In theory the easiest step, but in reality – it all starts here. Here it is about considering type of game, what mechanics, where is the catch and why in general it is such a coool idea that you want to invest your time further. Let’s always start here and even test the very basic idea with some colleagues and friends.

Check Point: Share the idea with 5 random colleagues who do play games and they mus give their 👍.

First things first: the game has to make sense. Expert (Adam Kwapiński) says your “theme and mechanics need to be a cohesive unit“. It’s not just about a cool setting; the rules have to feel like they truly belong there to be engaging. But… is it possible at this moment?

Check Point: In this step I should have a playable game ready to be tested! 🧮

Before it show it to wider audience, run internal loops to find the big glitches. It’s all about managing that early project risk so that the time or money is not wasted on a broken machine. And also remember about the time of those later testers.

Check Point: The game worked and now is ready for wider testing. 👩‍👦👨‍👦‍👦

This is where the game is taken to the local groups, ideally about prototyping . You need people who don’t love you to playtest the fun and balance — otherwise, you’re just designing in a vacuum.

Check Point: Feedback gathered allowing educated decission on the project future 💔

You need a solid contract for anything that is contractual. As example – you are securing all the economic copyrights for the art so that you actually own the business asset you’re building. But not only graphics – it applies to anything that either you will do or you will hire others to do it for you.

Check Point: I have signed needed contracts for the work on the project 🔐

It is a process that is hard to put in timeline. Probably – the sooner, the better. But maybe too soon is also too soon as the interest may fade? All in all -sharing the “Real Work” here with the community. Document the sweat, the laser burns, and the failed builds that lead to a great game.

Check Point: I have reached around … 50? Yes, at least 50 people asking me about the project 📣

Living the corporate life taught me that the project management is really about managing risk. Setting milestones, building a cash buffer, and always keeping a Plan B in the back pocket.

Check Point: Plan is built, Risk are laid out, budget is ready, success criteria are clear 👔

This is to handle the rulebook to the players (testers) and staying completely quiet while watching along. If they can’t figure out how to play without me hovering, the instructions aren’t ready (or the game) for the world. You would also see some reactions, some hickups… last moment for corrections!

Check Point: Players are happy with the game and at least 20% say, that they would actually buy it 🎯

Experts call this a “battle against errors”. We’re hunting down every typo, wonky icon, and stray comma to make sure those final print files are technically flawless. Also in translations!

Check Point: Independent readers as well as automated checks show that there are no errors 🎯

Let’s face it – Manufacturing is bloody expensive for small scale game, especially those high fixed costs for offset printing. This is where you need to consider your final strategy with your expected method of production. Probably also at this point you might consider goals for the campaign in a rare case if you go beyond your funding goal 😁 And can’t forget those transportation costs!

Check Point: You have manufacturing plan tightly connected with campaign setup 💰

This is the moment of truth. Based on your budget you lift off and bite your fingers hoping not to have heart attack. After all you won’t hit “print” until you know the interest is there. Using crowdfunding lets you validate the market so you only produce what people actually want to buy,

Check Point: Wow! It worked… or not 🏅

Now it is time to hit the production. Time control, quality control, delivery control… boy this must be stresfull. But this is all about customers! You now have their huge credit and you better not ruin it!

Check Point: The game is produced along the schedule and ready for shippment 🎁

Let’s be honest. How often have you seen a campaign being actually on time? Or one, that didn’t delay one year? Or… more? And I know, crowdfunding is special… bla bla bla. I do believe that this should all be managed in risks. Your backers shoulnd’t have to wait and worry. They should be surprised with timely delivery and joy of having a game ready!

Check Point: On schedule delivery! 🚙