How Do You Keep Track of Tasks During Game Development?

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Obscura · #1 Post by **Obscura** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 3:56 am

Hey creators! Currently I keep track of all of my "todos" for my game on a spreadsheet.

Is there an alternative method you find a lot more useful?

Auro-Cyanide · #2 Post by **Auro-Cyanide** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 3:59 am

I have lists. Lots and lots of lists. This won't be particularly helpful to most people though, I just like to write stuff down, usually over and over again. And I like highlighting things.

Obscura · #3 Post by **Obscura** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:03 am

*squints* Whoa, Auro! I didn't know you guys were including x-rated material!

Hahaha, just kidding. That's pretty cool you go the paper and highlighter route. I can't remember the last time I printed something out...

myapple · #4 Post by **myapple** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:11 am

I have a giant google doc full of a list of necessary graphics I need to do... and each picture has a status so I know what stage i'm at.
Also if there are specific things I want to get done in a day, then I write them on the whiteboard behind my desk and erase them when done.

But that's pretty much all ^^;

Vegeluxia · #5 Post by **Vegeluxia** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:30 am

I like using flowcharts. Helps to establish how the plot progresses, character development, for the map design, puzzle design, ect. If we don't know what we want yet, we just add a blank bubble so we know what we need to come back to.

When I actually get into writing/drawing/programming things, I can just put a check next to it on the chart so I know it's done.

9-of-Hearts · #6 Post by **9-of-Hearts** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:43 am

Maybe my input doesn't hold much weight since I haven't really done anything yet, but all my planning and tracking is going in a detailed Word Doc with tables, highlighting, and side notes where necessary and appropriate. Outlines, conversation topics, calendars, asset lists. etc.... all go in there.
I actually do feel highly organized (for once in my life) when I open the doc(s) to work on it/them.

I tried doing a flowchart but that was way confusing for me.... even the simpler programs for it didn't help.

nyaatrap · #7 Post by **nyaatrap** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 6:06 am

I only use analogue papers to memo random tasks. I barely write, but sketch. For example, when I got an plot idea, I draw its scene instead of write. My note is filled with images and few letters. I don't think it's useful generally. But fun for me XD

myapple · #8 Post by **myapple** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 6:07 am

9-of-Hearts wrote: I tried doing a flowchart but that was way confusing for me.... even the simpler programs for it didn't help.

The easiest/simplest flowchart program i've used is https://bubbl.us/. If you get a free account you can save up to 3 charts online to edit at any time (or save them as image files and download them to recycle the slots for other things.
I'm not sure if it would help you, but it's worth a try :) Even if they are a pain, I think flowcharts are the easiest way to map out a plot that has multiple paths and endings >_<.

jack_norton · #9 Post by **jack_norton** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 6:52 am

I use openoffice spreadsheet but also random notes on notepad that I keep near the PC

Carassaurat · #10 Post by **Carassaurat** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 7:01 am

Ren'Py keeps track of your anything you write after "# Todo" in your script files under Navigate Script; that might be useful for keeping track of the little tasks.

Taosym · #11 Post by **Taosym** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 7:22 am

I'm reminded of this scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDysom-y3ho

Personally I write everything down in Google Docs, including everything I've ever said to other team members regarding the setting.
Often times when I'm explaining something about the game, it's often the first time they, AND I have heard of it. So it's important to write down those revelations.
Mostly because I will forgot just about everything regarding key details of a story. It also helps for me to read aloud, and talk to myself on a constant basis.

Zylinder · #12 Post by **Zylinder** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 7:47 am

I keep a to-do list on my desktop... Though it's not very effective, considering that they're all New Text Document and I don't know what is what. All the important things go into a spreadsheet on Google Docs though. Easily backed up and won't go missing C:

saguaro · #13 Post by **saguaro** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 10:53 am

Carassaurat wrote:Ren'Py keeps track of your anything you write after "# Todo" in your script files under Navigate Script; that might be useful for keeping track of the little tasks.

Thank you! I use #TODO but had no idea this was built into the launcher.

I use OneNote for task management.

Endorphin · #14 Post by **Endorphin** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 12:26 pm

Excel. =D
Don't know where I'd be without them.
I write down what to draw, what happens to who on which day, I compare characters who might be too similar, I write data sheets and their life story, etc.
God help me, I even solve my relationship problems in real life with Excel. /fail
I like using colours to fill out a cell so I see what I still have to do or what I already did~

Well, I also use Scrivener occasionally, though it's a lot like Word.
It's just nice to have everything in one place. [But I normally forget this option and use Excel. /fail]

- R.

Biotikos · #15 Post by **Biotikos** » Sat Jan 26, 2013 3:16 pm

I use Office OneNote to do schemes; schemes about the plot in the next chapter and the plot of the story itself, the branches, the characters and their relations with others... therefore I use Google Docs also to keep on track what I need and who does it xD

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