Common Game Dev Scope Bugs and How to Fix Them

Conquer Scope Creep: A Game Dev Journal is Your Secret Weapon

Scope creep: the bane of every indie game developer’s existence. You start with a simple platformer, and suddenly it’s a sprawling RPG with crafting, base building, and a branching narrative. Sound familiar?

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. A well-maintained game dev journal, or game development log, is your key to controlling scope and finishing your game.

Let’s look at how tracking progress clarifies goals, then dive into practical strategies.

Imagine this: You’re building a puzzle game. Your initial idea is simple: sliding blocks to form a picture. Without a journal, you might impulsively add new mechanics – rotating blocks, special power-ups, even a story mode. Each addition pulls you further from your original vision.

But with a game dev journal, you’ve documented your core mechanic, your target audience, and your intended scope. You can clearly see how these new ideas deviate. Maybe those rotating blocks are cool, but they add significant complexity. Your journal entries help you weigh the pros and cons, and ultimately, stay focused.

Defining, Managing, and Reducing Scope

First, define your core loop. What is the single most compelling thing a player will do repeatedly in your game? Write it down. Now, identify the absolute minimum set of features needed to make that core loop fun and engaging. Document these features in your game development log. This is your “Minimum Viable Product” (MVP).

Avoid “feature creep” by constantly asking: "Does this addition enhance the core loop, or is it just a distraction?". Your game dev journal is where you answer this question. Track every feature suggestion, big or small. Note its impact on the core loop, the development time estimate, and a priority score.

It’s okay to have a “Someday/Maybe” list. But don’t touch it until your MVP is polished and complete.

Pivot or Persist? The Journal Knows

Sometimes, that initial idea just isn’t working. Perhaps playtesters hate your core mechanic. It’s time to pivot. But how do you decide when to change direction?

Your game development log is crucial here. Review your playtest notes, your failed experiments, and your own feelings about the project. Are the problems fundamental, or can they be fixed with minor tweaks? Document your reasons for pivoting and your new direction. This helps you avoid repeating past mistakes.

On the other hand, persistence can pay off. If you believe in your core idea, but are facing implementation challenges, your journal can help you brainstorm solutions. It’s a record of your progress, reminding you of how far you’ve come and what you’ve learned. This can be a powerful motivator during difficult times.

Avoid Analysis Paralysis with Timeboxed Decisions

Don’t let scope decisions paralyze you. Set a time limit for evaluating each feature. For example: “I’ll spend two hours researching and prototyping this new mechanic. If it doesn’t show promise, I’ll drop it.”

Document your findings in your game dev log. This approach prevents you from endlessly tweaking a feature that just isn’t working.

Creating Realistic Milestones and Feature Cuts

Break down your game into smaller, manageable milestones. Document these milestones in your journal. Each milestone should have a clear deliverable and a realistic deadline.

When scope becomes an issue, be prepared to cut features. Your game development log will guide you. Prioritize features based on their impact on the core loop and their development time. Cut the lowest priority features first. Document your reasons for cutting each feature. This will help you avoid regrets later on.

Real-World Example: Stardew Valley

Even the creator of Stardew Valley, Eric Barone (ConcernedApe), documented his development process extensively. He often shared his progress, challenges, and design decisions online. While not a formal journal, this transparency helped him stay focused and get valuable feedback. You can find plenty of interviews and articles detailing his iterative approach, showing how he carefully managed scope over years of development.

Level Up Your Game Dev: Start Journaling Today

A game dev journal isn’t just a diary. It’s a powerful tool for managing scope, making informed decisions, and staying motivated. It’s a central hub for your game’s development. Embrace the power of documenting your journey.

Feeling inspired to take control of your game’s scope? Document your scoping and feature-cutting process. Start today, and watch your game development process transform.