The intricate and often high-stakes world of game development relies heavily on the strategic guidance of project managers. At Gameforge, Janette Lipinski leads the Project Management team, bringing her expertise to bear on complex projects with demanding timelines. In this insightful interview, Janette delves into the methodologies, coordination strategies, and essential advice for both aspiring project managers and women navigating this dynamic industry.
Her Journey in Project Management: Janette Lipinski on Leadership and Growth at Gameforge
Efficiency and precision are paramount in gaming project management, where deadlines often loom large. Janette shared her adaptable approach to methodologies:
“Nowadays, we have various methodologies to choose from. I can choose a more classic approach for projects with clear requirements and known technology, work with agile methods when it comes to innovative projects, or even mix and do hybrid Project Management. To come up with the best possible approach, I always check on the project and team’s needs and preferences, as well as the environment I work in.“
Beyond selecting the right framework, proactive management is key.
“It is important to me not just to spend time on an initial plan but also to monitor progress, manage risks and stakeholders, and report and adjust planning if necessary as early as possible.” To facilitate this, Gameforge leverages specific tools. “For tools, we decided to use Jira for overall task tracking and managing agile-approach projects while working on initial plans or more classic-driven projects in MS Project. As we created a production-wide project process, we adjusted Jira to match the process and used additional add-ins for MS Project to connect both tools.” However, Janette underscores the human element. “But soft skills should not be underestimated either. Communication is key when it comes to anticipating risks and potential delays and managing expectations. That’s why I also focus on this in my day-to-day work.”
Navigating the complexities of coordinating between different departments and stakeholders, especially when priorities clash or project scopes shift, requires a well-defined process. Janette explained Gameforge’s approach:
“Over time, we developed a good process, including steps for changes to project scope, budget, or schedule. We always check a project’s priority and how we can align all projects in terms of shared resources and the benefits they bring to the company.” Clear guidelines are essential for effective decision-making. “We have clear prioritization rules, which provide us with a framework for navigating our projects within the portfolio.” To maintain a comprehensive overview, a dedicated role exists. “Furthermore, we have one dedicated person managing the big picture of our portfolio projects in terms of the overall planning roadmap and all resources working on them. Having a conflicting priority, they are the people to go to look for solutions.”
For those aspiring to excel in gaming project management, Janette offered crucial guidance, emphasizing the need for flexibility and clear communication.
“One of the main skills a project manager needs is the ability to adapt and communicate effectively. Changes to your project can happen every day, either through a sudden absence of key resources, changing market situations, or higher prioritization of other projects or daily business. Never look for culprits but solve the problem that arises and find out if you could have foreseen it.” Proactive problem-solving and transparency are paramount. “As Project Managers, it is our responsibility to foresee changes and their impact as early as possible, offer solutions, create transparency, and manage expectations. Effective communication is mandatory for this.” The traditional, rigid approach to planning is no longer viable in the agile gaming environment. “The days of making a plan that had to be adhered to at all costs and that did not allow for any adjustments are over. Otherwise, community feedback and necessary adjustments to systems to address bugs would not be possible, decreasing the overall quality and value of the project’s output.”
Recognizing the often high-stress nature of project management, Janette shared valuable advice specifically for women navigating this environment and aiming for career advancement.
“Most people think Project Management is just creating a plan. But there is a lot more which is part of our daily work. We are the glue that keeps the collaboration going in the team, helping others to see the big picture they are working on and to keep them focused.” She emphasized the importance of resilience and self-care. “Keeping an overview, reacting to changes, and managing them—sometimes for multiple projects at the same time—can be very stressful. Therefore, I’d recommend working on your resilience and communication skills. Invest time in finding your own strategies for dealing with stress. These might include reading something, doing sports, meeting with friends, or doing breathing exercises. With training on your own resilience, you also learn a lot to teach your project teams how to deal with stress, so the whole project team benefits.” Viewing mistakes as learning opportunities is also crucial. “Making mistakes is part of the learning process; we want to avoid making them twice. My advice: Reflect on stressful situations or mistakes, don’t take them by heart but use your experience to learn and become better.” Ultimately, passion fuels success. “Finally: Enjoy your work. Everything is easier if you do it with joy.”
Janette Lipinski’s insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted role of a project management leader in the gaming industry. Her emphasis on adaptability, communication, resilience, and the importance of enjoying one’s work offers valuable guidance for anyone navigating this demanding yet rewarding field, particularly for women striving for success.
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