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31 July 2026

Kanban board for gamers: discovery, play, and retirement

Turn your backlog into joy with a gamer's kanban workflow, a systematic approach to discovery, play, and retirement

Kanban board for gamers: discovery, play, and retirement

The concept of a kanban board has been widely used in various industries, including software development and manufacturing, to visualize and manage workflows. However, its application in the gaming industry is relatively new and unexplored. In this article, we will delve into the world of gamer’s kanban workflow and explore how it can enhance the gaming experience.

A kanban board is a visual system for managing work, emphasizing continuous flow and limiting work in progress. In the context of gaming, it can be used to track and manage the games in one’s backlog, prioritizing them based on factors like session lengthmood tags and difficulty spikes. By using a kanban board, gamers can make informed decisions about which games to play, when to play them, and when to retire or abandon them.

Creating a Kanban Board for Gaming

To create a kanban board for gaming, one can start by identifying the different stages of the gaming process, such as discoveryplay and retirement. Each stage can be represented as a column on the board, with cards or sticky notes used to represent individual games. The cards can be moved across the columns as the game progresses through the different stages.

The discovery stage is where new games are added to the board, with information like genreplatform and release date included on the card. The play stage is where games are currently being played, with metrics like session length and mood tags tracked. The retirement stage is where games are abandoned or completed, with notes on why the game was retired or what was learned from the experience.

Metrics for a Gamer’s Kanban Board

When creating a kanban board for gaming, it’s essential to track relevant metrics to make informed decisions about which games to play and when. Some useful metrics include:

  • Session length the amount of time spent playing a game in a single session
  • Mood tags the emotions or feelings associated with playing a game, such as excitementfrustration or boredom
  • Difficulty spikes sudden increases in difficulty that can impact the gaming experience

By tracking these metrics, gamers can identify patterns and trends in their gaming habits, making it easier to prioritize games and manage their backlog.

Integrations with Notion and Trello

For those who prefer a digital kanban board integrations with tools like Notion and Trello are available. These tools offer a range of templates and customization options, making it easy to create a gamer’s kanban workflow that suits individual needs.

A printable template can also be created, allowing gamers to track their progress and metrics on a physical board. This can be a useful option for those who prefer a tactile approach or want to avoid digital distractions.

Conclusion

By incorporating metrics like session lengthmood tags and difficulty spikes gamers can make informed decisions about their gaming experience. Whether using a digital or physical board, a gamer’s kanban workflow can enhance the

Author

Florence Wright

Florence Wright, Glasgow native with an editorial-minimal aesthetic, rerouted a social feed to live-cover a Pollok Park remembrance event, prioritising human detail over algorithmic reach. Promotes clarity, humane framing and local resonance; keeps an archive of Polaroids from neighbourhood gatherings as a personal emblem.