Your game project is running behind schedule. How can you navigate stakeholder demands for more features?

The Triple Constraint of Project Management also represents the options you have to relieve a schedule that is falling behind. Time, Money, Quality Time - if you can push the deadline/ship date Money - if you can hire more people (assuming more cooks in the kitchen will actually work) or contractors, or pay for an out of box solution Quality - by cutting scope. This doesn't just refer to cutting features, but also making features smaller or simpler No matter what. One of these HAS to give. The demand for more features relates to Quality and is adding to it. May require some negotiation skills. One solution to consider that leverages Time and Quality: Release on time with less, then add additional desired features/content post-launch.

It’s crucial to manage expectations and prioritize effectively. Start by communicating the current status clearly, outlining the risks of adding more features without adjusting timelines or resources. Present a list of the most critical features that align with the project’s goals and user needs, emphasizing their impact on the game’s quality. Suggest trade-offs, such as cutting lower-priority features or extending deadlines, to balance demands with reality. Collaborate with stakeholders to refine the scope and focus on delivering a polished, playable product within the feasible timeframe.

Let’s set aside the question of whether adding new features is necessary. The brief recommendation is this: a good manager never says “no,” but rather says “yes, under certain conditions.” Explain to the stakeholder what resources or changes you need and what risks it entails.

When a game project is behind schedule and stakeholders want more features, set clear boundaries by explaining the trade-offs between adding features and meeting deadlines. Prioritize key features that offer the most value and propose a phased approach for future updates. Communicating the impact on time and quality helps manage expectations while keeping the project on track.

When your game project lags and feature requests keep piling up, strategic communication and prioritization are critical. Start by setting realistic expectations—communicate clearly with stakeholders about what can be achieved within the timeline. Prioritize features that align with the core vision of the project, focusing on functionality that adds the most value. Engage in constructive negotiation, finding compromises that meet stakeholder needs without overwhelming the development schedule. This approach ensures that demands are managed effectively while keeping the project on track toward successful completion.