So, you’ve got this fantastic idea for a game, and you’re ready to dive into development with your talented team. But there’s one big question: do you really need a video game project manager? It might seem like an extra layer, but let’s break it down.
Imagine developing a game without a PM.
It’s like trying to build a house without a foreman. Sure, the builders know what they’re doing, but who’s keeping track of the blueprint, the deadlines, and making sure everyone’s in sync?
That’s where a PM shines.
They’re the ones juggling the schedule, managing resources, and making sure the team is communicating effectively.
A good PM frees up your developers to do what they do best—create awesome game content—without getting bogged down by logistical headaches. In an industry where things move fast, and player expectations are sky-high, having someone to steer the ship can make all the difference.
Absolutely, the answer is a definite YES.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s chat about why having a great project manager or Producer on your team is so important.
Why do you need a project manager in game development?
Here’s a quick rundown of why having a PM can make all the difference in keeping your project on track, hitting deadlines, and making sure your game is the best it can be.
Let’s dive into the actual reasons.
Tackling scope, time, and cost
Your PM is the person who has to make the tough calls. It’s not an easy or pleasant task, but it’s crucial. If they don’t make these decisions, external factors outside the team’s control will.
Everything that needs to be worked on has a scope that must be reached, proper time must be allocated, and that implies certain costs. This person is always on the lookout for where the most value can be achieved and where to cut losses before they become greater.
Keeping communication clear
This person works hard to ensure communication happens with as little noise interference as possible. They make sure everyone is on the same page about what needs to be accomplished and help the team move forward toward that goal efficiently, using a reasonable amount of time and resources.
Saving time
In the tool development world, we always face the question of whether it’s better to stick with the current method or create a tool that helps us do it faster and better.
A good video game project manager can answer that question easily, as they can map out an estimation of how much time and resources will be spent developing the tool versus how much time will be saved when we have the new tool.
Managing risks
A project manager in game development is like your team’s safety net. They identify potential risks early and come up with strategies to mitigate them. We know a lot about it in Toño Game Consultants.
Whether it’s technical glitches, team conflicts, or unexpected delays, they’ve got a plan to handle it all. This proactive approach helps in avoiding major setbacks and keeps the project running smoothly.
Ensuring quality
Ensuring the final product meets high standards is another key responsibility.
A PM will make sure that quality checks are in place throughout the development process. They coordinate testing phases, gather feedback, and ensure any issues are addressed promptly. This means fewer bugs and a better game.
Boosting team morale
Keeping the team motivated and happy is just as important as meeting deadlines. A good PM knows how to boost morale, whether it’s through team-building activities, recognizing hard work, or just being there to listen.
A motivated team is a productive team, and that’s vital for the success of your project.
How can a PM rock each stage of game development?
Alright, so we’ve talked about why having a game project manager is a smart move. But what does that actually look like in practice?
Let’s break it down stage by stage and see how a PM can make your game development process smoother, more efficient, and way less stressful.
1. Nailing the concept
At the concept stage, your PM is like the team’s organizer-in-chief. They set up brainstorming sessions, make sure everyone’s ideas are heard, and help define the game’s vision.
They’ll lay out clear goals and outline the initial scope, so everyone’s on the same page from the get-go. It’s all about starting strong and avoiding major course corrections later.
2. Designing with ease
During the design phase, your PM keeps the ship sailing smoothly. They coordinate between designers and other departments to make sure the game’s look and feel match the original vision.
They manage timelines and ensure everyone has what they need to keep those creative juices flowing. Think of them as the glue that holds the creative process together.
3. Time boxing prototypes and engine proof
Alright, so the prototype is a key part of videogame development. This is where experimentation and tweaking happen, figuring out how players will interact with the world being created and ensuring they understand what’s happening.
Sometimes, though, new gameplay ideas or mechanics just don’t fit or work well with the game. That’s where a good video game project manager comes in, tracking how much time and effort is spent on an idea and knowing when it’s time to move on and try something different.
If the prototype phase is all about experimenting, the engine proof phase is about making sure the game designers’ ideas are actually doable. Game programmers need to be sure that the players’ favorite features are stable, reliable, and consistent, and won’t mess up other parts of the game’s tech.
4. Smooth development
When development kicks off, a PM is a lifesaver. They break down the project into bite-sized tasks and sprints, so developers know exactly what to tackle each week.
They handle resource allocation and ensure the team has the tools and support they need. If any hiccups come up, the PM is there to troubleshoot and keep things on track.
5. Hitting Milestones
In game development, milestones are set as checkpoints to keep the project on track and ensure quality. Each team has its own goals, but most of the studio follow a similar timeline for getting things done.
These milestones usually come up every 3-6 months, depending on the game studio.
