In this article, we’ve created a starter Freelance Game Programmer 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 Programmer 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 Programmer 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 Programmer 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 requirements.
2. Proposal and agreement: Prepare a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, timeline, and cost. Once agreed upon, sign a contract with the client.
3. Game concept development: Collaborate with the client to brainstorm and refine the game concept, including gameplay mechanics, art style, and target audience.
4. Prototyping: Create a basic prototype of the game to test and validate the core mechanics and gameplay elements.
5. Game development: Begin the actual development process, coding the game mechanics, implementing artwork and audio, and integrating any necessary third-party tools or libraries.
6. Iterative testing and feedback: Continuously test the game with the client and gather feedback to make necessary adjustments and improvements.
7. Quality assurance and bug fixing: Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix any bugs or issues that may arise during gameplay.
8. Finalization and delivery: Polish the game, optimize performance, and ensure it meets all the client’s requirements before delivering the final product.
9. Deployment and launch: Assist the client in publishing the game on the desired platforms, such as app stores or gaming platforms.
10. Post-launch support: Provide ongoing support and updates to address any issues or add new features based on user feedback and market demands
1. Name: Implement Agile Development Methodology
Description: Adopting an Agile development methodology, such as Scrum or Kanban, to manage projects and tasks more efficiently. This involves breaking down work into smaller, manageable chunks, setting clear priorities, and regularly reviewing progress.
Expected Outcome: Increased productivity, improved collaboration among team members, faster delivery of projects, and enhanced client satisfaction.
2. Name: Conduct User Testing for Game Prototypes
Description: Organize user testing sessions to gather feedback on game prototypes from target audiences. This involves observing and collecting data on how users interact with the game, identifying pain points, and understanding user preferences.
Expected Outcome: Improved game design and user experience, identification of potential issues or bugs, and better alignment with user expectations, leading to higher user engagement and satisfaction.
3. Name: Establish a Referral Program
Description: Create a referral program to incentivize existing clients or contacts to refer new clients. This can involve offering discounts, rewards, or exclusive benefits for successful referrals.
Expected Outcome: Increased client acquisition through word-of-mouth marketing, expansion of the client base, and potential long-term partnerships with referred clients.
4. Name: Automate Game Testing Processes
Description: Explore and implement automated testing tools and frameworks to streamline the game testing process. This can involve automating repetitive tasks, regression testing, and performance testing.
Expected Outcome: Reduced manual effort and time spent on testing, improved accuracy and reliability of testing results, faster identification and resolution of bugs, and overall cost savings.
5. Name: Collaborate with Other Freelancers or Studios
Description: Seek opportunities to collaborate with other freelance game programmers or game development studios on projects. This can involve forming partnerships, subcontracting work, or participating in joint ventures.
Expected Outcome: Access to a wider range of projects and clients, increased expertise and knowledge sharing, potential for larger and more complex projects, and enhanced professional network.
6. Name: Develop a Portfolio Website
Description: Create a professional portfolio website to showcase previous work, skills, and expertise. This can include showcasing completed game projects, providing testimonials from satisfied clients, and highlighting relevant technical skills.
Expected Outcome: Improved online presence, increased visibility to potential clients, enhanced credibility and professionalism, and higher chances of securing new projects.
7. Name: Offer Maintenance and Support Services
Description: Expand services to include ongoing maintenance and support for completed game projects. This can involve providing bug fixes, updates, and technical support to clients after the initial development phase.
Expected Outcome: Additional revenue streams, increased client retention, improved client satisfaction, and potential for long-term partnerships.
8. Name: Attend Game Development Conferences and Events
Description: Actively participate in game development conferences, workshops, and networking events to stay updated with industry trends, connect with potential clients or collaborators, and learn from industry experts.
Expected Outcome: Expanded professional network, exposure to new opportunities, increased industry knowledge, potential for collaborations or partnerships, and improved professional reputation.
9. Name: Optimize Online Marketing Strategies
Description: Evaluate and optimize online marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and content marketing, to increase visibility and attract potential clients.
Expected Outcome: Higher website traffic, increased lead generation, improved conversion rates, enhanced brand awareness, and potential for higher-quality client inquiries.
10. Name: Implement Time Tracking and Project Management Tools
Description: Utilize time tracking and project management tools to monitor and manage work hours, tasks, and deadlines more effectively. This can involve using tools like Trello, Asana, or Harvest.
Expected Outcome: Improved time management, better project planning and tracking, increased accountability, enhanced productivity, and potential for more accurate project estimations
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.
