Essential 3 Rules for Focused Indie Devlog Journaling

Essential 3 Rules for Focused Indie Devlog Journaling

Are you an indie game developer struggling to keep your devlogs focused? You’re not alone. Many developers find their game dev journal turning into a rambling mess of thoughts, hindering progress instead of helping it. The “voice in your head” takes over, and problem-solving grinds to a halt. These three rules will give you the focus you need, making your game development log a powerful tool for success.

Rule #1: Define the Purpose of Each Entry

What are you trying to achieve with this devlog entry? Are you documenting progress, brainstorming solutions, or reflecting on a challenge?

Many developers dive straight into writing, only to realize halfway through they’re lost in the weeds. This unfocused approach wastes time and generates entries that are difficult to reference later.

Choose Your Own Adventure:

A. Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start? Go to Section A. B. Do you know what you want to write about, but struggle to stay on topic? Go to Section B.

Section A: Overwhelmed? Start with a Question.

Instead of staring at a blank page, start with a specific question. For example: “What’s blocking progress on the enemy AI?” or “How can I improve the player feedback for collecting items?” This question becomes the guiding star for your entry, immediately providing focus.

Example: Instead of writing “Worked on enemy AI today,” write “What specific pathfinding issues are causing the enemy AI to get stuck?”

Now, go to Rule #2.

Section B: Staying on Topic – The One-Sentence Summary

Before writing anything, summarize the core topic of your devlog entry in a single, clear sentence. Stick to that sentence. Every point you make should directly relate to it.

Example: “This entry focuses on refining the character’s jump animation to feel more responsive.”

If a thought arises that’s not directly related, jot it down separately for a future entry. Don’t let it derail your current focus.

Now, go to Rule #2.

Rule #2: Prioritize Problems, Not Just Progress

It’s tempting to only document successes. However, your game development journal is most valuable when it tackles problems head-on. A problem clearly stated is a problem half solved.

Think of your devlog as a troubleshooting log, not just a glorified to-do list.

Choose Your Own Adventure:

A. Do you struggle to identify the real problems hindering your progress? Go to Section A. B. Do you know the problem, but struggle to find effective solutions through journaling? Go to Section B.

Section A: Unmasking the Root Cause

Often, the surface-level problem isn’t the real problem. Ask “Why?” repeatedly to dig deeper. This “5 Whys” technique can reveal unexpected root causes.

Example:

1. Problem: Player gets stuck in the level.
2. Why? The player can’t see the exit clearly.
3. Why? The lighting is too dark in that area.
4. Why? We haven’t implemented proper ambient lighting yet.
5. Why? We prioritized other features first.

The real problem isn’t just the player getting stuck; it’s the lack of a prioritized lighting system. Now you can focus your devlog entry on addressing this root cause.

Now, go to Rule #3.

Section B: Turning Problems into Solutions

Don’t just describe the problem. Use your game dev journal to actively brainstorm solutions. Dedicate a section of your entry to listing potential solutions, no matter how crazy they seem.

Example:

Problem: Enemy AI gets stuck near walls.

Potential Solutions:

• Implement a raycast-based obstacle avoidance system.
• Simplify the level geometry around known problem areas.
• Adjust the AI’s pathfinding parameters to be more forgiving.
• Add a “stuck” detection and recovery mechanism.

After listing potential solutions, analyze each one and choose the most promising to implement. Document your reasoning.

Now, go to Rule #3.

Rule #3: Structure for Clarity and Action

Unstructured devlogs become overwhelming and difficult to use. A clear structure helps you quickly find information and translate insights into actionable steps.

Choose Your Own Adventure:

A. Do you struggle to organize your thoughts within a devlog entry? Go to Section A. B. Do you find it difficult to translate your devlog insights into concrete tasks? Go to Section B.

Section A: The Problem-Solution-Action Framework

Structure each devlog entry using this framework:

1. Problem: Clearly state the problem being addressed (refer back to Rule #2).
2. Solution: Describe the proposed solutions and your reasoning for choosing one.
3. Action: Outline the specific steps you’ll take to implement the chosen solution.

This framework forces you to be concise and action-oriented.

Example:

Problem: Character’s jump feels floaty.

Solution: Reduce jump height and increase gravity. We choose this because it maintains the existing jump arc while making it feel snappier.

Action:

• Reduce jump height from 5 units to 4 units in the character controller script.
• Increase gravity scale from 2 to 2.5 in the physics settings.
• Test the changes and iterate.

Now, read the conclusion.

Section B: From Insights to Tasks

At the end of each devlog entry, create a list of actionable tasks based on your findings. Treat this list as your immediate to-do list.

Example:

Tasks:

• Implement raycast-based obstacle avoidance for enemy AI.
• Test obstacle avoidance in the level “Forest Ruins.”
• Document the results of the test.

These tasks transform your devlog from a reflective exercise into a driver of progress.

Now, read the conclusion.

Conclusion: Focus on What Matters

By following these three rules – defining purpose, prioritizing problems, and structuring for action – you can transform your game dev journal from a source of distraction into a powerful tool for focused problem-solving and consistent progress. Stop letting the “voice in your head” control your devlog; take charge and use it to accelerate your game development journey.

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