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Staying on Track

2 replies [Last post]
Thu, 06/21/2012 - 13:37
senorbaub
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Joined: 08/20/2011

I basically have two playable game prototypes but for some reason when I'm at this stage of development on a game my mind starts thinking about new game ideas and I can get sidetracked fleshing out new ideas. I know it's not a bad thing to have multiple projects going on but I don't want projects that are pretty far along to fall by the by the wayside because something new and shiny looks grabs my attention.

Does anyone else run into this and how do you stay on track with finishing a game project?

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Thu, 06/21/2012 - 21:47
#1
Mfuchs
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Joined: 06/05/2012
Set aside the time

I think you have to question what your goal is: do you want to publish or are you happy with a playable game for you and your friends? What was your goal when you first started?

Whenever I have a massive personal project I try and break it down into manageable chunks. It can be something as simple as "I'm going to brainstorm this play deck for a half hour." before I start on something else. If you do something for a half hour everyday you quickly find yourself moving forward with a project while also pursuing other ideas.

If your truly stuck and you really want to push these games to the next level then that is my best advice. Give yourself the permission to work on another ideas BUT set aside a fixed amount of time everyday to work on what you have before you pursue those ... even if it's only for a half hour.

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Fri, 06/22/2012 - 09:51
#2
gabrielcohn
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Joined: 11/25/2010
Definitely

When I first started game design, I worked on one game at a time. However, once I was well into my second game (and it was going well, and I was feeling successful), I started generating more and more ideas. It was hard to decide whether to prioritize "finishing" my second game or starting out on these new ideas. What did I do? Well, both. I know, not much of an answer. But, when I could get good playtesters, I had them help me with my more complete game, but as that was requiring less and less work between playtests, I spent my design time on my new ideas. Of course, this means I have now a very nicely completed game and lots and lots of barely-playtested games. Now, I have to decide which of them to follow up on as my "main" new project. A hard decision, as there are three really good candidates. But there's only so many hours you can corral playtesters for...

So...all in all, I'd pick one that you're going to focus on, and let the others stew a bit. That's my method, but may not always be the best...

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