Crash Course in Devlog Goal-Setting: Your Dev Journey UX

Crash Course in Devlog Goal-Setting: Your Dev Journey UX

Indie game development is a marathon, not a sprint.

Keeping a devlog helps you stay motivated and connected to your (potential) audience. But a neglected devlog is worse than no devlog at all.

This guide frames your development journey as a user experience. We’ll identify pain points and apply UX principles to create a devlog strategy that works.

The Pain Points of a Broken Devlog

What makes a devlog fail? Scope creep, inconsistent posting, and a lack of clear goals.

Many solo devs start strong, posting daily updates.

Then real development hits. Progress slows. Posts become infrequent, then stop altogether. The devlog becomes a graveyard of good intentions.

This is often caused by failing to recognize that a good devlog requires intentionality and a solid strategy. Let’s fix that.

UX for Your Devlog: Treat Yourself as the User

Think of your devlog strategy as a user experience (UX) problem. You are the user. What are your needs and how can we meet them?

Our goal: to create a sustainable devlog process that benefits you while attracting potential players.

Here’s how:

1. Define your target audience (player personas).
2. Map your “dev journey” flow.
3. Establish measurable goals.
4. Track progress with visual journaling.
5. Measure success and iterate.

1. Define Your Target Audience (Player Personas)

Who are you trying to reach with your game? What kind of players are you trying to attract?

Create 1-3 player personas. Give them names, backgrounds, and motivations.

Example: “Hardcore Harry” loves challenging platformers with tight controls. He values skill-based gameplay and responsive developers.

Knowing your audience helps you tailor your devlog content. Harry doesn’t care about your struggles with character design. He wants to see gameplay footage.

2. Map Your “Dev Journey” Flow

Break down your game’s development into key milestones. What content will you share at each stage?

Consider these stages:

• Concept/Prototyping
• Core Mechanics Implementation
• Art Style Development
• Level Design
• Sound Design
• Playtesting
• Marketing/Community Building
• Release

For each stage, identify potential devlog topics. Early stages could focus on concept art, inspiration, or prototyping challenges. Later stages can showcase gameplay, level design progress, and player feedback.

Tie specific devlog content to each development milestone. This creates a roadmap for your updates, preventing the dreaded “what do I even write about?” feeling.

3. Establish Measurable Goals

“Post more often” is not a goal. It’s a wish.

Instead, use SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

Examples:

• Post one devlog update per week for the next month.
• Share a gameplay video every two weeks showcasing the core mechanics.
• Reach 100 followers on [social media platform] in the next quarter.

Make your goals realistic. Don’t commit to daily updates if you can barely manage weekly.

4. Track Progress with Visual Journaling

Text logs are great, but visual journaling can be more engaging and effective.

Include screenshots, GIFs, and videos in your devlog. Visuals grab attention and show progress quickly.

Use a Kanban board or a simple spreadsheet to track your tasks and devlog schedule. Trello, Asana, or even Google Sheets can work wonders.

Don’t underestimate the power of “before and after” comparisons. Showcasing the evolution of your art style or level design provides compelling content.

For solo devs, it can be difficult to keep track of everything in a single place. If you’re struggling to document your game development progress, check out our game development journal to make it that much easier!

5. Measure Success and Iterate

Review your devlog performance regularly. Are you meeting your goals? What’s working? What isn’t?

Track metrics like:

• Devlog post views
• Social media engagement (likes, shares, comments)
• Website traffic
• Wishlists

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different content formats, posting schedules, and marketing strategies.

Iterate based on your data. Double down on what works and ditch what doesn’t.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

• Perfectionism: Don’t wait for things to be “perfect” before sharing them. Imperfect progress is still progress.
• Burnout: Don’t overcommit. Start small and gradually increase your posting frequency as you become more comfortable.
• Ignoring Feedback: Pay attention to comments and feedback. Engage with your audience and learn from their suggestions.
• Being Too Technical: While other game developers make up a large portion of the audience for your journal, don’t focus on the low-level implementation details that only developers will be able to understand.
• Abandoning Your Devlog: Consistency is key. Even a short, simple update is better than radio silence.
• Treating it as Extra Work: A devlog is not some marketing checkbox. A good devlog can be treated as a development tool to keep track of progress.

Level Up Your Devlog

A well-maintained devlog is a powerful tool for indie game developers. It helps you stay motivated, connect with your audience, and build hype for your game.

By applying UX principles to your devlog strategy, you can create a sustainable process that benefits both you and your potential players.

Remember to define your audience, map your journey, set measurable goals, and track your progress.