I never have really carefully designed a game, but I do take time to dot down a brief outline of the story/gameplay and steal some images for concept art, I modify my so called 'design doc' as I go. With it, I can assess game engine and tool requirements.
I have found that most of my programming problems have already been solved. With a little online research you can find a variety of solutions (sometimes better than you expected). You would be surprised at how many code snippets from other programming languages I've translated to blitz for my own needs. I save time, and learn in the process.
Taking the time to lay out your game helps you identify the tools that are needed to build it. Using available tools definately increases productivity. Otherwise, you can find yourself stuck working on tools, not the game and eventually lose interest..
I have found that most of my programming problems have already been solved. With a little online research you can find a variety of solutions (sometimes better than you expected). You would be surprised at how many code snippets from other programming languages I've translated to blitz for my own needs. I save time, and learn in the process.
Taking the time to lay out your game helps you identify the tools that are needed to build it. Using available tools definately increases productivity. Otherwise, you can find yourself stuck working on tools, not the game and eventually lose interest..