Last updated on Jul 17, 2024

Here's how you can navigate conflicts between game developers and clients.

Navigating conflicts between game developers and clients can be as intricate as game design itself. When you're caught in the crossfire, it's essential to understand that at the heart of every disagreement is a shared goal: to create a successful game. Whether you're a developer facing client demands that clash with your creative vision, or a client feeling misunderstood, the key is effective communication. By approaching conflicts with a problem-solving mindset, you can turn discord into collaboration, ensuring the game's development stays on track and all parties are satisfied with the final product.

1 Understand Needs

To effectively navigate conflicts, you must first understand the needs and goals of both parties. As a game developer, your expertise in the technical and creative aspects of game production is invaluable, yet it's equally important to grasp what the client seeks to achieve with the project. Conversely, clients should strive to appreciate the complexities and limitations inherent in game development. By acknowledging each other's objectives and constraints, you can lay the groundwork for finding common ground and resolving disputes amicably.

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Maurício Piccini

Programador com Doutorado em Literatura
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Exemplo: Um cliente deseja um tempo de carregamento de tela inferior a 2 segundos. O desenvolvedor sabe que isso é tecnicamente desafiador dado o escopo do jogo. Ao invés de discordar diretamente, o desenvolvedor pode apresentar opções como otimização de outros elementos visuais ou redução da complexidade de certas áreas para atingir um tempo de carregamento aceitável sem comprometer a visão do jogo.

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2 Open Dialogue

Open dialogue is the cornerstone of conflict resolution in game development. Encourage honest and regular communication between developers and clients. This means setting up structured meetings where both parties can voice concerns and expectations without fear of judgment. It's crucial to listen actively and empathize with the other side's perspective. This approach not only fosters mutual respect but also paves the way for collaborative solutions that align with the project's vision and goals.

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Zain Ul Abedeen

AI Engineer and a True Believer in the Metaverse | Spatial Computing | Virtual Reality(VR)/Augmented Reality(AR) | Apple Vision Pro | Meta Quest 3 | Web 3/WebX | Artificial intelligence(AI)/Machine Learning Integration
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This is absolutely key! Clear and consistent communication is the foundation for preventing and resolving conflicts. Regular meetings with a structured agenda ensure both developers and clients have a platform to voice concerns and expectations openly. Active listening and empathy are crucial here. By understanding each other's perspectives, collaborative solutions can be found that meet project goals and maintain a positive working relationship.

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Maurício Piccini

Programador com Doutorado em Literatura
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Um exemplo prático da aplicação do diálogo aberto seria a criação de um canal dedicado no servidor Discord do projeto, onde desenvolvedores e clientes podem discutir abertamente as mecânicas do jogo. Imagine que o cliente se preocupe com a dificuldade excessiva do level design. Desenvolvedores poderiam compartilhar vídeos curtos de gameplay, mostrando a progressão natural do jogador e como os desafios são balanceados para oferecer dificuldade justa e recompensadora. Essa abertura permite feedback imediato do cliente, ajustes rápidos e previne frustrações no futuro.

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3 Compromise Wisely

Finding a middle ground where both developers and clients feel their voices are heard is vital. Compromise doesn't mean sacrificing your project's integrity; it means adapting and finding creative solutions that satisfy both parties. For developers, this could involve adjusting game mechanics or design elements. For clients, it might mean re-evaluating project timelines or feature sets. Remember, the goal is to maintain the game's quality while accommodating reasonable requests.

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Maurício Piccini

Programador com Doutorado em Literatura
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Exemplo prático: Em um jogo de RPG, jogadores assíduos pedem um sistema de crafting complexo, enquanto a equipe de marketing teme que isso afaste jogadores casuais. Uma solução? Implementar um sistema de crafting opcional em camadas: um sistema básico e intuitivo para iniciantes, e um avançado, desbloqueável posteriormente, com customizações profundas para os jogadores hardcore. Assim, você atende ambos os públicos sem comprometer a visão do jogo.

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4 Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is crucial in preventing and managing conflicts. As a developer, you need to communicate what is feasible within the given timeframes and budgets. Clients should also set realistic expectations regarding deliverables and milestones. Establishing these parameters early on helps avoid misunderstandings and sets a professional tone for the relationship, ensuring that both parties are aligned throughout the development process.

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Maurício Piccini

Programador com Doutorado em Literatura
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Exemplo Prático: O Documento de Design como Limite Um documento de design detalhado e aprovado por ambas as partes pode servir como um "contrato" informal que delimita o escopo do projeto. Ele deve conter: ・ Funcionalidades principais: Definir as mecânicas centrais do jogo e seus limites. Ex: Sistema de combate por turnos com 3 ações por personagem. ・ Visuais e estilo: Especificar o estilo artístico e evitar mudanças drásticas tardias. Ex: Pixel art 16-bit com paleta de cores limitada. ・ Cronograma e marcos: Definir datas chave para entregas e aprovações. Ex: Protótipo jogável em 2 semanas, versão alpha em 2 meses.

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5 Document Agreements

Documentation is your ally in conflict resolution. Whenever a consensus is reached, document the agreed-upon terms and have both developers and clients sign off on them. This can include project scope, deadlines, payment schedules, and any compromises made during discussions. Having a written record not only provides clarity but also serves as a point of reference if disputes arise later in the development cycle.

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6 Review Regularly

Regular reviews of the project's progress can help catch potential conflicts early. These check-ins allow developers to showcase their work and clients to provide feedback. This iterative process not only ensures that the game is evolving according to plan but also reinforces a sense of collaboration. By reviewing regularly, both parties stay informed, engaged, and ready to tackle any challenges together.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can navigate conflicts between game developers and clients.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Needs

2 Open Dialogue

3 Compromise Wisely

4 Set Boundaries

5 Document Agreements

6 Review Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

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Here's how you can navigate conflicts between game developers and clients.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Needs

2 Open Dialogue

3 Compromise Wisely

4 Set Boundaries

5 Document Agreements

6 Review Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Game Development

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