In this article, we’ve created a starter Freelance Game Designer Workflow Map that you can use to start planning out your product/service delivery and we’ve outlined a few examples of experiments that you can run in your Freelance Game Designer role.
Ready to get started? Download the Workflow Map template or get in touch to discuss how a workflow coach could help you fast-track your business improvement.
Contents
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.
1. Initial consultation: Meet with the client to discuss their game design requirements, goals, and vision.
2. Concept development: Brainstorm and create a detailed concept for the game, including gameplay mechanics, storylines, and visual aesthetics.
3. Prototyping: Build a basic version of the game to test and refine the core mechanics and gameplay elements.
4. Art and asset creation: Design and create the visual elements of the game, including characters, environments, and user interface.
5. Programming and development: Code and develop the game using appropriate programming languages and game development tools.
6. Testing and quality assurance: Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix any bugs, glitches, or gameplay issues.
7. Iteration and feedback: Gather feedback from the client and make necessary adjustments and improvements to the game design.
8. Finalization and polish: Add finishing touches, optimize performance, and ensure the game is ready for release.
9. Deployment and distribution: Prepare the game for distribution on various platforms, such as mobile devices, consoles, or PC.
10. Post-release support: Provide ongoing support, updates, and maintenance for the game, addressing any issues or adding new features as needed
Experiment 1: Gamification of Project Management
Description: Implement a gamified project management system where tasks, deadlines, and milestones are represented as levels, achievements, and rewards. Introduce leaderboards and badges to encourage healthy competition and engagement among team members.
Expected Outcome: Increased productivity and motivation among team members, improved task completion rates, and enhanced collaboration and communication within the team.
Experiment 2: User Testing and Feedback Integration
Description: Conduct regular user testing sessions to gather feedback on game prototypes and incorporate user suggestions into the development process. Implement a feedback loop where users can provide input and suggestions directly within the game interface.
Expected Outcome: Improved user experience, identification of potential issues or bugs early on, increased user satisfaction, and higher chances of creating a game that resonates with the target audience.
Experiment 3: Agile Development Methodology Implementation
Description: Adopt an agile development methodology, such as Scrum or Kanban, to streamline the game development process. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable units, prioritize them based on importance, and regularly review progress during short, focused meetings.
Expected Outcome: Increased efficiency, better time management, improved collaboration between team members, and the ability to quickly adapt to changing requirements or market demands.
Experiment 4: Collaboration with Influencers and Streamers
Description: Collaborate with popular gaming influencers and streamers to promote and showcase the games being developed. Provide them with early access to prototypes, exclusive content, or opportunities for co-creation to generate buzz and reach a wider audience.
Expected Outcome: Increased visibility and exposure for the games, higher engagement and interest from potential players, and the potential for viral marketing through influencer networks.
Experiment 5: Continuous Learning and Skill Development
Description: Encourage and support ongoing learning and skill development among team members by providing access to relevant training courses, workshops, or conferences. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team.
Expected Outcome: Enhanced expertise and knowledge within the team, improved quality of game design and development, increased competitiveness in the market, and the ability to offer cutting-edge solutions to clients.
Experiment 6: Automated Testing and Quality Assurance
Description: Implement automated testing tools and processes to streamline the quality assurance phase of game development. Automate repetitive testing tasks, perform continuous integration, and use analytics to identify potential issues or bottlenecks.
Expected Outcome: Reduced time and effort spent on manual testing, improved overall quality of the games, faster identification and resolution of bugs or glitches, and increased customer satisfaction.
Experiment 7: Diversification of Game Genres and Platforms
Description: Explore the development of games in different genres and for various platforms, such as mobile, console, or virtual reality. Expand the portfolio to cater to a wider audience and tap into new market segments.
Expected Outcome: Increased revenue streams, access to new markets, reduced dependency on a single game or genre, and the ability to adapt to changing market trends and preferences.
Experiment 8: Data-Driven Decision Making
Description: Implement data analytics tools and processes to gather insights on player behavior, engagement, and preferences. Utilize this data to make informed decisions regarding game design, monetization strategies, and marketing efforts.
Expected Outcome: Improved decision-making, better understanding of player needs and preferences, increased player retention and engagement, and the ability to create games that resonate with the target audience.
Experiment 9: Outsourcing Non-Core Tasks
Description: Identify non-core tasks, such as graphic design, sound engineering, or localization, that can be outsourced to specialized freelancers or agencies. Delegate these tasks to free up time and resources for core game design and development activities.
Expected Outcome: Increased focus on core competencies, improved efficiency, reduced workload for the internal team, access to specialized expertise, and potentially faster project delivery.
Experiment 10: Community Building and Engagement
Description: Establish and nurture an online community around the games being developed. Create forums, social media groups, or Discord channels where players can interact, provide feedback, and share their experiences. Organize regular events, competitions, or giveaways to foster engagement and loyalty.
Expected Outcome: Increased player retention, word-of-mouth marketing, valuable feedback for game improvement, a dedicated fan base, and the potential for long-term success and sustainability
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.
