Game Vision Blurred? Development Notes to the Rescue

Game Vision Blurred? Development Notes to the Rescue

I remember staring blankly at my screen. Another day, another half-baked feature idea threatening to derail my game. Squirrels with jetpacks? Really? It was then I realized I’d completely lost sight of my initial vision. The solution? Diving deep into my neglected game dev journal.

Sound familiar? Scope creep and unclear goals are common pitfalls for indie game developers, especially when working solo. The good news is that consistent development notes can act as your compass, guiding you back to the core of your project. Let’s look at how to use them effectively.

Goal-Setting Framework: Start with “Why?”

Before you write a single line of code, define your game’s core. What experience do you want players to have? What makes your game unique?

Don’t just say “it’s a platformer.” Dig deeper. Is it a challenging precision platformer like Celeste, or a more forgiving, exploration-focused experience like Ori and the Blind Forest? Articulate the why behind your game’s design.

Your development notes should start here. Document your initial vision, core mechanics, target audience, and key inspirations. Update this section regularly as your game evolves, but always refer back to it to ensure you’re staying true to your original intentions.

For instance, an indie developer creating a narrative-driven RPG might write: “The core of this game is about player choice and consequence. Every decision should have a meaningful impact on the story and the world around them.” This becomes a touchstone against which all future design decisions are measured.

Documenting Design Decisions: The “Why” Behind the “What”

It’s not enough to just track what you’re doing. Document why you’re doing it. Every feature, mechanic, and art style choice should be accompanied by a justification.

Did you add a new enemy type? Explain its purpose in your notes. How does it challenge the player? How does it fit into the game’s overall aesthetic and design? What problem does it solve?

This level of detail is crucial for preventing feature bloat. When you’re tempted to add something new, consult your notes. Does it align with your original vision and design principles? If not, seriously reconsider its inclusion.

Here’s an example: “Adding a grappling hook mechanic. Rationale: Allows for more vertical traversal, adds a new layer of strategic movement in combat, and differentiates gameplay from other similar platformers. Risks: Potential for game-breaking exploits, increased development time for level design.”

By explicitly outlining the rationale and risks, you create a valuable reference point for future decisions.

Regularly Reviewing Notes: Staying Aligned

Your development notes aren’t a one-time effort. They need to be living documents that you regularly review. Schedule dedicated time each week to revisit your notes, assess your progress, and identify any potential deviations from your initial vision.

Ask yourself:

• Am I still working towards the goals I set out to achieve?
• Have any new features or mechanics significantly altered the game’s core experience?
• Are there any areas where I’m losing focus or wasting time?

Regular reviews will help you stay on track, identify potential problems early on, and make informed decisions about the future direction of your game.

Many successful indie devs treat their game dev log as a conversation with their future self. If your notes aren’t detailed enough for your future self to understand your decisions, you are not doing it right.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Inconsistent Note-Taking: The biggest mistake is not taking notes at all, or only doing it sporadically. Make it a habit.
• Vague or Superficial Notes: “Added a new enemy.” That’s not helpful. Be specific about why and how.
• Ignoring Your Notes: Notes are useless if you don’t review them. Schedule regular review sessions.
• Fear of Deleting Content: Don’t be afraid to cut features or mechanics that don’t fit your vision. Your notes will help you identify these areas.

Streamline Your Game Development Workflow

Staying organized and focused is key to successful game development. A digital journaling tool can be a game-changer, especially one designed specifically for game developers. It allows you to easily track your progress, document your design decisions, and stay aligned with your initial vision.

If you’re looking for a streamlined and organized approach to keeping development notes, check out our game development journal. It’s designed to help you start and stay focused on your game development. Stop chasing squirrels with jetpacks, and get back to making the game you envisioned!