What do you do if your game design project is falling behind schedule?

Acknowledge that most projects are behind schedule from the start -because they are over-scoped, feature packed, and built on combined tech and design optimism. Half way through the project aim to cut features/tasks/epics like you were behind schedule by 6 months because you probably already are (you just haven't gotten to that milestone) - reducing scope is good for morale and focusing the team on the highest priority core/value elements. Once you have the main value proposition *solid and performant* on the target platform; look at expanding back out to make a finished product the team can be really proud of. Creating an honest feedback culture, good collaboration, and excellent project tracking will help you stay on top of things.

Figure out where you're at and what's important: is your scope immovable? Are there driving dates (if not, sometimes being late is ok)? How much have you spent and how does this track to your overall budget?

Verificar o que causou o atraso, restruturar a equipe e alinhar as prioridades para que tenha o menor custo e a equipe possa fazer a entrega sem prejuízos.

Assessing the situation involves a thorough examination of various factors contributing to the delay. This includes scrutinizing the game design for issues like clarity, coherence, or balance. Additionally, evaluate the development process for communication, collaboration, or testing shortcomings. External factors such as market changes or client requirements should also be considered. Prioritizing critical issues based on their impact enables focused resolution efforts, ensuring the project stays on track.

Its very critical to analyze in which area you are falling behind in the game design process in order to come up with a solution so its very critical that from the very start you have pipelined the whole process and divided it into small acheiveable goals for the team.

Communicate as early and honestly as possible. Long before deadlines approach, you should determine if you'll meet them or require additional time. This could lead to either extensions or workarounds that maintain the game's development timeline. Regardless of your position or stage in the process, communication is always crucial.

When your game design project is playing catch-up, don't panic! Rally your team like a coach at halftime—communicate openly, prioritize tasks, and brainstorm creative solutions. Remember, even Mario faced a few unexpected Goombas on his journey to save Princess Peach! With teamwork, determination, and maybe a power-up or two, you'll get back on track in no time! ????

Well when its comes to communication the core principle should be honesty whether thats with stakeholders or the management. You have to keep them updated at every step possible and as early as you can

Adjusting the scope and plan is crucial to align with the new deadline and incorporate feedback. This may entail simplifying or cutting non-essential features, levels, or mechanics to streamline development. Conversely, enhancing vital aspects that improve quality or appeal might be necessary. Revision of the game design document, prototype, milestones, and testing schedule reflects these changes, ensuring the project remains manageable and on track for successful completion within the revised timeframe.

One thing to always remember is that you have to remain flexible to adapt new strategies as well as new talent would allow you to change the entire scope therefore allowing a smoother overall feel without the added stress factors.

If you’re running out of time, plan out what is necessary. If it has to be released by a certain date, do what you can to make it happen. We’re lucky enough to be in an age where we can send updates out to a game at any time after release. Get the necessary features out first, then as time goes on send out updates (free is nice) to keep players coming back.

In game design process one way to solve any problem is to cut down the problem in half. Its very helpful when i found out this particular method when studying how game designers solve problems. So whatever the problem is whether its scope or anything else in the game you just cut the problem in half in order to stabilise the whole process

Implementing agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban helps organize tasks and adapt to shifting priorities efficiently. Automation tools such as Unity's Bolt or Unreal Engine's Blueprints streamline development processes, reducing manual effort and saving time. Additionally, I conduct regular code reviews, asset audits, and documentation checks to ensure clarity and consistency, facilitating smoother collaboration within the team.

Optimise your process with MDA framework try to work one pillar at a time and streamline the workflow according to the MDA framework

Let's imagine from your perspective: When our game project hit turbulence, we seized the opportunity to fine-tune our flight plan. Implementing daily stand-ups, akin to air traffic controllers, kept us on course. Utilizing project management tools like Trello and Jira, we tracked tasks and adjusted timelines in real-time. By analyzing player feedback, engagement metrics, and development milestones, we navigated rough patches and soared to new heights. Defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly analyzing data guided our actions, translating insights into actionable tasks for continuous improvement. Remember, in game design, every data point is a beacon guiding you to success! ??????

Asking veterans designers is a huge bonus and learning oppurtunity try reaching out to veteran designers join communities and ask short and to the point questions it helps a lot

If the project is spiraling out of control time-wise, the budget is increasing, the scope is increasing, and the timeline is just getting away from you, it is ok to ask for help and you should. Talk with your project managers and your dev team, and see how you can get the project back on track. See if you can remove features or scale back some of the game to help reduce scope. You need to figure out what you can adjust, bring on new staff, change the design, change the deadline, but get others involved. Perhaps you can outsource some of the work or hire contractors to get the game back on track. Ideally, delay the release date and launch. It is better for the game to be late than a botched release that sinks your game before it can take off

Relentless focus on just essential and planned elements is like eating all vegetables - the team really wants the game to shine so at Hidden Path Ent we added 'polish time' (days or a week) before major milestones to let the team work on anything they felt would make the game great. Adding in a little bit of flexibility gave the team back autonomy and pride in what we made together (plus people were re-energized because they could explore their passion for making the game together)

When a game design project falls behind schedule, it's crucial to assess the situation promptly and take decisive action to mitigate delays. First, identify the root causes of the delay, whether it's scope creep, technical challenges, resource constraints, or unforeseen issues. Once identified, prioritize tasks and reallocate resources as needed to focus on critical aspects of the project. Consider streamlining workflows, simplifying features, or adjusting deadlines to regain momentum. Communication is key; update stakeholders on the revised timeline and any adjustments made to the project plan.