Evolve From Scrum to Kanban Flow
Building games with Scrum was revolutionary. Building games with Kanban Flow is the next phase of evolution for game teams seeking predictable outcomes.
In the past, games, like most other software projects, were traditionally sculpted through the lens of ‘Big Upfront Planning,’ a methodology akin to waterfall approaches. This method, deeply ingrained in the fabric of development culture, often led to rigid structures and predefined paths. However, the dawn of the early two-thousands heralded a significant shift. Visionaries like Clinton Keith illuminated a path less trodden but more efficient, introducing the world of game development to the agile and dynamic realm of Scrum. This marked a revolutionary change, transforming the landscape of game development. Scrum’s ceremonies and artefacts soon became the new norm, a standard against which all game development was measured. Yet, despite its widespread adoption, a critical observation emerged. In many cases, Scrum’s implementation in game development was merely a superficial layer bolted onto the underlying, unyielding structure of waterfall methodologies.
The Evolution
In this context, we must understand the next phase of evolution: the transition from Scrum to Kanban Flow. Scrum was revolutionary to game development; Kanban Flow is evolutionary. This evolution is not just a change in techniques or tools; it’s a paradigm shift, offering a more nuanced, flexible approach to project management. The journey from Scrum to Kanban is akin to navigating from the familiar territory of structured iterations to the uncharted waters of continuous flow. It’s a transition that promises to reshape the very nature of game development, aligning it more closely with the ever-evolving demands of the industry and the players.
In project management, the journey from Scrum to Kanban is akin to navigating from the familiar territory of structured iterations to the uncharted waters of continuous flow. This voyage, while daunting, unfolds a canvas of flexibility and adaptability for teams. Kanban, distinct in its lack of prescribed time-boxed sprints and specific roles, ushers in an era of adaptability and responsiveness in workflow. It’s a paradigm where the rhythm of work is dictated not by the tick of a clock but by the pace of completion and readiness for new tasks. By imposing limits on work in progress and prioritising current tasks, teams often witness a significant drop in cycle times.
However, this is not just a shift in methodology; it’s a cultural revolution. It demands a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement and a pivot towards a data-driven mindset. Real-time metrics become the north star, guiding decision-making processes. Though laced with challenges, this transformation promises heightened efficiency, expedited delivery, and an enhanced capability to pivot swiftly in response to fluctuating business needs and player expectations.
Contrasts and Parallels
Let’s consider the contrasts and parallels between Kanban Flow and Scrum to elucidate. Kanban embodies a Lean-based approach, focusing on continuous delivery and workflow fluidity. In contrast, Scrum is rooted in the Agile methodology, with defined roles like Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team, and operates within the confines of time-boxed sprints. Kanban shuns the rigidity of prescribed iterations, favouring a pull-based system that is as adaptable as it is dynamic. This fluidity extends to roles and ceremonies, with team members often being cross-functional and self-organising and meetings occurring as necessitated by the flow and process improvements.
Regarding artefacts and measurement, Kanban utilises tools like the Kanban Board and focuses on flow metrics such as cycle time and throughput. Conversely, Scrum employs Product and Sprint Backlogs, focusing on sprint goals and velocity. Regarding change philosophy, Kanban allows for changes respecting work-in-progress limits, whereas Scrum discourages mid-sprint changes to maintain sprint goals. Scaling Kanban is relatively straightforward due to its emphasis on flow and limiting work in progress, whereas scaling Scrum can require additional frameworks due to its more structured nature.
Despite these differences, Kanban and Scrum share a common thread: a dedication to continuous improvement, transparency, and delivering value to customers. They both aim to reduce time to market and empower teams to manage complex work efficiently.
This conceptual comparison is a matter of academic interest and a practical guide for teams and organisations considering transitioning from Scrum to Kanban. It serves as a foundation for deeper discussions. It can be tailored to specific contexts, ensuring that the shift is not just a change in methodology but a transformation in how workflows and value are delivered.
Benefits
The transition to Kanban Flow in developing games or game features offers many benefits, pivotal among them being improved predictability. This improved predictability is not just about when a game or feature will be delivered but also about the quality and alignment with user needs. Let’s delve into the specific advantages:
Enhanced Flexibility and Responsiveness: Kanban doesn’t prescribe fixed iterations, unlike traditional methods. This allows game development teams to adapt swiftly to changes, be it in market trends, technology, or customer feedback. They can reprioritise work without disrupting the entire development cycle, making it easier to incorporate new ideas or make adjustments.
Improved Predictability: With Kanban, work is visualised on a board, making it easier to track progress and bottlenecks. This visibility enables teams to forecast completion times more accurately based on current workloads and historical throughput data. This predictability is crucial in game development, where market demands and technological advancements can change rapidly.
Continuous Delivery: Kanban promotes a flow-based approach to work, where tasks are pulled as capacity allows. This leads to a more constant delivery of features, ensuring a steady stream of progress and value delivery. This means features can be developed, tested, and released more seamlessly for game development, aligning development closely with ongoing feedback and testing.
Focus on Quality: Limiting work in progress (WIP) ensures that teams are not overburdened and can focus on completing each task with a high level of quality. This is particularly beneficial in game development, where the quality of each feature can significantly impact user experience.
Data-Driven Decisions: Kanban encourages a data-driven approach, utilising cycle time and lead time metrics. These metrics provide valuable insights into the efficiency of the development process, enabling teams to make informed decisions and continuously improve their workflow.
Reduction in Cycle Time: Kanban can significantly reduce cycle times by focusing on completing current tasks before taking on new ones. Shorter cycle times mean a faster turnaround for developing and refining game features, essential in a fast-paced industry.
Cultural Shift Towards Continuous Improvement: Adopting Kanban often leads to a cultural change within teams, where the focus shifts to ongoing improvement and efficiency. This mindset is vital in game development, an industry that thrives on innovation and constant evolution.
Enhanced Team Morale and Collaboration: The Kanban model promotes transparency and collaboration. Teams have a clear view of all tasks and their status, which fosters a sense of collective responsibility and can improve overall team morale and productivity.
Closing Thoughts
In summary, Kanban Flow offers a robust framework for game development, addressing many of the challenges inherent in a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry. Its emphasis on flexibility, continuous delivery, quality, and predictability makes it an ideal approach for developing games and game features that meet high standards and fast-paced demands.