Game planning and why it doesn't tend to happen

[Callan S.]

Was thinking about planning games and why I just don't get into that.

The thing is, I just don't know if I can do X or Y or Z. I might not be able to program it or the language might not be able to handle it. So I can't plan ahead.

Further, when I don't know if I can do X or Y or Z, I can't design my game (as in the rules of the game) in advance. I have to design as I go.

The only game I could plan ahead for is the one I already knew how to write (ie, a game I already have written, if only in seperate pieces so far).

[a_bertrand]

Well either your project is too ambitious for example you want to create an AAA full 3D MMORPG but doing that alone and in a couple of days.
Or you are still not experienced enough to evaluate the project and its difficulties.

However I can tell you that a correct project planning in nearly any discipline is extremely hard. So don't be sad about not following the plan