So, you’ve got a killer idea for a game. Maybe it’s a sprawling MMORPG with dragons and dungeons, or a cozy farming sim with that pet cow you’ve always wanted.
But here’s the real question: how do you manage the journey from idea to launch?
In game production, three frameworks dominate: Waterfall, Scrum, and Kanban. Each one fits different needs, picking the wrong one risks delays, crunch, or never shipping at all.
Waterfall → The Old School
Waterfall is the classic, linear method. Plan everything upfront, move step by step, and deliver at the end.
It works best when:
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Processes are predictable (like art or asset pipelines).
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You need consistent outputs and can catch errors early.
The tradeoff: it’s rigid. Once you start, changes are painful. That’s why it shines more in production pipelines than in feature-heavy design phases.
If your focus is reliable throughput, Waterfall can work. But if you’re building gameplay, where priorities shift often, you’ll likely need Scrum or project management that allows flexibility.
Scrum → The Agile Star
Scrum is built for adaptability. Work happens in sprints, short cycles where the team builds, tests, and reprioritizes.
Scrum is strongest when:
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You’re building new features with shifting priorities.
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Design experiments need feedback loops.
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The team is small (10 or fewer) and cross-functional.
A key element of Scrum is time estimation. Teams refine the backlog, size stories, and forecast what can be finished in each sprint. This helps prevent XXL tasks from stalling progress.
👉 Want to see how your production processes stack up? Take the free Game Production Health Quiz and find out where your workflow is strong, and where it’s slowing you down.
Scrum keeps projects moving when scope, or resources change, perfect for indies and mid-sized teams that can’t afford wasted effort. (See also: The Triple Constraint)
Kanban → The Visual Master
Kanban isn’t about deadlines, it’s about flow. Work items move across a board (To Do → In Progress → Done), making bottlenecks visible.
It’s ideal for:
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Stabilization and bug fixing.
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Polishing existing features.
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Ongoing support for live games mobile production.
Unlike Scrum, Kanban doesn’t rely on time estimation. The assumption is tasks are relatively small, and the focus is on keeping the game stable and shippable rather than generating new content.
| Aspect | Waterfall | Scrum | Kanban |
| Best for | Predictable pipelines | New features, shifting scope | Stabilization, polish |
| Team size | Larger, specialized | Small, cross-functional | Any |
| Updates | Big milestones | Sprint reviews | Continuous |
| Adaptability | Low | High | High |
| Deadlines | Fixed | Flexible | Continuous |
| Time estimation | Heavy upfront | Core practice | Not required |
| Creative freedom | Low | High | Medium |
| Client involvement | Low until milestones | High | High |
Choosing the Right One
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Use Waterfall when the process is stable and predictable (art, assets).
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Use Scrum when you need adaptability, feedback loops, and clear prioritization. Scrum roles help clarify who owns what in this process.
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Use Kanban when the priority is stability, bug fixing, or live service continuity.
Many teams mix frameworks: Waterfall for assets, Scrum for features, Kanban for polish. The key is being deliberate, not cargo-culting methods without understanding their fit.
Closing Thoughts
No single framework is “the best.” The right choice depends on your team, your goals, and the stage of development. Waterfall offers structure, Scrum thrives in flexibility, and Kanban keeps things stable when polish and maintenance matter most.
At Toño Game Consultants, we help studios avoid chaos and choose the framework that makes sense for their reality, not just the trend of the moment. That’s what our Production Offer is about: guiding your team to predictable delivery, healthier workflows, and a smoother path to launch.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start producing with confidence, let’s talk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waterfall, Scrum, and Kanban
What is the difference between Waterfall, Scrum, and Kanban in game development?
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Waterfall is sequential, plan-first, and best for predictable pipelines.
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Scrum is iterative, sprint-based, and best for new features or shifting scope.
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Kanban is flow-based, continuous, and best for stabilization and polish.
Which framework is best for indie game developers?
Indie teams often benefit from Scrum for feature development, since priorities shift often and feedback loops are critical. That said, Kanban is a great fit for bug fixing and polish once the core gameplay is set.
Do you need to choose just one framework?
Not always. Many teams use a hybrid approach: Waterfall for art pipelines, Scrum for features, and Kanban for bug tracking and polish. The key is to apply the right tool for the right problem.
Does Kanban require time estimation?
No. Kanban assumes tasks are relatively small and focuses on flow and visibility instead of estimating effort. Time estimation is central to Scrum, but not to Kanban.
How do deadlines work in Scrum vs. Waterfall?
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In Waterfall, deadlines are fixed and tied to stages of development.
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In Scrum, deadlines are flexible, with short sprints that allow re-prioritization.
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Kanban works continuously, with no rigid deadlines.
When should a team use Waterfall?
Waterfall is best for predictable processes, like asset pipelines, where the steps are clear, outputs are consistent, and changes are minimal.
