When I first started on Jack the Mage, I had this idea of the game being at least seven stages. Each stage would have a unique boss battle with different forms, tons of new enemies, and secrets hidden on each stage. It would have been sweet. But let's be honest: it also would have never been finished.
When designing a game, or tackling any task at all, too many objectives can be overwhelming. As you complete tasks, the progress becomes negligible as there's still so much to get done. Frustration and boredom set in. Bigger and better ideas for new projects pop up in your head, yet you're weighted down by this seemingly endless chore. And then nothing gets done. I know you've been there. We all have.
So next time you have an idea for a project, rather than laying out a grand masterpiece at the beginning, just focus on the minimal requirements. For Jack the Mage, that would be a single stage. No frills, just the baseline. Then once you complete that, if you're still interested, expand on it. I went on to add three more stages. Eventually, the project will reach a point where you're either satisfied with it or sick of it. Regardless, it will be in a inished form.
This way, you can finish the project at whatever time is most convenient, rather than never finishing it at all. Make sure you follow us for more game design tips!
