Common Devlog Goal Bugs and How to Fix Them

Stop Your Devlog From Dying: Setting Achievable Goals

Remember that game project you abandoned? The one with amazing potential that just…fizzled out? Be honest: did your devlog suffer the same fate? A neglected devlog often mirrors a project struggling for direction. It’s a symptom of a larger problem: poorly defined goals.

Don’t let past experiences haunt future projects. A successful game dev journey, documented effectively, hinges on setting realistic and, most importantly, achievable goals for your game dev journal. Let’s fix some common devlog goal “bugs” and get you on track.

Identifying Common Devlog Goal Bugs

Many indie developers unintentionally sabotage their devlogs with unrealistic expectations. Recognizing these common pitfalls is the first step to avoiding them.

Overly Ambitious Goals

“Finish the game” is not a devlog goal. It’s a wish. Broad, time-consuming goals are overwhelming and demotivating. They lead to inconsistent updates and eventual abandonment. Think smaller.

Lack of Specificity

Vague goals like “improve the art style” are equally problematic. What does “improve” even mean? Without a clear definition, you can’t track progress or celebrate small wins.

Ignoring Time Constraints

Balancing game development with life is tough. Setting goals without considering your available time and resources is a recipe for disaster. Be honest about how much time you can realistically dedicate to both development and devlogging.

Failing to Define “Done”

What does “finished” look like for a particular feature or devlog entry? Without a clear definition, tasks drag on, scope creeps, and motivation plummets. Defining “done” helps maintain focus.

Fixing the Bugs: Setting SMART Devlog Goals

The solution is simple: set SMART goals. This time-tested framework brings clarity and structure to your devlog process.

• Specific: Define clear and focused goals. Instead of “improve art,” try “create three new enemy sprites.”
• Measurable: Quantify progress and track achievements. “Implement jumping” becomes “Implement jumping and test with 10 successful jumps in a row.”
• Achievable: Set realistic and attainable goals based on your skills and time. Don’t aim to create an entire level in a week if you know it’s impossible.
• Relevant: Align goals with the overall project vision. Ensure each task contributes to the larger game.
• Time-bound: Establish deadlines and create a sense of urgency. “Complete enemy sprites by Friday evening.”

Tracking Progress with Visual Journaling Methods

Text alone is rarely engaging. Visuals bring your game dev journal to life and demonstrate progress in a compelling way. Here are some methods to keep your audience (and yourself) invested:

• Before and After Screenshots: Showcase visual improvements, like updated character models or environment textures. These are great because they naturally show the progress you’ve made.
• GIFs and Short Videos: Capture gameplay snippets, bug fixes, or progress milestones. A quick GIF of a new mechanic in action is worth a thousand words.
• Concept Art and Mockups: Share initial ideas and visualize future features. This gives your audience a peek behind the curtain and generates excitement.
• Diagrams and Flowcharts: Explain complex systems and mechanics. These can be particularly helpful for illustrating AI behaviors or game logic.

Integrating visual journaling with task management is how you ensure consistent devlogs. Link each visual asset to a specific task in your project management system. As you complete tasks, gather the corresponding screenshots, GIFs, or diagrams.

Ready to take your visual journaling to the next level and track your progress more effectively? Try our Game Development Journaling Tool. It’s designed to help you stay organized, motivated, and consistent with your devlog.

Creating a Sustainable Devlog Routine

Consistency is key to a successful game dev journal. But how do you make it sustainable?

• Establish a Consistent Schedule: Decide how often you’ll update your devlog (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) and stick to it. Even short, regular updates are better than infrequent, lengthy ones. Schedule time in your calendar specifically for devlogging. Treat it like an important meeting. If your devlog sits incomplete and unpublished for too long, you may never come back to it.

Your game dev journal is more than just a record of progress; it’s a tool for motivation, reflection, and community building. By setting SMART goals and embracing visual journaling, you can create a sustainable devlog routine that fuels your passion and helps you bring your game to life.