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Drafft v2: Development, Wishlist & Feedback Sticky

A topic by baj created Dec 16, 2024 Views: 905 Replies: 40
Viewing posts 1 to 15
Developer (2 edits)

Welcome to the Drafft v2 discussion thread!

This is the place to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback as we work on shaping the next version of Drafft. Here’s what you can do here:

  • Discuss key features like Scripts, Dialogue, and Game Design Documents (GDD).
  • Share your wishlist for new features or improvements.
  • Provide feedback on what you’d like to see in the alpha release.
  • Share your thoughts on potential AI integration and how it could enhance Drafft.

Your input is invaluable in helping us make Drafft v2 the best it can be. Feel free to share your feedback publicly in this thread or reach out privately


Update 2025: Thank you everyone for sharing feedback here and via email.

Here is the new website: https://drafft.dev/ and x profile https://x.com/DrafftApp where I will also share development progress. You can join the waitlist for v2 beta there as well.

v2 is taking shape, still deciding on licensing and feature set, but it will be free forever for all v1 owners before launch.

Key Themes from User Feedback:

  • Dialogue trees, scripts and GDD are considered the most important features. Others are nice to have.
  • Collaboration: some friction on the diy collaboration aspect, hosting server, etc. Many users struggle with the current server setup and want easier collaboration options (e.g., Git integration, cloud syncing, hosted offerings).
  • Most users do not want AI integration
  • Quality of Life additions, like better undo, manual saving, better hotkeys, autocomplete
  • Better docs.
(+1)

Dialogue: Grid snapping, more node types like purpose node, condition node, random node (for success rate), trigger node (link to quest for event trigger), sub-graph node (or grouped node with it's own input and output), comment node (or note).
Scripts: Repeatable properties should be easier to input.
Grid Database: Need to improve a lot, add option to export or import csv file.

Also adding embed link to other note like actors/items, split screen.

Developer

Thanks for the feedback! great suggestions!

  • Grid snapping. +1

  • sub-graph node (or grouped node with it’s own input and output), (+1)

  • comment node (or note). (+1)

  • Scripts: Repeatable properties should be easier to input. – Yes, have autocomplete for actors and commands in scripts. I’m considering some sort of template system for the other editors

  • More node types like purpose node, condition node, random node (for success rate), trigger node (link to quest for event trigger).

About the last bit, how would differ with the script node? I wouldn’t want to try to cover all the possible nodes logic, and should be implemented by the user. Maybe some sort of node labeling for the common script node?

Label is also good, just need some more control over my nodes.

Developer (1 edit)

Thanks, I was actually working on this yesterday! great suggestions!

  • Grid snapping
  • New nodes
  • Notes on every nodes + a “notes” node
  • customizable input/outputs for every node.

(+1)

Been noodling on this for a bit.

I don't think AI is necessary for Drafft, AI is already diminishing enough as it is and feels like it'd unnecessarily bloat the tool.  I've floated the idea of templates for many parts of Drafft, and still think that'd be awesome to have and save a bunch of time.


I'd love to see the API expanded a bit more. 

My wishlist would be:

- Endpoints that can be called that force Drafft to navigate to a specific category or even a specific element or document within that category. (Use case would be a game editor tool that can call to Drafft which then opens up a specific dialogue, as an example.)

- Endpoints that can create a new entry and prepopulate it or write into sections like grids or scripts.


Looking forward to v2!

(2 edits) (+1)

I have to agree, ai is apart of everything and giving it access to NDA covered information might be bad, Not just that ai is generally terrible at producing quality. It can do quantity very well. But I find when ever I use anything with ai it just causes more work and more issues for me later on. Being creative needs less hand holding and more encouragement. that said, it is a popular selling point for many available software choices. from an artists and business end point customer side, i see it as a risk of leaking and data scrape where any ai is considered. but as a business ownder i can see why Ai is attractive to put in to a product. its a double edge thing and could be beneficial or detrimental.

Not to mention its heavy for local machines and a risk if done with remote servers.

The api, I agree could definitely do with some update to the docs.

Main thing i wish for is git and optional use of server. if i could use this software with git, id be over the moon.

Developer

Thanks for the feedback! git support is a bit of challenge, but I’m always thinking about it. In parallel I’m thinking of offering some sort of hosted db offering.

Developer(+1)

Thanks as usual for the feedback!

