In this article, we’ve created a starter Freelance Game Developer 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 Developer 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 Developer 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 Developer 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 development needs, goals, and budget.
2. Proposal and agreement: Present a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, timeline, and cost. Once agreed upon, sign a contract.
3. Game concept and design: Collaborate with the client to develop the game concept, including gameplay mechanics, art style, and storyline.
4. Development: Begin coding and programming the game, creating the necessary assets, and implementing the agreed-upon features.
5. Testing and debugging: Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix any bugs or issues in the game’s functionality and performance.
6. Client feedback and revisions: Share the game prototype with the client for their feedback and incorporate any necessary revisions or changes.
7. Finalization and optimization: Polish the game, optimize its performance, and ensure compatibility across different platforms and devices.
8. Launch preparation: Assist the client in preparing for the game’s launch, including creating marketing materials, setting up distribution channels, and establishing monetization strategies.
9. Launch and post-launch support: Release the game to the market and provide ongoing support, addressing any post-launch issues, updates, or enhancements.
10. Continuous improvement: Regularly review and analyze user feedback, monitor game metrics, and implement updates and improvements to enhance the game’s performance and user experience
1. Name: Implement Agile Development Methodology
Description: Adopting an Agile development methodology, such as Scrum or Kanban, to streamline the game development process. This involves breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks, setting clear priorities, and regularly reviewing progress.
Expected Outcome: Increased productivity, improved collaboration among team members, faster delivery of high-quality games, and better adaptability to changing client requirements.
2. Name: Conduct User Testing Sessions
Description: Organize user testing sessions to gather feedback and insights from target players. This involves inviting a group of individuals to playtest the game and provide feedback on gameplay, mechanics, user interface, and overall experience.
Expected Outcome: Identification of potential issues or areas for improvement, better understanding of user preferences, and the ability to make informed design decisions to enhance the game’s appeal and user satisfaction.
3. Name: Establish a Strong Online Presence
Description: Create a professional website and social media profiles to showcase previous work, share updates, and engage with potential clients and the gaming community. Regularly post content related to game development, industry trends, and personal projects.
Expected Outcome: Increased visibility and brand awareness, attracting new clients and collaborations, building a network of industry professionals, and establishing credibility as a freelance game developer.
4. Name: Collaborate with Other Developers
Description: Seek opportunities to collaborate with other freelance game developers or join development teams for specific projects. This can involve participating in game jams, attending industry events, or joining online communities and forums.
Expected Outcome: Enhanced skill development through knowledge sharing, exposure to different perspectives and techniques, potential for larger and more complex projects, and increased professional connections.
5. Name: Implement Project Management Tools
Description: Utilize project management tools, such as Trello or Asana, to organize tasks, track progress, and manage deadlines. This allows for better project planning, efficient task allocation, and improved communication with clients and team members.
Expected Outcome: Improved project organization, increased transparency, better time management, and enhanced client satisfaction through timely delivery of milestones.
6. Name: Offer Additional Services or Specializations
Description: Identify additional services or specializations within game development that align with personal skills and interests. This could include offering services such as game design consulting, virtual reality development, or mobile game optimization.
Expected Outcome: Diversification of revenue streams, attracting a wider range of clients, differentiation from competitors, and the ability to cater to specific market demands.
7. Name: Attend Professional Development Workshops or Courses
Description: Invest in professional development by attending workshops, courses, or conferences related to game development, programming languages, or emerging technologies. This allows for staying up-to-date with industry trends, acquiring new skills, and expanding knowledge.
Expected Outcome: Enhanced technical expertise, improved problem-solving abilities, exposure to new tools and techniques, and increased marketability as a freelance game developer.
8. Name: Establish Long-Term Client Relationships
Description: Focus on building long-term relationships with clients by providing exceptional customer service, delivering high-quality work, and maintaining open lines of communication. Regularly follow up with clients after project completion to gather feedback and explore potential future collaborations.
Expected Outcome: Increased client loyalty, repeat business, positive referrals, and a reputation for reliability and professionalism in the industry
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.
