The Fennec Labs Method
Our proven approach to creating engaging arcade-style games through focused expertise, clear communication, and quality-driven development.
Back to HomeOur Development Philosophy
Focused Specialization
We've chosen to specialize in arcade-style and simple games rather than attempting to master every game genre. This focused approach developed from years of observing how different studios operate and recognizing that depth of expertise in a specific area produces better results than broad generalization.
When you work repeatedly on similar types of projects, you develop refined processes, encounter and solve recurring challenges, and build a knowledge base that directly benefits each new project. This accumulated experience translates to more efficient development and more reliable outcomes.
Clear Communication First
Many development projects encounter difficulties not because of technical challenges, but because of misaligned expectations or unclear requirements. We prioritize thorough initial discussions to understand exactly what you're trying to create and why.
This communication-first approach means spending extra time early in the project to ensure complete alignment. The investment prevents costly revisions later and ensures that development effort focuses on building what you actually need rather than what we think you might want.
Why We Developed This Methodology
Our approach evolved from practical experience rather than theoretical frameworks. After completing dozens of projects, we identified patterns in what worked well and what caused difficulties. The methodology we use today represents the distilled lessons from those experiences, refined to eliminate common friction points and emphasize the practices that consistently deliver quality results.
How We Work
Discovery
We discuss your game concept in detail, exploring mechanics, target audience, platform requirements, and project goals. This phase establishes clear scope and shared understanding.
Planning
We create detailed development plans outlining features, milestones, and timeline. You receive clear documentation of what will be built and when you can expect to review progress.
Implementation
Development proceeds with regular check-ins at key milestones. You see the game taking shape and provide feedback that guides refinement. Changes are managed systematically.
Delivery
Final testing ensures everything works as expected. You receive complete source code, organized assets, and documentation. We remain available for questions after delivery.
Adaptive Implementation
While we follow this general framework, each project receives customized attention. Some games need more iteration on mechanics, others require extended testing, and some benefit from additional consultation phases. We adapt our process to serve your project's specific needs rather than forcing every project through identical steps.
Standards & Quality Assurance
Industry Standards
We follow established development practices and platform guidelines. This includes proper version control, code documentation standards, and platform-specific requirements for submission and distribution.
- • Git version control for all projects
- • Platform guideline compliance
- • Code documentation standards
Testing Protocols
Games undergo systematic testing across target devices and platforms. We verify performance, check for bugs, and ensure gameplay feels responsive and enjoyable across different hardware configurations.
- • Multi-device testing coverage
- • Performance benchmarking
- • Gameplay balance verification
Code Quality
We write maintainable code following established patterns and best practices. This ensures that the games we deliver can be modified, extended, or maintained by other developers if needed.
- • Clean, readable code structure
- • Modular architecture design
- • Comprehensive code comments
Common Development Challenges
Generalist Approach Limitations
Many development studios accept any type of game project, which means they're constantly learning new genres and mechanics. This approach works for some projects but often leads to longer development times and less refined solutions for arcade-style games.
Our Focused Alternative
By concentrating on arcade-style and simple games, we've developed specific expertise in areas like endless runner mechanics, retro game feel, and mobile optimization. This focused knowledge means we start each project with proven solutions rather than experimenting.
Unclear Scope Management
Projects sometimes expand beyond original plans as new ideas emerge during development. While some flexibility makes sense, uncontrolled scope expansion leads to timeline issues and budget concerns.
Our Structured Process
We establish clear project scope upfront and manage any changes systematically. New features get evaluated for impact on timeline and cost, ensuring you always understand the implications before proceeding.
Communication Gaps
Some studios provide minimal updates during development, leaving clients uncertain about progress. This lack of communication creates anxiety and sometimes leads to surprises at delivery.
Our Regular Updates
We provide structured progress updates at established milestones. You see development advancing and have opportunities to provide feedback before too much work proceeds in any particular direction.
What Makes Our Approach Different
Specialized Expertise
Rather than attempting to master every game genre, we've invested eight years specifically into arcade-style and simple game development. This specialization means we understand the nuances of these formats - from difficulty balancing to control responsiveness - in ways that generalist studios may not.
Quality Over Speed
We resist pressure to rush projects through development just to meet arbitrary deadlines. While we work efficiently, our priority remains delivering games that work well and feel good to play. This sometimes means taking an extra week for polish rather than shipping something that feels unfinished.
Continuous Improvement
Our methodology continues to evolve based on project experiences and client feedback. After each project completion, we review what worked well and what could improve. These insights get incorporated into our process for future projects.
How We Measure Success
Project Metrics
We track specific indicators throughout development to ensure projects stay on track and meet quality standards. These metrics help identify potential issues early rather than discovering problems at the end of development.
Quality Indicators
Beyond numerical metrics, we evaluate projects against quality standards that matter for player experience. These assessments ensure games don't just work technically but also feel good to play.
- Controls respond within 50ms on target devices
- Stable 60 FPS on minimum spec hardware
- Difficulty curve tested with target audience
- Zero critical bugs at delivery
These metrics represent typical outcomes based on our recent projects. Individual results depend on project complexity, scope changes, and specific requirements. We provide detailed progress tracking for your specific project so you always know where things stand.
Methodology Built on Experience
The Fennec Labs methodology represents eight years of focused development experience in arcade-style and simple game creation. Unlike general approaches that attempt to cover every game type, our process specifically addresses the challenges and opportunities unique to this format.
Our competitive advantage comes from accumulated knowledge in areas like endless runner mechanics, retro game feel, mobile optimization, and difficulty balancing. This expertise means we start each project with proven solutions rather than discovering approaches through trial and error.
The value we deliver extends beyond just completing projects. Clients receive games built with maintainable code, comprehensive documentation, and architecture that supports future expansion. This foundation enables long-term success whether you choose to continue development independently or return for additional features.
See Our Methodology in Action
Curious how this approach would work for your project? Let's discuss your game concept and explore whether our methodology fits your needs.
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