In v2 we have a registered protocol drafft:// which is used by internal links and the app will use them to route to a document if it founds it. this has the benefit of being used even outside the app, (a chat message for example – need to test it in different platforms yet)

so drafft://scripts/script-unique-id will focus the app, create a new tab, load that document on it, and focus that tab.

this is also usable in gdds (with a nice ui picker) to link between differt documents

image.png

New endpoints are a great idea, add it to the wishlist.

(1 edit) (+1)

Personally, I'd love an infinite canvas/moodboard feature to put down picture inspirations for artistic directions, and notes on!

Developer

This is a great suggestion! I want to integrate some sort of (very basic) sketch thing as well

Glad you like the idea!

SAME .. i honestly put this above probably every other suggestion I could possibly have. Please allow for a moodboard/Obsidian app’s style infinite canvas with the ability to embed links, videos, art & audio files as well as sketches & text boxes PLSSSSSS<3

(5 edits) (+1)

Oh, also, another idea: maybe a mindmap feature, kinda like a brainstorm place to brainstorm ideas for visual thinkers! Don't know if it's in the scope of what the app is used for, but that would be great to have it there so everything regarding game production stay in one place rather than being scattered in lot of different apps!

Another one linked to it: I'd also suggest the possibility to open and split tabs/windows of different workspace of the app so we can access for exemple the brainstorm/moodboard at the same time as other notes place so we can put down what has been "in the more vague" brainstorming phase on the more concretes docs so we can visualise everything more easily while working from one step to another, from pre-prod to more production ready!

Developer

Thanks! I get what you mean, and I will definitely try to add something in the future, once I get this v2 stable. My take is that we want to have some sort of “idea tracking” utils: mind-maps, storyboards, moodboards, scratchpads or a combination of those.

About the tabs: v2 does not have split layout (yet?) but we do have full multi tab support and I thinks it is a huge step up:

image.png

(+1)

Thanks for your answer, glad you take the feedback into account, and that'd be definitely great to have that kind of utilities! :)

(1 edit) (+1)

Another more minor feedback: I personally have a 4K and 1080P displays, so it would be great if the app could auto-resize according to which display it's on!

Developer

this might be trickier than it sounds! do other apps resize as well for you?

It depends on the apps! Some does, some doesn't, maybe justly because it must be a difficult task. The ones that does have a "High DPI Scaling" feature I think? I'm not totally sure tho

(1 edit) (+1)

New Idea: Gantt charts feature, that may could be linked to the to do section!

(1 edit)

Also, I would like to know, is it possible to hide the number lines for notes, it not be forcefully script? I saw that V2 had markdown if I'm not mistaken, so I imagine that it's a possibility? I may be mistaken about markdown tho ^^"

Developer(+1)

Hello! Can you explain a little bit more? You mean the line numbers in the scripts?

image.png

(10 edits)

Yeap! Tho I imagine it depends on the kind of doc that is made, whether they are notes and global descriptions or precise script like here maybe? (I'm not experienced yet so I may not realise what's, I saw there was already places to note stuff in markdown in the end in the Director dock, so I don't know how relevant my feedback is, but basically, I think it'd be cool to be able to make in markdown note some things like quests temporarily while they are at a more pre-prod an thought process, then make script when we are sure? 

May be more confusing than needed in the end. I have yet to start my gamedev journey, so I may lack experience to give the most appropriate feedback. I don't know if I'd need things just as notes there, or to script in the app in the end, you may already thought of the Director tab for it. Sorry for the confusion ^^")

Developer(+2)

I got you. I think it makes sense! I’m actually adding a notes/comments panel on every document in v2 (no matter what type of doc it is) so it’s actually developer notes instead of content. This might be also useful on multiuser setup with the potential of becoming some sort of comment/review thing in the future

I see! Thanks for taking into account! I think it could be great for that kind of stuff too

Heres an idea for drafft 2

in the document editor having the language support variables so when it is viewed as a document the variables are displayed instead.

For example in a gdd or story concept:

var gamename = STEAK

here is my story about $gamename ! $gamename is a story about cows.

this would then read as here is a story about STEAK! STEAK is a story about cows!

just to simplify the changing of text objects in the text with out having to do it manually. What would be even better is to be able to have the variables stored in a different text file (like C++ header files). that way we could keep as many as we wanted but keep the documents clean. Use a maybe a #include gamenames.txt, it searches for anything in the same folder, if you want to search for any other file maybe use ## instead of #.

just a thought. could be useful.

