Lost In Iteration
In PC/console game development, "finding the fun" is an iterative journey. But a game project isn't an endless sprint - it should be a carefully orchestrated marathon.🏃♀️
Over-reliance on Agile methodologies without incorporating disciplined project management practices may lead to issues:
1️⃣ Endless Iterations: While continuous iteration is key to refining gameplay, it can lead to project bloat if not carefully managed. A sign is consistently missed deadlines or expanding the scope without corresponding adjustments to the timeline or budget.
2️⃣ Lack of Long-term Planning: Agile's focus on short-term goals can sometimes overshadow long-term project vision. Warning signals could include difficulty aligning team tasks to overarching project milestones or neglecting the big picture.
3️⃣ Inadequate Risk Management: Agile might not fully address large-scale project risks. For example, overlooking the impact of a key team member leaving or underestimating the technical debt can jeopardize the project.
4️⃣ Poor Cross-team Coordination: Agile works best within teams but can falter between them. Symptoms might be repeated merge conflicts or teams unknowingly working at cross purposes.
To counter these challenges, consider scaled Agile frameworks such as Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS), or Disciplined Agile Delivery (DAD). These frameworks are designed to implement Agile principles at scale, facilitating coordination among multiple Agile teams, aligning strategy with execution, and effectively managing risk and dependencies.
However, remember that these frameworks are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The choice of the framework should depend on your project's size, complexity, and specific requirements. As a fallback, the principles of traditional project management, focusing on control, risk mitigation, and alignment with business objectives, remain valuable. It's about finding the right balance for your project.
The journey to "fun" shouldn't mean losing sight of the finish line. Is your studio on the right track?
