July 2016 to July 2018
Introduction
From July 2016 to July 2018, I led the establishment and management of the gaming division at Arowana Consulting Limited as a Senior Project Manager. This role marked a pivotal phase in my career, combining rigorous project management with innovative game development. My responsibilities spanned overseeing the development and launch of mobile games including eQuiz, Read Speed, and Crowd Racer, managing a diverse team, and collaborating with international stakeholders.
Formation of the Gaming Division
Setting the Stage: The decision to start a gaming division was driven by Arowana Consulting’s strategic aim to penetrate the burgeoning mobile gaming market. Charged with this ambitious project, I spearheaded the assembly of a skilled team comprising UI designers from the Philippines and backend developers from Pakistan.
Team Composition and Collaboration: I built and managed a core team of 15 professionals. Utilizing tools such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, and Trello was crucial for maintaining synchronization across different time zones and ensuring seamless communication. This setup not only facilitated efficient workflow management but also fostered a culture of agility and continuous innovation.
Project Management Excellence
Strategic Planning and Execution: Using Microsoft Project, I developed detailed project timelines and resource allocation plans that aligned with our strategic objectives. Each game development cycle, from concept to launch, was meticulously planned to ensure execution within stipulated timelines and budgets.
Agile Development and Bi-weekly Releases: Implementing an Agile development methodology, I managed bi-weekly sprints that allowed for rapid iteration and refinement based on continuous feedback. This approach was instrumental in maintaining high quality and adaptability, which are critical in the fast-paced gaming industry. Bi-weekly releases were managed strategically to maximize client and stakeholder satisfaction, with progress and outcomes meticulously documented and presented using PowerPoint and Excel.
Key Game Projects
eQuiz: eQuiz, a quiz-based game, was designed to offer an interactive and dynamic learning experience. I oversaw the incorporation of diverse trivia themes and difficulty levels, utilizing the Unity engine for seamless cross-platform functionality on iOS and Android. This project highlighted our ability to merge educational content with entertainment effectively.
Read Speed: Aimed at enhancing reading skills through gamified challenges, Read Speed helped users improve their reading pace and comprehension in an engaging manner. The app utilized advanced text rendering techniques and real-time analytics to provide users with immediate feedback, enhancing their learning experience.
Crowd Racer: The Crowd Racer initiative at Arowana Consulting was an exploratory project aimed at redefining multiplayer racing games. With a limited budget that precluded the hiring of a dedicated game designer, I assumed the role of game designer in addition to my leadership responsibilities. This innovative venture focused on strategy and real-time decision-making, challenging players to dynamically choose shortcuts and navigate complex tracks to outmaneuver competitors. This unique gameplay required players to continually assess the rapidly changing environment and make split-second decisions that could lead to victory or defeat. My dual role encompassed overseeing the design of intricate game mechanics, ensuring the seamless integration of multiplayer features, and managing the scalability of the game across various platforms. This project was a pivotal exploration into enhancing interactive dynamics and player engagement in racing games, leveraging my strong background in gaming to guide the project’s creative and technical directions.
Collaborative Achievements and Innovations
Cross-functional Team Leadership: Leading a multicultural team necessitated a deep understanding of varied communication styles and management practices. I initiated regular training sessions and workshops to keep the team abreast of the latest in game development technologies and project management methodologies.
Client Engagement and Offshore Collaboration: I maintained regular communication with our US-based product team and other international clients to ensure our development efforts aligned with client expectations and market trends, ensuring the delivery of high-quality gaming products.
Conclusion
My tenure at Arowana Consulting Limited was instrumental in honing my executive production capabilities, strategic project execution, and team management skills within the gaming industry. The experience prepared me well for future challenges, particularly in a AAA game development studio, where I aim to leverage my proven track record of innovation, leadership, and project management to drive successful game development projects. This narrative not only showcases my past achievements but also underscores my readiness to undertake higher responsibilities in the AAA gaming industry.