surfaces.”
• Explore different art styles: “Quick sketch of a low-poly character.”
• Document failed experiments: “The double jump felt clunky and slowed down the flow.”

Dev notes should be fast and disposable. Don’t worry about perfect grammar or formatting. The goal is to capture ideas and track your thought process as you experiment.

Pitfall: Treating dev notes as mini-design documents. This defeats the purpose. Keep them brief and focused on immediate experiments.

Level Up to Design Docs When Your Vision Solidifies

As you prototype and refine your core mechanics, your vision will start to solidify. This is the time to transition to design documents.

Design documents are more structured and comprehensive. They should cover:

• Core gameplay loop: Describe the player’s primary actions and goals.
• Key systems: Explain how the game’s major systems work (e.g., combat, inventory, crafting).
• Level design guidelines: Outline principles for creating engaging levels.
• Art style guide: Define the visual look and feel of the game.

Think of design documents as blueprints. They provide a clear roadmap for development and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Pitfall: Creating overly detailed design documents too early. Focus on the core elements first and iterate as needed. Remember, design documents are living documents.

Document the Why: The Secret Ingredient for a Cohesive Vision

Whether you’re using dev notes or design documents, always document the why behind your decisions. Why did you choose a particular mechanic? Why did you scrap a certain feature?

Documenting the why provides valuable context and helps you avoid repeating mistakes. It also makes it easier to communicate your vision to others.

Example:

• Decision: Removed the stamina bar from dashing.
• Why: Playtesters found the stamina bar frustrating and it interrupted the flow of combat. We want the game to feel fast and responsive.

A clear system is crucial. Use consistent formatting, tags, or categories to organize your notes and make them easy to search.

Transform Chaos into Clarity: The Game Dev Journal

Over time, your dev notes and design documents can become fragmented and difficult to manage. The solution? Consolidate everything into a cohesive game dev journal.

A game dev journal is a central repository for all your game development knowledge. It should include:

• Summaries of key design decisions.
• Explanations of core systems.
• Lessons learned from playtesting.
• Reflections on your progress.

Think of it as a diary for your game. It helps you track your progress, stay consistent, and learn from your mistakes. Indie developers have found success using various tools and systems for this, from simple text files to dedicated software. The key is consistency. Regular entries, even short ones, build a valuable record of your game’s evolution.

Pitfall: Letting your journal become a dumping ground for random thoughts. Take the time to organize and synthesize your notes.

Ready to take control of your game’s development? Start Your Game Dev Journal Today and unlock the power of organized creativity.