Systems & Processes for Freelance Game Designer
The path towards better systems and processes in your Freelance Game Designer role starts with mapping out your most important business processes. Being able to see your business processes laid out visually helps you to collaborate with your team on how to improve and grow. By repeating this collaboration process, you’ll develop a culture of continuous improvement that leads to a growing business and streamlined systems and processes that increase customer & staff experience.
To help you start mapping out your processes, we’ve developed a sample flow for a Freelance Game Designer Workflow Map that you can use with your team to start clarifying your processes and then run Business Experiments so you can build a better business.
Workflow Map For A Freelance Game Designer
1. Initial consultation: Meet with the client to discuss their vision, goals, and requirements for the game design project.
2. Concept development: Brainstorm and create initial concepts for the game, including gameplay mechanics, art style, and overall theme.
3. Prototyping: Build a basic prototype of the game to test and refine the core mechanics and gameplay elements.
4. Art and asset creation: Create or collaborate with artists to develop the visual assets, including characters, environments, and user interface elements.
5. Level design: Design and create the various levels, puzzles, or challenges within the game, ensuring a balanced and engaging experience for players.
6. Playtesting and iteration: Conduct playtesting sessions to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments to improve the game’s mechanics, difficulty, and overall user experience.
7. Game development: Implement the finalized game design, integrating the art assets, sound effects, music, and any additional features or functionalities.
8. Quality assurance: Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix any bugs, glitches, or performance issues in the game.
9. Release and distribution: Prepare the game for release on the desired platforms, such as mobile devices, consoles, or PC, and handle the distribution process.
10. Post-release support: Provide ongoing support, updates, and patches to address any issues or add new features based on user feedback and market trends
Business Growth & Improvement Experiments
1. Name: Implement a project management tool
Description: Introduce a project management tool to streamline the workflow and improve communication with clients and team members. This tool can help in organizing tasks, setting deadlines, and tracking progress.
Expected Outcome: Increased efficiency, reduced miscommunication, and improved project delivery timelines.
2. Name: Offer a limited-time discount or promotion
Description: Create a time-limited discount or promotion to attract new clients or encourage repeat business. This can be in the form of a discounted rate, a package deal, or a referral program.
Expected Outcome: Increased client acquisition, improved customer loyalty, and potential word-of-mouth marketing.
3. Name: Conduct user testing sessions
Description: Organize user testing sessions to gather feedback on game designs and prototypes. This can involve inviting target users to playtest the game and provide valuable insights on gameplay, mechanics, and overall experience.
Expected Outcome: Enhanced game design, identification of potential issues or improvements, and increased user satisfaction.
4. Name: Collaborate with other freelancers or agencies
Description: Establish partnerships or collaborations with other freelancers or agencies in the design and creative industry. This can involve working together on projects, sharing resources, or referring clients to each other.
Expected Outcome: Expanded network, access to new clients and projects, and potential for cross-promotion.
5. Name: Develop a portfolio website
Description: Create a professional and visually appealing portfolio website to showcase previous work, skills, and expertise. This website can serve as a central hub for potential clients to learn more about the freelancer’s capabilities and contact them for inquiries.
Expected Outcome: Improved online presence, increased credibility, and enhanced visibility to attract new clients.
6. Name: Offer additional services or packages
Description: Identify complementary services or packages that can be offered alongside game design, such as game testing, concept art creation, or game marketing strategies. This diversification can attract a wider range of clients and increase revenue streams.
Expected Outcome: Expanded client base, increased revenue, and potential for long-term partnerships.
7. Name: Attend industry conferences or events
Description: Participate in relevant industry conferences, events, or trade shows to network with potential clients, stay updated on industry trends, and showcase expertise. This can involve presenting at panels, hosting workshops, or simply engaging in conversations with industry professionals.
Expected Outcome: Increased industry visibility, potential client leads, and opportunities for collaboration or partnerships.
8. Name: Seek feedback from previous clients
Description: Reach out to previous clients and request feedback on their experience working with the freelancer. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or testimonials. Analyzing this feedback can help identify areas for improvement and potential testimonials to showcase on the freelancer’s website.
Expected Outcome: Improved client satisfaction, identification of areas for improvement, and valuable testimonials for marketing purposes.
9. Name: Invest in professional development
Description: Allocate time and resources to continuously learn and improve skills in game design. This can involve attending workshops, taking online courses, or joining professional associations. Staying updated on industry trends and acquiring new skills can enhance the freelancer’s expertise and competitiveness.
Expected Outcome: Enhanced skillset, increased industry knowledge, and potential for higher-quality game designs.
10. Name: Establish a social media presence
Description: Create and maintain active social media profiles on platforms relevant to the target audience, such as Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Regularly share updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes content related to game design to engage with potential clients and industry professionals.
Expected Outcome: Increased brand awareness, expanded network, and potential client leads
What Next?
The above map and experiments are just a basic outline that you can use to get started on your path towards business improvement. If you’d like custom experiments with the highest ROI, would like to work on multiple workflows in your business (for clients/customers, HR/staff and others) or need someone to help you implement business improvement strategies & software, get in touch to find out whether working with a workflow coach could help fast-track your progress.