Acting on Learnings Over Following a Plan
In game development, planning is essential. A thoughtful plan helps align teams, articulate goals, anticipate constraints, and coordinate efforts. But even the most carefully crafted plan is not a promise—it's a starting point.
We value plans for what they represent: a snapshot of our best thinking at a moment in time. They reflect our intentions based on the information available to us then. But as any experienced developer knows, reality rarely unfolds as expected. New information constantly emerges—from internal playtests, player feedback, production challenges, to changes in the competitive landscape. What we once believed to be the right approach may no longer be viable, relevant, or even fun.
“In planning for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”
– Dwight D. Eisenhower
The real power of planning lies in the process, not the artifact. Planning brings together key stakeholders to develop a shared understanding of what we’re trying to achieve and how we intend to do it. It clarifies intent & constraints, aligns priorities, and sets a strategic direction. This shared understanding is critical—because when we inevitably need to change course, we can do so quickly and confidently, without starting from scratch.
Problems arise when teams become overly attached to the plan itself. In a dynamic, creative endeavor like game development, a “stick to the plan” mentality can stifle innovation and lead to wasted effort. A system turns out to be more complex than expected. A feature we thought would delight falls flat. The market shifts. Clinging to a rigid plan in the face of new insight means ignoring valuable learnings in the name of perceived stability—often at the cost of quality and player experience.
To build games that resonate, we must embrace adaptability. Acting on learnings doesn’t mean abandoning direction; it means being responsive within the framework of our shared goals and constraints. Because we planned well, we’re prepared to re-plan when necessary—with purpose and alignment.
Thus we value planning but accept that we must act on learnings and alter our plans.