Developer

I like this idea. Global variables. So when the document is in view mode it shows the value? In edit mode shows the real $variablename?

What about game export,I guess we render each var.

I think the idea of multiple .env files is also nice… Like a $(prod.server) or $(player.name) where prod and player are different .env files.

Maybe the misc collection can be upgraded to a metadata collection where we can have a customizable list of documents that can be directly accessed via this specific syntax. Like meta.env.xx or meta.menu.startgame etc etc… Or… Maybe this syntax is a shorthand for displaying any value of any document of any collection. Similar to the new picker feature , but it could target any prop.

$(items.sword-01.description) or $(actors.kenji.properties.height) or even $(script.script-1.modifiedDate)

This would give items/misc/quest a whole new value specially when used in god/scripts.

The main issue is finding a good typeable name as the name is not unique and the id is quite long. Maybe the doc alias should be user editable.

Great idea!

(+1)

I think it has a lot of potential, im currently editing all 18 documents to replace names and some objects ive written about, so having it is definitely a real world issue solver lmao, instead i could just go to a variable table / header file (what ever you want to call it or refer to as) and change the variables once for all files that are reading from that table/file/data would be really useful. i think the simpler the better, as would be needed by non programmers and they may not have a good understanding of code, so making it simple syntax would be the best thing, id hide any data that appears complex unless directly “shown” by users (like my self) so it is not in non technical users face confusing them. making your software usable across the board. i think complex use cases need these sort of tools. but in a lot of indie cases, it could be hidden or behind an option.

maybe you could have a predefined document type that has everything already set, have an option for pointing docs to that header file (if not done with syntax) and have a table / list a non technical user can add or subtract from to add their variables. then those variables can be accessed from a modifier like “/” or “!”

and for complex users make it more code like where they can create any document type and just add what they want via #includes ##includes and variables with syntax for those that may need more flexible and more involved capabilities.

it could be in many different formats but i think that it could be massively valuable. especially if you can reference this from things like script dialog editor and quests etc.

Will the Todo section make a return in V2? I think in another post you mention revisiting this or a rework?

Developer(+1)

yes! next priority is the todo and items! I might spend some time on it to provide a better experience, if you have feedback/suggestions please let me know!

Developer

Hello! Kanban/ToDo are available now in 2.1.2

(+1)

Hi Baj/Alexis, I picked up the program a few days ago after trialling it for some months – I'm very impressed with Drafft 2! It's much more usable now, can't wait till all the features from v1 are back. 

I've been writing down some suggestions/requests, but since you're already working hard, here's only my quickest-to-implement ones:

  • I would align the edit lock toggle to the right of the sidebar while all the other icons remain aligned to the left, for consistency. It will also help in case of a new icon/new icons in the future.
  • Thick quadrant origin lines so you know where 0, 0 is in the dialogue graph. Maybe a "bring back to center" icon too (+ bring to selected?) when you're really far from the starting point/highlighted node.
  • A status bar would be nice. This is Scrivener's, for a good comparison: https://imgur.com/IRM5fI4. I was thinking it could appear when you click on the file path at the bottom center of the document, along with a Copy to clipboard button or something like that. Literally came up with this right now.

Also, have two mockups I made of how Drafft would look like with backgrounds, just for kicks: https://imgur.com/a/BtMHnj2

P.S.: I'd add a function that makes fair text darker on buttons and such if you choose a primary color that's too vibrant, and shifting the Drafft logo's hue along with it so that it doesn't stay purple.

Developer

Hey thanks for the suggestions! I wrote a really long reply but lost it when I click a link …

Loved the background concept! I guess it could be quite easy to implement via css and a file url.

yes, the primary color is an issue if the user uses a light color, maybe I should expose a “foreground color” picker as well.

I will keep the logo color idea, could look really nice!

Great suggestions, thanks for taking the time to write!

(+1)

TY for the appreciation! I think the lock should stay in the second sidebar, as to not alter the order of things. Also because I hate when things are offset and I can't "mindlessly" move the mouse in a direction or corner due to something I gotta click being placed weirdly. But I'd like to hear the others' opinions, maybe make a poll on that forum?

The panel: I saw it once when using the program, couldn't tell you how to trigger that because I didn't mentally process that it was an icon in the toolbar. That would be a good solution, putting the stats there and leaving just the Copy to clipboard pop-up when you click on the file path.

(I had this reply written for quite a while, I wanted to add a small paragraphs about UI palettes but for now this is absolutely enough).

