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The Indie Dev’s Guide to Choosing Dev Notes vs. Memory

Posted by Gemma Ellison
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August 12, 2025

The screen flickered to black. Another project dead. Our game, “ChronoForge,” was meant to be a revolutionary time-bending RPG. Initial enthusiasm was through the roof, a shared vision among a small, passionate team. We sketched ideas on whiteboards, debated mechanics over late-night pizza, and truly believed we had something special. Then, it all unraveled.

The “Memory Trap” Revealed

Our downfall was simple: we trusted our memories too much. We thought we would remember that brilliant mechanic we brainstormed in a coffee shop. “We’ll just iterate on it later,” we’d say. This casual approach led to constant confusion. We kept circling back on design choices we thought were finalized. “Didn’t we decide against the dynamic weather system?” one of us would ask, only to be met with blank stares. Ideas morphed without record, features crept in unchecked, and our initial, clear scope ballooned into an unmanageable mess. We lacked a reliable “game development log,” and the cost was catastrophic.

Common Myths vs. Truths of Dev Journaling

Many indie developers fall into similar traps, believing certain myths about “game dev journal” practices.

Myth: Journaling is a waste of time or only for big teams. Truth: It’s vital for all developers, especially solo or small teams, to prevent “brain drain.” Without a formal system, your precious ideas evaporate.

Myth: It’s just for bug tracking. Truth: It’s for design evolution, self-reflection, and vision refinement. Your “track game development progress” efforts should encompass every aspect of creation.

Myth: Any notes are good notes. Truth: Structured, actionable notes are key. Haphazard scribbles are only marginally better than no notes at all.

The “Dev Notes” Lifeline (What Could Have Been)

Imagine if we had embraced robust “dev notes” from the start.

Phase 1: Concept & Vision (Before Coding)

Detailed notes on ChronoForge’s core mechanics, target audience, and unique selling points could have prevented early derailment. We would have defined exactly how the time-bending worked, not just “something cool with time.” Clarity over ambiguity in this phase is paramount, forming the bedrock of your game. This initial documentation sets the stage for everything that follows.

Phase 2: Iteration & Design (During Development)

Documenting design decisions, iteration results, and why certain paths were chosen or rejected would have saved countless hours. We wouldn’t have “re-solved” problems already addressed weeks prior. A clear record of changes, no matter how small, ensures consistent progress. Every tweak, every discarded idea, should find its place in your “game development log.”

Phase 3: Scope Management & Post-Mortem (Beyond Launch)

Using notes to track scope, manage features, and even inform future projects is invaluable. Even for a failed project like ChronoForge, a comprehensive “game dev journal” would have provided a concrete post-mortem, highlighting exactly where we went wrong. This insight is gold for preventing future mistakes.

Actionable Steps for Your Game

Don’t let your passion project suffer the fate of ChronoForge. Start documenting your journey today.

Step 1: Choose Your Tool (and Stick to It)

There are many options: simple text files, dedicated note-taking apps like Obsidian or Notion, physical notebooks, or even specialized “game dev journal” software. The most important thing is consistency. Pick one and commit. Don’t switch tools mid-project, as this can fragment your “game development log.”

Step 2: Define Your “Note Structure”

Create templates for different types of entries. For idea capture, use headings like “Concept,” “Core Mechanics,” and “Target Player.” For design decisions, include “Problem,” “Proposed Solution,” “Decision Made,” and “Reasoning.” For sprint reviews, list “Goals,” “Accomplishments,” and “Roadblocks.” Integrate feedback by documenting “Source,” “Feedback,” and “Action Taken.” This systematic approach to “track game development progress” ensures no detail is overlooked. To streamline this process and ensure you never miss a beat in your game’s development, explore dedicated tools designed to optimize your creative flow. Find your ideal system for tracking your game development progress with our intuitive game dev journaling tool. Start your game dev journal today.