A good PM is key to helping the team hit these milestones. They keep things organized, track progress, and make sure everyone knows what’s expected.
By keeping communication clear and tackling any roadblocks, they help the team stay focused and on schedule. Whether it’s coordinating between departments or making sure resources are in the right place, the PM keeps everything running smoothly.
6. Streamlined testing
Testing can get pretty hectic, but a PM brings order to the chaos. They schedule testing phases, coordinate with QA teams, and keep track of all the bug reports.
They make sure feedback loops are efficient, and any critical issues are dealt with ASAP. The goal is to polish the game and squash as many bugs as possible before launch.
7. Flawless release
Finally, when it’s time to release the game, your PM makes sure everything goes off without a hitch. They coordinate marketing efforts, manage the final checklists, and handle the logistics of the launch.
Plus, they’re ready for any post-release support, ensuring any immediate issues are resolved quickly and keeping the team geared up for post-launch updates.
Where can you find your perfect game project manager?
So, you’re convinced you need a project manager. Great choice!
But where do you find one?
Here are some practical tips to help you out.
First, start with your network. Reach out to colleagues, friends, and industry contacts. Personal recommendations are gold because you get insights into their work style and reliability firsthand.
Plus, attending industry events, conferences, and meetups can be a goldmine—you never know when you might bump into the perfect candidate.
Next, check out online job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor (and social media like LinkedIn). These platforms are excellent places to post your job listing. Make sure your job description is clear and highlights the skills and experience you’re looking for.
Additionally, you can search for candidates directly on these platforms and reach out to those who fit the bill.
For a more targeted search, turn to industry-specific sites.
Websites like GameDeveloper.com, GameDev.net, and ArtStation cater specifically to game development professionals. These sites often have job boards where you can post openings and browse portfolios of potential candidates who are already familiar with the gaming industry.
If you need expert help, consider working with a recruitment agency that specializes in tech or game development. They can help you find candidates faster and often have a pool of pre-screened professionals.
It might cost a bit more, but the time saved and quality of candidates can be worth it.
Not ready to hire a full-time PM? Freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Toptal are your go-to.
You can find experienced game project managers available for short-term contracts or specific projects. This can be a great way to test the waters before committing to a permanent hire.
Pro hint: Also, don’t forget to check out Toño Game Consultants—we can help you with everything related to game dev project management.
Let’s not forget the power of social media. Posting your job opening on your company’s social media accounts and in relevant industry groups on Facebook, Reddit, and LinkedIn can yield great results and help you hire a game project manager consultant.
Engaging with these communities can help you find passionate professionals who are excited about your project.
Lastly, don’t overlook universities and bootcamps that offer courses in project management or game development. They often have job boards and career centers where you can post your job openings.
Plus, you might find fresh graduates eager to prove themselves and bring new ideas to your team.
What are the key qualities to look for in a project manager?
So, what should you look for in a project manager? Here are some key qualities to keep an eye on:
- Organization skills → you want someone who can keep things tidy and on track. Look for a PM who’s a pro at juggling multiple tasks and keeping everyone on schedule.
- Communication → a great PM needs to be an excellent communicator. They should be able to clearly convey ideas, updates, and feedback to everyone on the team, ensuring everyone’s on the same page.
- Problem-solving → issues will pop up, guaranteed. Find a PM who’s a quick thinker and can come up with effective solutions on the fly.
- Leadership → your PM should be a natural leader who can motivate and guide the team, making sure everyone is working towards the same goal.
- Technical knowledge → while they don’t need to be coding experts, having a good understanding of game development processes and tools is a huge plus. It helps them make informed decisions and communicate effectively with the team.
- Flexibility → game development can be unpredictable. A good PM should be adaptable, ready to pivot when necessary, and handle changes without breaking a sweat.
- Attention to detail → details matter. Your PM should have a keen eye for catching small issues before they turn into big problems.
By focusing on these qualities, you’ll be well on your way to finding a project manager in game development who can keep your process running smoothly.
Wrapping it up
So, there you have it.
Hiring a project manager can make a world of difference in your game development process. From keeping the project on track and ensuring smooth communication to managing risks and boosting team morale, a good PM is worth their weight in gold.
They help you navigate the complexities of game development, allowing your team to focus on what they do best—creating amazing games.
Remember, finding the right PM involves looking for key qualities like organization, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Equip them with the right tools, and you’ll see your project running more smoothly and efficiently.
At Toño Game Consultants, we’re all about helping you achieve this.
Our team consists of experienced game developers who specialize in consulting and coaching studios and teams to reach their maximum potential. Whether you’re an indie developer or part of a AAA studio, we’re here to help you reach your desired goals.
So, if you’re ready to take your game development to the next level, consider bringing a game project manager on board and let Toño Game Consultants guide you to success.
