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You're managing a tight game release schedule. How do you handle client expectations?

When you're juggling a tight game release schedule, managing client expectations becomes crucial. Here's how you can keep everyone on the same page:

  • Set realistic deadlines: Clearly communicate what is achievable within the given timeframe.

  • Regular updates: Keep clients informed about progress and any potential delays.

  • Transparent prioritization: Explain which features or fixes are prioritized and why.

What strategies have worked for you in managing tight schedules?

Game Development Game Development

Game Development

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  3. Game Development

You're managing a tight game release schedule. How do you handle client expectations?

When you're juggling a tight game release schedule, managing client expectations becomes crucial. Here's how you can keep everyone on the same page:

  • Set realistic deadlines: Clearly communicate what is achievable within the given timeframe.

  • Regular updates: Keep clients informed about progress and any potential delays.

  • Transparent prioritization: Explain which features or fixes are prioritized and why.

What strategies have worked for you in managing tight schedules?

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38 answers
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    Mahendra Gandham

    Software Development Engineer (Associate Software Engineer) @ Accenture | Backend Developer | Scalable Systems | Gameplay & Multiplayer Programming | DSA Enthusiast

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    Juggling a tight game release schedule demands a delicate balance between meeting client expectations and maintaining project integrity. Key strategies include setting realistic expectations, prioritizing tasks effectively, and fostering open communication. By clearly outlining achievable milestones, providing regular updates, and transparently addressing potential roadblocks, you can maintain client trust and deliver a successful product. Additionally, leveraging agile methodologies can help adapt to changing circumstances and ensure timely delivery. Ultimately, a collaborative approach, where both the development team and the client work together towards a shared goal, is essential for navigating tight release schedules successfully.

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    Gabriel Flamm

    Cinematic Director at River End Games

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    Sometimes you eat the bear, and.. well.. sometimes the bear eats you. The rest of this is to fill up the minimum amount of characters to be able to post this.

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    6
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    An-Tim Nguyen

    Lead VFX Artist at Escape Velocity Entertainment

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    Just say no, invite them to play video games and chill. Sometimes they like Doritos. If it doesn't work out, c'est la vie. Like ships sailing at night.

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    5
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    Umar Razzaq

    Unreal Developer, UE Gernalist

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    To handle client expectations with a tight game release schedule, and maintain transparent communication about progress, challenges, and priorities. Share a clear roadmap with milestones, highlighting critical deliverables and timelines. Regular updates reassure clients while managing their expectations realistically. If compromises are needed, propose alternatives that align with their goals without jeopardizing quality.

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    Erick Simões

    CC and Design Professor | Professional Doctorate in Software Engineering

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    If things aren't going to go as planned, opt for transparency. Make it clear what challenges led to the deadline not being met and what will be ready by the scheduled date. However, providing information alone is not enough. Present a detailed action plan on how to overcome the problem, prioritizing quality deliveries and a good workflow with the development team.

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    4
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    Mark Chubenko

    Game Developer

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    When working under tight deadlines in game development, managing customer expectations is crucial. The key is open and honest communication. First, set realistic deadlines so clients understand what can be achieved within the time frame. Regular updates on progress and potential delays keep clients informed and help maintain trust. Transparency in prioritizing tasks is also important. Explaining why some tasks take precedence over others helps clients understand the development process. Finally, maintaining an open dialogue allows clients to ask questions and feel heard, fostering a strong partnership and mutual understanding. This ensures everyone knows what to expect from the project.

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    3
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    Krishna Kumar

    Empowering Companies to Scale with Tailored Software Solutions | Streamlining Operations, Boosting Efficiency.

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    When managing a tight game release schedule, keeping clients informed and expectations clear is key. - Share realistic timelines that you can deliver on. - Keep clients in the loop about progress and any changes. - Explain what’s being worked on first and why. Staying transparent and consistent helps build trust, even when the timeline is tight.

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    3
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    Navjot Kaur

    AWS & DevOps Engineer | Cloud Automation Specialist

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    I set realistic deadlines, provide regular updates, and prioritize features transparently to align with client goals. Agile practices and proactive risk management help ensure progress stays on track. Open communication and collaboration tools keep clients informed and engaged throughout the process.

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    3
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    Orrett Coke

    Game Design that will blow your mind! | Founder | Filmmaker | Business Enthusiast

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    Always be upfront! When the client fully understands your team's capabilities there will be NO CONFUSION. Everything that you may not get to should be filed under the "stretch goal" category. Easy!

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    2
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    Bhavya Soni

    Founder @AmiVerse || Software Engineer Intern @IMD || 3x Hackathon Organiser || 2x Hackathon Winner || AI/ML Practitioner || Python Developer || Unity Game Developer

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    To handle client expectations on a tight schedule, I’d focus on clear, regular updates about progress and challenges to ensure transparency. Prioritize critical features that align with the client’s main goals, even if some secondary aspects must be delayed. Emphasize how these priorities maintain the quality of the final product. If delays arise, I’d clearly explain the reasons and outline the benefits of maintaining standards. Involve the client in decision-making where possible, giving them a sense of control and keeping their trust intact while focusing on delivering the best experience.

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