Fixing the 'Vague Vision' in Game Development Notes

Fixing the “Vague Vision” in Game Development Notes

Every indie game developer hits that wall. You have a “great idea,” a spark of inspiration, but when you try to articulate it, it feels… fuzzy. Your development notes often start with grand declarations that quickly devolve into vague aspirations. This “vague vision” struggle is common, but your game development journal can be the most powerful tool to overcome it.

The Problem with Vague Notes

Let’s be honest, we’ve all written them. These common pitfalls in game development logs lead to wasted time and unclear direction.

Mistake 1: “It’s fun.” - Why this isn’t enough.

“The game is fun” is a feeling, not a design goal. It offers no guidance on how to make it fun, or what kind of fun. This kind of note makes it impossible to track game development progress effectively.

Mistake 2: Overly broad genre descriptions.

Describing your game as “a sci-fi RPG” or “a platformer” gives you a starting point, but it’s like saying you want to build “a house.” What kind of house? What’s its purpose? Your game dev journal needs to go deeper.

Mistake 3: Focusing only on features, not feelings.

Listing features (“has crafting,” “multiplayer combat”) without connecting them to the player experience is a recipe for a disjointed game. Players engage with emotions and experiences, not just checklists.

5 Ways Journaling/Note-Taking Narrows Your Vision

Your game development journal isn’t just a diary; it’s a strategic weapon. Here’s how to use it to refine your vision and streamline your game development log.

1. The “Player Experience Blueprint”

Instead of “it’s fun,” articulate the specific emotional and experiential goals for your player. Use your game dev journal to define these core feelings.

Ask yourself: “What specific emotion do I want the player to feel at this moment in the game?” “How will the player feel after completing this challenge?” “What sensation should the player experience when interacting with this mechanic?” Examples in your notes could be: “Player feels overwhelming dread when exploring the dark hallways,” “Player feels a surge of agency after mastering a difficult combat sequence,” or “Player feels curious and rewarded when uncovering hidden lore.” This level of detail in your game development log creates a clear target for your design.

2. Mechanics-to-Meaning Mapping

Every core mechanic in your game should serve a purpose beyond just existing. Use your game development notes to explicitly connect mechanics to specific player experiences or design goals. Don’t just list “crafting system.” Instead, explain why it’s there.

For instance, your notes might say: “The crafting system exists to foster player attachment to scavenged resources, enhancing the sense of scarcity and survival.” Or “The stealth mechanic is designed to empower players to outsmart enemies rather than brute force, promoting a feeling of tactical intelligence.” This ensures your mechanics contribute directly to your vision, making your game development log a roadmap of intention.

3. The “Why” Factor Deep Dive

Go beyond what your game is and focus intently on why it exists and why players would care. This is a crucial step for any game dev journal. Dedicate specific sections in your notes to exploring your core motivations.

Why are you making this game? What unique message or experience are you trying to deliver? Why should a player choose your game over the thousands of others available? Your notes could explore themes like “The game explores themes of isolation and resilience in a post-apocalyptic world” or “We want players to rethink their assumptions about AI through dynamic companion interactions.” This deeper “why” becomes the north star for your entire game development process.

4. Iterative Vision Refinement through Review

Your notes aren’t static; they are living documents. Make a habit of regularly revisiting and challenging your game development notes. When you notice a “vague” spot, actively brainstorm specific details until it’s crystal clear. This is a key part of how to track game development progress effectively.

Set a weekly or bi-weekly reminder to review your game dev journal. Read through your early ideas. Have they changed? Are there still ambiguities? If a description feels generic, push yourself to define it further. For example, if you wrote “Combat should be satisfying,” ask: “What makes it satisfying? Is it the crunch of sound effects, the visual feedback of hits, the strategic depth of abilities, or all of the above?” This iterative process of refinement transforms your game development log into a powerful tool for clarity.

5. The “Minimum Viable Vision” Test

Use your notes to define the absolute core elements that must be present for your game’s vision to be realized. This helps you strip away non-essentials and define your focus. A structured approach to your game development journal truly shines here, helping you track your progress on these fundamental components.

What are the irreplaceable mechanics, emotions, or narrative beats that define your game? If you removed them, would the game still feel like the game you intend to make? For instance, your “minimum viable vision” notes might state: “Must have the core loop of exploring, scavenging, and crafting essential survival items; player must experience growing tension; the central mystery must be hinted at in the first hour.” This exercise in your game dev journal forces you to prioritize and identify what truly matters, ensuring your project remains focused.

The Power of Purposeful Notes

A clear, purposeful game vision is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Your game development notes are more than just a place to dump ideas; they are the forge where your nebulous concepts become concrete realities. By consistently applying these structured note-taking techniques, you’ll elevate your entire development process, avoid costly detours, and ultimately create a game that resonates deeply with players.

Ready to stop wrestling with vague concepts and transform your game ideas into defined visions? Start a structured game dev journal today. Visit track game development progress to find a dedicated tool that can elevate your entire note-taking and development process.