How to Stop Feature Creep from Killing Your Game with Hovgaard Games

Practical Game Production Lessons by Hovgaard Games

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Hovgaard Games is a Danish studio behind the sim games Big Ambitions and Startup company. Big Ambitions launched in Early Access expecting modest success, but found a strong player base. Two years later, Hovgaard Games has grown to 10 people working remotely, steadily shipping updates every few months.

Here is a conversation with David, Producer and Community Manager at Hovgaard Games, to understand how they structure production when community feedback threatens scope, how they manage remote workflows, and how they prioritise what really matters.

🕹️ About Codecks:

Codecks is a project management tool designed specifically for game developers. Built by developers who understand the unique challenges of game production, Codecks combines the familiarity of collectible card games with powerful project management features. Whether you're a solo indie developer or managing a full studio, Codecks helps you organize tasks, track progress, and collaborate effectively, all while speaking the language of game development.

🔗 Learn more at: Codecks.io/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=2025_hovgaardgames
🔗 David on LinkedIn: /   / davidestescreations  
🔗 Irina on LinkedIn: /   / irina-nikolovska-986713a4  

🪄 Chapters:
0:00 Intro
00:59 Balancing Production and Community Engagement
3:50 Project Management in a Remote Environment
6:28 Maintaining Team Connection Remotely
8:52 Sprints and Workflow Dynamics
11:21 Long-term Planning and Player Feedback
14:00 Setting Timelines and Managing Expectations
16:17 Defining Game Scope and Feature Creep
24:01 Evolving Roles in Game Development
28:22 Deep Dive into Codecks Setup
33:46 Learning from Production Mistakes
37:34 Creating a Positive Team Culture