Kickstarter Doom? 90% Missed Deadlines Due To This.
Kickstarter Doom? 90% Missed Deadlines Due To This.
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Game development Kickstarters are notorious for missing deadlines. A staggering 90% fail to deliver on time. The primary culprit? Unrealistic scope coupled with inadequate project planning. Many aspiring developers, full of passion, underestimate the sheer complexity involved in bringing their vision to life.
The good news is that these failures are preventable. Let’s dissect why so many projects stumble and, more importantly, how you can avoid the same pitfalls.
The Siren Song of Scope Creep
Scope creep is the gradual expansion of a project’s requirements beyond its initial boundaries. It often starts innocently enough. “Wouldn’t it be cool if we added X?” Then, X becomes Y, and before you know it, you’re building a sprawling epic instead of the focused experience you initially envisioned.
Why is this so dangerous? Because each added feature introduces a cascade of new tasks: art, programming, testing, and debugging. Time estimates, already optimistic, quickly become laughably inadequate.
Actionable Step: Define Your MVP
Identify your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). What are the absolute core features that make your game fun and unique? Focus on delivering those first. Everything else is a “nice-to-have” that can be added later, after the core experience is polished and released.
The Perils of Poor Project Planning
Even with a well-defined scope, poor planning can derail a project. Many indie developers, particularly those working solo, fall into the trap of “winging it.” They start coding without a clear roadmap, leading to wasted effort, inefficient code, and a general sense of being lost in the weeds.
Actionable Step: Break Down Tasks
Divide your game into smaller, manageable tasks. “Implement combat” is too broad. Break it down into “Create player attack animation,” “Implement enemy AI,” “Implement hit detection,” and so on. This makes the overall project less daunting and allows for more accurate time estimations.
Actionable Step: Factor in the Unknown
The reality of game development is that unforeseen challenges will arise. Bugs will appear, tools will malfunction, and inspiration will sometimes dry up. Don’t assume everything will go smoothly.
Build in buffer time. For every task, add 20-30% extra time to account for unexpected problems. Be honest with yourself about your skill level and the potential for roadblocks.
Communication is Key (Especially When Things Go Wrong)
Transparency is crucial, especially when dealing with Kickstarter backers. If you anticipate a delay, don’t hide it. Communicate proactively and honestly. Explain the reasons for the delay, outline your plan to get back on track, and show that you are still committed to delivering the best possible game.
Backers appreciate honesty and are far more forgiving when kept in the loop. Silence breeds mistrust and resentment.
Track Everything: The Power of the Game Dev Journal
The key to avoiding scope creep and improving project planning is diligent tracking. Keep a detailed record of your progress, challenges, and decisions. A game dev journal is your most valuable tool.
Why a Game Dev Journal Matters
A game development log isn’t just a diary; it’s a strategic asset. It allows you to:
- Reflect on past decisions and identify patterns.
- Track your time and improve your estimations.
- Communicate effectively with collaborators (if any).
- Maintain motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
- Inconsistency: Starting strong but fading after a few weeks. Set realistic goals for how often you’ll update your journal (e.g., daily, every other day).
- Vagueness: “Worked on the game” is useless. Be specific: “Implemented player jump mechanic. Encountered a bug with collision detection. Will investigate tomorrow.”
- Ignoring failures: Don’t just record successes. Document your failures and what you learned from them. These are often the most valuable entries.
- Not reviewing: The journal is only useful if you actually read it. Schedule regular reviews to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
Examples from Indie Developers
Many successful indie developers swear by daily development logs. They use them to track bugs, brainstorm ideas, and manage their workload. Some even share their journals publicly as a way to engage with their audience and build excitement for their game.
Actionable Step: Craft Daily Development Logs
Make it a habit. Even a few sentences each day can make a huge difference. Your journal should include:
- What you worked on.
- What you accomplished.
- What challenges you faced.
- What you plan to work on next.
The simple act of writing these things down clarifies your thinking and forces you to confront the reality of your progress.
Planning, tracking, and communicating are the cornerstones of successful game development. A game dev journal will give you a central place to do just that, so you can realistically track game development progress. If you’re looking for a simple way to start journaling and organizing your development efforts, check out our purpose built daily log tool here.
By embracing these practices, you can increase your chances of delivering your game on time and within budget, avoiding the fate of so many Kickstarter projects.