Hello, my wishlist would be 2 things inspired by other soft/app :
- a customizable database section, like rpgmaker-like database, or castleDB/gridlessDB : possibility to create various category (item, spell, skills etc...) with custom type (int, float, string...) and import image (spell icons for example). And of course the possibility to export as json or other.
- a small diagram/flowchart maker, like draw.io : not with all shapes/options, but maybe some basics shapes, to have a better view for some game mechanics (engine loop, battle system ect...).

Not sure if it's the right section to say that but I have a bug with the app when I zoom in at 120%, I can select any documents and I can see the scrolling bar (horizontal / vertical)  of documents/folders flashing. It seems that when the tens digit is even, it bugs, and when it's odd, it's fine ?

Otherwise, this v2 is rather nice, especially the dialog module, which is less rigid to use than v1.

Developer

Hello! Thanks for the feedback! I’ve logged these into: https://community.drafft.dev/tags/feature-request

  • A customizable database: This has been brought before, while I don’t personally like the visual form approach I will consider it if there is enough interest. Having said that, I’m working on a better grid section, which will support more data types and images. It is not the same as you are asking as we don’t have support for nested properties (its just a 2d grid). In parallel we have this idea for “template”. It’s not very defined yet though: https://community.drafft.dev/questions/D1O2/template-system

  • small diagram/flowchart maker I like this! I’ve added to the backlog for when I finish porting all the missing v1 editors.

  • Zoom bug: I’ve noticed it too, something related about the available space changing. Added to the backlog

Thanks for your inputs!

Went to try out v2, am i required to purchase it again to use it?

Developer

No! Everyone that purchased v1 is entitled for a perpetual v2 license! you should have received an email with instructions, if not please reach out to me at support@drafft.dev !

(1 edit)

an alternative solution to the appimage issue is here: this is how i am now explaining problematic appimages to people that are not comfortable with advanced tools. This is because i found a need to have to remove complexity and needed to aid in making an alternative method to running apps that are images. this method essentially installs the app image.

Problem with appimage after running:

Output: ❯ ./Drafft-2-2.1.2-linux-x86_64.AppImage [70327:0515/195135.426517:FATAL:setuid_sandbox_host.cc(163)] The SUID sandbox helper binary was found, but is not configured correctly. Rather than run without sandboxing I’m aborting now. You need to make sure that /tmp/.mount_DrafftpQk1wo/chrome-sandbox is owned by root and has mode 4755. [1] 70327 trace trap ./Drafft-2-2.1.2-linux-x86_64.AppImage

❯ [0515/195135.452019:ERROR:icu_util.cc(223)] Invalid file descriptor to ICU data received.

While this solution is longer, its actually repeatable and reproducible to work across appimages.

Solution:

Copy the app image to a location you want it to be permanently. for me i have a hidden directory in my home directory called “.Applications” where i store all apps that i dont want on my root drive.

(type the version you have with out the {}) ❯ ./Drafft_{version}.AppImage –appimage-extract

❯ mv squashfs-root Draft{version}

❯ cd Draft{version}

❯ sudo chown root:root chrome-sandbox

❯ sudo chmod 4755 chrome-sandbox

Open a new file browser window then move the .desktop file to ~/.local/share/applications/

Open it can copy the path to the AppRun script in the draft folder and paste it into the: exec= line example: (in kde, right click the file copy location & paste that)

Exec=/home/your_username/.Applications/Drafft-2-2.1.2/AppRun (you dont the rest added on)

Next go to the location of the icon in the drafft folder and copy its location to the .png file Paste that in the icon= section like this: (in kde, right click the file copy location & paste that)

Icon=/home/your_username/.Applications/Drafft-2-2.1.2/usr/share/icons/hicolor/1024x1024/apps/drafft_2.png

Save and you can now launch it with out any issues. This problem solves the portable version issues and also gives an desktop entry in the menu that is not available in the portable version, it also solves the icon image as well.

I have a custom built installer and auto update script for Linux users as well that I have created but it will depend on a consistent file URL and name.

if you want it let me know. it will do all the work for you and run the software consistently across systems rather than users having to debug an app image. let me know and ill send it over if you want it.

Developer

Hey thanks for all of your tests!!!! I could publish the linux “unpackaged” files if that would make this easier? Also, I just finished the most heavy dev part, so maybe I can focus now on your flatpak idea? I’m active on the discord if you want to brainstorm something! https://discord.gg/t7GJXTTqmg