Challenges in Game Design - Time

A full time job, kids, friends, gaming with friends, spending time with the spouse, staying fit, and game design. Does any or all of that sound familiar? I believe that many aspiring game designers, especially those who developed their interest in the hobby as an adult can relate to if not all, at least a few of these. Take for example the fact that I started this blog post last night while sitting down with my wife to watch a movie. I know, not the best way to focus, but we don't spend enough time together so when she invited me to sit by her how could I refuse. Now, the next night, I am at the hospital awaiting my son to come out of surgery for an appendectomy. Another not so great way to focus, but gives my mind something to do besides worry. I know the Lord will take care of him so I just need to take care of my mind. Thus I right this blog post about the difficulties in making time to pursue my dream of getting a board game related business going by designing a board game to add to my currently very small list of products.

I have spent quite a bit of my time it seems listening to any number of board game pod casts, reading blogs, scouring the internet, for all the information one needs to successfully get a game to market. In doing so I have an ever growing list of things that need to get done. Before my game can be launched, I will need to not only finish designing the the game's functionality, but also, fix and move our website, find and coordinate with a graphic designer, organize play test groups - both for blind testing and supervised, find a manufacturer, get pricing, design packaging, get the word out by building a following not only of my company but of our coming products, and quite a few small details that each of those entail. Beyond all that, I will need to accurately determine manufacturing costs and construct a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to meet those costs. Ultimately I may try to recruit a publisher to help me get this game to market but that will only help with a few items and only if they like the game enough to take it on.

Now I ask you, besides the obvious wait until later items, manufacturing, publishing, fund raising. What do you work on first? They all have to be done, the website is crucial not only for promoting and selling the new game but I do have products already and I can't neglect those. With limited time though I also have to finish the design work of the game. So I hope in reading this I have not discouraged your own goals, many people have done it, and quite a few have done it successfully, at least that is how it seems based on the podcasts. I also don't want you to think this is an easy endeavor more fail than succeed but my experience is that those who fail did not do so because of a bad idea but rather bad execution. I am thinking that in this industry or any industry for that matter you cannot take shortcuts on any item in the aforementioned list. Each and every item will take time and probably many, many, hours in some cases weeks or months to get done correctly. In the end success will depend on the time you put in to it.

If your reading this blog looking for the trick to manage your time. All I can do is give a couple suggestions that I find helpful. I am definitely learning. I have tried and like the Pomodoro technique, it is a good way to allow you to focus on items for short periods allowing you to make progress while still being able to squeeze in those things that distract you. It just allows for life and distractions to not break your concentration. You have to determine to make time, each day or time will fly by without any real progress. I try to make a point each day of getting at least something done even if only 30 minutes of work. Progress is progress and it all counts. I would also suggest a private area a way from the family room to work if you have it. I plan to set up an office for myself in the home I will be moving to soon. Schedule your time and be organized. I use OneNote it is the perfect app to keep all your ideas, plans for your product, keep links to resources on the web, and sort out your rules.

In the end it will be a slow sludge to finish if you don't manage your time well but the most important thing is don't give up. That is what I tell myself. If you truly love the idea of your own product on the market, and I do. I have managed one product so far that was received fairly well and it is worth it. If you can afford it I would suggest finding people who love the game as much as you and solicit their help. It is tempting to want to own the whole thing but if I could find people who would be willing to help rest assured I would be most willing to talk. Bring your talented friends in, offer them a piece of the pie it will be more rewarding and they will provide accountability to keep on task. Keep on

Comments, questions, and Suggestions welcome.