3 Underrated Devlog Tools for Flexibility You Should Try

3 Underrated Devlog Tools for Flexibility You Should Try

I found this crumpled notebook page tucked under a stack of energy drink cans. Looks like it’s from…me? During the last brutal crunch. Maybe it’ll help someone.

Subject: SOS – My Devlog is Dying (and taking me with it)

Okay, gotta be quick. Deadline looming. Art’s a mess, code’s spaghetti, and the last thing I need is wrestling with my stupid devlog. Ironic, right? Supposed to be helping me, but it’s just another chore.

The problem? All these fancy “game dev journal” tools are rigid. They force me into templates I don’t need, want, or have time for. I tried that dedicated software, the one with all the features. What a joke. It wants daily reports, detailed breakdowns… I can barely remember what I ate for breakfast, let alone document every single line of code I hammered out.

I need something…flexible. Something that adapts to my chaotic workflow, not the other way around. Something that lets me just dump my brain onto the page (or screen) and move on. I need to track game development progress, but I can’t afford to spend hours doing it.

I’m ditching the fancy stuff. Going back to basics. Maybe these ideas will work… maybe I’ll just collapse. Either way, gotta try something.

Okay, past-me was clearly stressed. But you know what? He was onto something. Ditching the rigid tools was the right move. Here are three underrated options that offer the flexibility a solo dev (especially during crunch) desperately needs:

1. The Humble Text File (with a Twist)

Yep, plain text. Sounds basic, but hear me out. The beauty of a text file is its utter lack of constraints. No formatting, no required fields, just raw, unadulterated text.

• The Twist: Markdown. Learn a few simple Markdown commands (headings, lists, etc.). It adds just enough structure without being overwhelming.

• How to Integrate:

  1. Create a folder called “Devlog” in your project directory.
  2. Create a new text file for each day (or week, depending on your pace): YYYY-MM-DD.md (e.g., 2024-01-20.md).
  3. Start writing. Use Markdown headings to break up sections (e.g., # Progress, # Problems, # Next Steps).
  4. Use a free Markdown editor to preview your file formatted.
  5. Store your text files in a cloud storage solution, so you can access them on the go.

• Why it Works: Fastest possible entry. Cross-platform compatible. Minimal overhead.

• Pitfalls: Can get messy if you don’t use Markdown. No built-in organization beyond filenames.

2. Bullet Journaling (Digital Edition)

The Bullet Journal method is all about rapid logging and customizable organization. Adapt it for your game dev journal and you’ll be surprised.

• How to Integrate (Digitally):

  1. Choose a note-taking app with good organizational features (OneNote, Evernote, Notion, Obsidian - any will do).
  2. Create a “Devlog” notebook.
  3. Create a new page for each day/week.
  4. Use bullet points to quickly jot down progress, obstacles, ideas, and tasks.
  5. Use symbols (like a dot for tasks, a dash for notes, a star for ideas) to categorize entries at a glance.
  6. Use tags to cross-reference topics.

• Why it Works: Focuses on quick capture, not perfect prose. Highly adaptable.

• Pitfalls: Requires some discipline to maintain consistently. Can be overwhelming if you go overboard with customization.

3. Voice Notes & Transcription

Sometimes, typing is just too slow. Especially when you’re in the zone. This is where voice notes come in.

• How to Integrate:

  1. Use a voice recording app on your phone or computer.
  2. At the end of each day (or during breaks), record a quick summary of your progress.
  3. Use a transcription service (many are free or have free tiers) to convert your voice notes into text.
  4. Copy and paste the transcribed text into a text file or your bullet journal.
  5. Edit for clarity.

• Why it Works: Extremely fast capture. Great for capturing thoughts on the go.

• Pitfalls: Requires a quiet environment for recording. Transcription accuracy can vary.

These aren’t silver bullets, but they’re tools that prioritize flexibility and speed – crucial when you’re up against the wall. The key is to find what works for you and adapt it to your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

And remember, the goal isn’t to create a perfect, publish-ready document. It’s to track your progress, organize your thoughts, and learn from your mistakes. A game development log is a tool, not a burden.

Speaking of tools… If you’re tired of wrestling with complex journaling apps and want a streamlined, flexible devlog experience, give our tool a try. We built it specifically to address the pain points I (and probably you) experienced during crunch. Use the link for easy, flexible game dev journaling and finally feel organized when developing your game.