Why Your Game Idea Sucks (and How to Fix It)
Why Your Game Idea Sucks (and How to Fix It): A Roadmap for Indies
So, you’ve got a game idea. Great! But let’s be honest, your first idea is probably riddled with issues. This isn’t meant to discourage you, but to prepare you for the realities of game development. Consider this your survival guide.
Q: My game idea is amazing! It’s going to be the next [insert popular game here]!
A: Probably not. Thinking your initial idea is perfect is the first trap. Every game idea needs refinement.
Treatment: Realize your initial concept is just a starting point. Be open to feedback and prepared to drastically change your vision.
Q: Scope creep is already happening. My simple puzzle game now involves a sprawling open world. Help!
A: This is a classic symptom. You’re trying to do too much, too soon.
Treatment: Identify the core mechanic that makes your game fun. Cut everything else. Ruthlessly. What’s the single most enjoyable interaction? Focus on perfecting that.
Q: I haven’t done any market research. Should I just start coding?
A: No! Coding without research is building a house without a blueprint. You need to know if anyone actually wants to play your game.
Treatment: Research similar games. Are they successful? What do players like/dislike about them? Look at genres, mechanics, and art styles that resonate with your target audience. Visit forums, read reviews, and watch gameplay videos.
Q: My game is basically a reskin of [insert popular game here]. Is that okay?
A: No, not really. Derivative games rarely stand out. Inspiration is good, but outright copying is a recipe for disaster.
Treatment: Identify what makes your idea unique. What new spin are you putting on the genre? If you can’t answer that, your game will be lost in the noise. Focus on innovating in at least one key area.
Q: I’ve started coding, but I’m constantly changing features and rewriting code. It’s a mess!
A: This is what happens when you don’t plan or document your progress. You’re essentially coding blind.
Treatment: Before writing any more code, create a game design document (GDD), even a simple one. Outline your core mechanics, target audience, and intended gameplay loop. Track your development progress. Keep a development log, also known as a devlog.
Q: Nobody is playing my prototype, and the feedback is brutal. Should I give up?
A: Don’t give up, but listen to the feedback. Negative feedback is valuable data.
Treatment: Analyze the feedback objectively. Are players confused by the controls? Is the core mechanic boring? Use this information to iterate on your design. Remember, the goal is to improve your game, not defend your ego.
Q: I have a day job, family commitments, and no time for my game. It feels impossible.
A: Time management is crucial for solo developers.
Treatment: Set realistic goals. Dedicate specific blocks of time to game development. Even 30 minutes a day is better than nothing. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Q: I’m overwhelmed and losing motivation. What can I do?
A: This is normal. Game development is a marathon, not a sprint.
Treatment: Celebrate small victories. Share your progress with others. Join a game development community. Take breaks to avoid burnout. Remember why you started this project in the first place.
Q: How do I keep track of all this chaos?
A: That’s where a game dev journal comes in.
Treatment: Consistently document your progress. Write down your design decisions, the problems you encountered, and the solutions you found. Record your playtesting feedback and how you plan to address it. A game development log is essential for staying organized and motivated. Documenting your journey makes a massive difference in avoiding past mistakes and tracking progress over time. Many successful indie developers credit regular devlogs with keeping them on track. Even a short entry each day can provide clarity and focus.
Keeping a game dev journal helps to capture ideas, document progress, track your decisions, and share development progress with others. This will help you avoid scope creep, refine your game idea, and ultimately create a better product.
Ready to transform your messy game idea into a viable project? Start documenting your journey today with our game development journal game development journal. It’s designed to help you track your progress, stay organized, and bring your vision to life.