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 design and concept development: Collaborate with the client to create a game design document, including gameplay mechanics, art style, and storyline.
4. Prototyping: Develop a basic prototype of the game to test and validate the core mechanics and gameplay elements.
5. Full development: Implement the game features, mechanics, and assets based on the approved design. Regularly communicate with the client to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
6. Quality assurance and testing: Conduct thorough testing to identify and fix any bugs, glitches, or performance issues in the game.
7. Deployment and launch: Prepare the game for release on the desired platforms, such as PC, consoles, or mobile devices. Coordinate with the client to ensure a smooth launch.
8. Post-launch support: Provide ongoing support and maintenance for the game, addressing any issues or updates that may arise after the release.
9. Continuous improvement: Collaborate with the client to gather user feedback and analytics data to identify areas for improvement and implement updates or expansions to enhance the game’s performance and user experience.
10. Project closure and evaluation: Conduct a final review with the client to assess the project’s success, gather testimonials, and discuss potential future collaborations
Experiment 1: Implement Agile Development Methodology
Description: Adopt the Agile development methodology, such as Scrum or Kanban, to streamline the game development process. This involves breaking down the project into smaller tasks, setting short-term goals, and regularly reviewing progress. It also emphasizes collaboration and adaptability, allowing for quicker iterations and improved communication among team members.
Expected Outcome: Increased efficiency and productivity, as Agile methodologies promote better time management, reduced bottlenecks, and improved team coordination. This experiment can lead to faster delivery of high-quality games and enhanced client satisfaction.
Experiment 2: Introduce Continuous Integration and Deployment
Description: Implement a continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipeline to automate the process of building, testing, and deploying game updates. By integrating code changes frequently and automatically running tests, this experiment aims to identify and fix issues early on, ensuring a stable and reliable game release.
Expected Outcome: Reduced time and effort spent on manual testing and deployment, resulting in faster and more frequent game updates. This experiment can lead to improved software quality, increased customer engagement, and a competitive advantage in the market.
Experiment 3: Establish a Bug Bounty Program
Description: Create a bug bounty program to incentivize external developers and security researchers to identify and report vulnerabilities in the games developed. By offering rewards or recognition for valid bug reports, this experiment encourages a wider community to contribute to the improvement of game security and stability.
Expected Outcome: Enhanced game security and stability through the identification and resolution of potential vulnerabilities. This experiment can lead to a stronger reputation for delivering secure games, increased customer trust, and reduced long-term costs associated with addressing security breaches.
Experiment 4: Implement User Analytics and Feedback System
Description: Integrate user analytics tools and feedback mechanisms within the games to gather valuable insights on player behavior, preferences, and pain points. This experiment involves tracking metrics like player retention, engagement, and monetization, as well as providing in-game feedback channels for users to share their thoughts and suggestions.
Expected Outcome: Improved game design and user experience by leveraging data-driven insights and direct user feedback. This experiment can lead to higher player satisfaction, increased player retention, and the ability to tailor games to meet the evolving needs and preferences of the target audience.
Experiment 5: Collaborate with Other Freelancers or Studios
Description: Explore partnerships or collaborations with other freelance game programmers or development studios to leverage complementary skills and resources. This experiment involves identifying potential collaborators, establishing clear communication channels, and defining shared goals and responsibilities.
Expected Outcome: Expanded capabilities and capacity to take on larger or more complex game development projects. This experiment can lead to increased project opportunities, access to new markets, and the ability to offer a wider range of services, ultimately driving business growth and profitability
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.
