game dev journal

journal.md

Outline

This document will guide you through creating a small indie game from idea to release.

The goal is not to create a perfect game, but to learn the process of designing, building, testing, and finishing a game.

A finished small game is better than an unfinished big game.

Project Timeline (3 months):

Phase 1: Research & Planning (1-2 Weeks)

You will research games, decide on your idea, and create a project plan.

Deliverables:

• Research sheet
• Game pitch
• Game Design Document
• Storyboard

Phase 2: Prototype (4-6 weeks)

Create a simple playable version of your game that demonstrates:

• Core mechanics
• Player controls
• Basic gameplay loop

This version does not need art or sound.

Deliverables:

• Working prototype
  • Core mechanics working
  • Player controls working
  • Basic gameplay loop working
• Link to prototype on itch.io

Phase 3: Production (4-6 Weeks)

Add the main features and content to your game.

Examples:

• Levels
• Art assets
• Sound effects
• UI elements

Deliverables:

• Playable game with
  • Game length: 2-3 minutes
  • 1-2 core mechanics working
  • 1-2 levels or challenges
  • Reasonable amount of art and sound assets
  • No major bugs or crashes

Phase 4: Polish & Release (1-2 Weeks)

Improve the game experience and release it.

Deliverables:

• Finished playable game
  • Game length: 3-5 minutes
  • 3 core mechanics working
  • 3 levels or challenges
  • All bugs fixed
  • Improved visuals and sound
  • Balanced gameplay (difficulty, pacing, upgrades, etc.)
• Published itch.io page

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Project Rules (Scope Control)

• Single player only
• No cloud saves or online features

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Game Pitch

Before starting development, describe your game idea.

• Game Name:

• One Sentence Pitch:

  • Describe your game in one sentence.
  • Examples:
    • "A fast-paced puzzle game where players match falling blocks to clear lines and survive as long as possible."
    • "A stealth-based platformer where players must avoid detection to complete levels."

• Target audience:

  • Who is your game for?
  • Examples:
    • "Casual mobile gamers looking for quick, addictive gameplay."
    • "Indie game enthusiasts who enjoy challenging platformers."

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Research

Research 3-5 games similar to what you want to make. Populate the table below with your findings. Circle features you might want to include in your game.

Game	Genre	Core Mechanics	Fun/Unique Features
Celeste	Platformer	Dash, wall jump	Tight controls, storytelling
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-

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Game Design Document (GDD)

• Game Name:

• Genre:

• Main Game Elements (List the main features you intend to make for your project. This should include what key elements your players will be doing in your game):

  • 1.

  • 2.

  • 3.

  • 4.

  • 5.

• The Number of intended Players:

Gameplay

Use this section to write a descriptive paragraph of how your game is played. You should be able to imagine the game from this paragraph alone.

Make sure to include the following:

• Player Objective: Example: reach the goal flag at the end of the level
• Win Condition: Example: reach the goal flag
• Loss Condition: Example: fall off the level
• Core Gameplay Loop: Repeated actions the player performs. Example: Player jumps → avoids enemies → collects coins → reaches exit → next level

Core Mechanics (Maximum 3)

List the most important mechanics.

Example: Jump, Run, Collect

• 1.

• 2.

• 3.

Key Features

What makes your game interesting?

Examples:

• Collectibles
• Difficulty progression
• Specific mechanics (e.g. double jump, wall climb)
• Time-based score

Player Systems

Describe what the player character can do.

Example:

Movement

• Run
• Jump

Player Stats

• Health
• Lives

Abilities

• Powerups
• Special abilities

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Storyboard

Draw or sketch the major screens in your game.

Examples

• Title Screen
• Game Screen
• Pause Screen
• Game Over Screen

These can be simple drawings.

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Game Systems

Break your game into systems.

Examples:

• Player System: Movement and player controls.

• Enemy System: Enemy movement and behavior.

• Level System: Platforms, obstacles, and layout.

• UI System: Score, health, menus.

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Project itch.io Link

• Provide a link to your project here

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Art & Assets

• Art Style (Circle)

  • Pixel / Cartoon / Minimal

• Asset Sources (Circle)

  • Self-made / Free Assets / Asset Store

• Assets Needed

  • Player sprite
  • Enemy sprite
  • Background
  • Tiles
  • UI icons
  • [ ]
  • [ ]

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Weekly Report

This is the Weekly Reports page. Document what you will work on each week during development to keep yourself on track for creating and planning when you will finish tasks.

1. During weekly meetings with the instructor, document all tasks you will work on during the week.
2. After the meeting, update this page throughout the week to track progress. Mark tasks as complete when you finish them.

Week #	Date	Planned Tasks

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Bug Tracker

This is the Bug Tracker page. Document any bugs that you or your playtester (e.g., your instructor) encounters during development to keep track of what needs to be fixed.