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Simplifying Source Control: My Experience Setting Up Diversion

Are you an artist or game developer looking for a simple and effective version control solution? As an environment artist, I know the struggle of managing large project files while keeping everything organized. That's why I recently tried out Diversion, a source control tool designed with creatives in mind. Spoiler alert: it made my life so much easier!

In my latest YouTube video, I walk through setting up Diversion for the first time - exploring its features, testing large files, making changes, and even rolling back updates. If you've ever been intimidated by source control, this video is for you. Watch it here!

Getting Started with Diversion

Setting up Diversion is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1. Sign Up & Install – Head to Diversion.dev, create an account, and install the desktop app.
2. Create a Repository – Use an existing folder or start fresh.
3. Add Files – Easily drag and drop files into your workspace.
4. Sync & Commit Changes – Track modifications and commit updates with clear descriptions.
5. Revert Changes – Need to undo something? Simply revert to a previous commit.
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Putting Diversion to the Test

For this test, I uploaded a massive project, including Cinema 4D files, FBX models, an Unreal Engine project, and a nearly 1GB Photoshop file - and Diversion handled it smoothly.

I made edits to a floor model, changed a texture to purple, and committed my changes. Then, when my imaginary “client” hated the purple floor (oops!), I seamlessly reverted everything back to the original brown tile. No stress, no mess.
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Why I’m Excited About Diversion

• Simple Setup – No complicated configurations or self-hosting required.
• Handles Large Files – Works great with big assets without lagging.
• Cloud Backup – Prevents file corruption and loss.
• Generous Free Plan – 100GB and indie gaming teams with up to 5 users are free!
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Final Thoughts

I’ve used Perforce and Git before, but setting those up can be a nightmare. Diversion felt intuitive, and while I ran into a couple of minor issues, reading the docs helped me get up to speed quickly. If you're a game artist or developer looking for a hassle-free source control solution, I highly recommend checking it out!

Curious to see how it works in action? Watch my full walkthrough on YouTube! Let me know what you think, and if you have any questions, drop them in the comments.

Thanks to Diversion for sponsoring this video, and happy creating!

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