The Importance of Pivoting in Game Development

In the ever-evolving world of game development, flexibility and adaptability are as crucial as creativity and technical prowess. No matter how ground-breaking a concept might seem at its inception, great games rarely emerge fully formed. The ability to pivot—reassess, revise, and sometimes even wholly overhaul your project—is a hallmark of successful studios and a skill that can make or break a game’s success.

Great Things Don’t Happen Overnight

Game development is as much about the journey as the destination. Behind every iconic game lies countless iterations, discarded ideas, and lessons learned. Success is rarely achieved on the first try, and developers must embrace the reality that greatness takes time, effort, and persistence.

From Paper to Playability

An idea that looks brilliant in a design document doesn’t always translate into an engaging player experience. Paper prototypes and early builds are essential tools for turning abstract concepts into tangible gameplay, but they’re also where many initial ideas falter. Recognizing when a concept doesn’t work and having the courage to pivot is the first step toward creating something exceptional.

Test Early, Test Cheaply

One of the most cost-effective ways to identify flaws in your vision is to test it as early and inexpensively as possible. This approach allows developers to spot potential issues before they become insurmountable challenges. Testing early also provides invaluable player feedback, ensuring developers create a game that resonates with their audience.

It’s OK to Be Wrong, But Don’t Double Down

In the gaming industry, where some projects represent multimillion-dollar investments, sticking with the original vision is tempting despite clear signs of trouble. However, history is littered with games that never broke even because their creators refused to change course. Admitting when an idea isn’t working and pivoting toward a better solution isn’t a failure; it’s a sign of wisdom.

Flexible Pipelines Are Key

A rigid production pipeline can hinder effective pivots. To adapt quickly and efficiently, teams need systems that accommodate change in the entire project. Modular design, agile methodologies, and scalable tools can provide the flexibility to pivot without starting from scratch.

Building a Pivot-Ready Team

The people behind the project are just as important as the processes. Teams that take pivots personally or resist change can create unnecessary friction and delay progress. Cultivating a studio culture where feedback is valued, mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, and embracing change ensures smoother transitions when pivots become necessary.

Lessons From the Field: Successful and Failed Pivots

Successful Pivots

"There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension" - Initially conceived as a short, humorous non-game, There Is No Game gained unexpected popularity. Recognizing its potential, developer Pascal Cammisotto expanded it into a full-fledged adventure titled There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension. This shift transformed a simple joke into a critically acclaimed game, demonstrating the importance of adapting to audience reception.

"Fortnite" - Originally developed as a cooperative survival game titled Fortnite: Save the World, Epic Games observed the rising popularity of the battle royale genre. In response, they pivoted to create Fortnite Battle Royale, quickly becoming a global phenomenon. This success showcases how timely adaptation to market trends can lead to massive success.

Failures Due to Resistance to Pivot

"Duke Nukem Forever" - Announced in 1997, Duke Nukem Forever endured a protracted development cycle of over 15 years. The developers' reluctance to midify their original vision, despite technological advancements and shifting player expectations, resulted in a game that felt outdated upon its 2011 release. The game was heavily criticized, with many naming it one of the most disappointing games of the year.

"Overkill's The Walking Dead - "Starbreeze Studios aimed to leverage their cooperative gameplay expertise from Payday: The Heist for a game set in The Walking Dead universe. However, the project faced numerous challenges, including engine changes and a lack of clear direction. Despite these issues, the studio pressed on without significant revisions, leading to a 2018 release that was critically panned and commercially unsuccessful. The game's failure contributed to financial difficulties for Starbreeze, including restructuring and layoffs.

Pivoting isn’t about failure but finding the right path forward. The willingness to adapt, learn, and evolve separates good games from great ones. In game development, as in life, the journey is rarely a straight line. It’s the pivots along the way that lead to innovation and, ultimately, success.

Also, you may need a reliable co-development partner for your first trip. If so, contact us!