Project delays are inevitable, and planning for them in advance is essential. - Communication: Open and transparent communication within the Team and Stakeholders is crucial. - Identify Root Causes: Take a deep dive into tasks and activities to pinpoint where the real issues lie. - Address Root Causes: Once bottlenecks are identified, analyze why they’re causing delays. - Focus on Critical Tasks First: Prioritize important tasks and adjust timelines for lower-priority ones to keep momentum on essential aspects. - Assess External Support: Additional resources, collaboration, or outsourcing can accelerate problem areas.

It all depends on what is causing the delays e.g. tech issues, locking down the idea, scope, gaps in internal talent, etc. External development studios can often be leveraged to help with some of these issues so you can create a prototype fast. In fact, a lot of VC-funded studios are turning to external partners to quick create vertical slices and game prototypes fast and on-time. The internal team can focus on finding the fun / the creative, while the external partner dips in to the different disciplines needed to create prototypes.

Encountering delays in your game prototype can be disheartening, but there are strategies to maintain momentum. To keep the timeline on track: - Break tasks into smaller, manageable goals. - Reassess priorities and adjust the scope if necessary. - Regularly review progress and identify blockers early. - Stay flexible and focused on the bigger picture to avoid burnout.

It's always better to do it RIGHT than to do it FAST! Take your time, add a bit of extra effort if you want to include some cool features, and always give yourself a buffer.

Development is creative, fun and a complex process and delays are a part of it. But having an oversight is really important in discovery and planning phase of the project. Identify the unrealistic tasks, keep it simple and always add extra to your timeline. You don't need to be too optimistic about deadlines. Always keep a buffer. Be transparent about the tasks in standups and if some tax is more complex then ask for extra time or if it can be moved back in timeline, you should.