Dungeon Defenders: Awakened

Multi-Platform Launch Management and Team Restructuring

As Senior Producer at Chromatic Games, I led the successful multi-platform launch of Dungeon Defenders: Awakened, working directly with the CEO to transform a challenging development situation into a structured, efficient release across PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation platforms. Managing a team of 18 people across art and customer service departments, I implemented the Shape Up methodology to establish clear priorities and deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.

Abilities
Demonstrated

  • Coordinated complex multi-platform launch across all modern consoles
  • Transform project management methodologies
  • Manage diverse teams effectively
  • Drive successful product launches through systematic approaches

Leadership Approach

Team Restructuring & Methodology Implementation

I established:

  • Implementation of the Shape Up method for project planning
  • Hybrid waterfall/agile approach to match team needs
  • Clear communication channels between departments
  • Structured milestone tracking system
  • Regular stakeholder updates and alignment meetings

Cross-Platform Coordination

I managed relationships with:

  • Xbox platform and social teams
  • Nintendo Switch certification team
  • PlayStation platform team
  • PC distribution platforms, including Steam, Epic Games, and Humble Bundle
  • External PR agency

Resource Management

Directly supervised:

  • 18 team members across departments
  • Art team deliverables and timelines
  • Customer service operations
  • External contractor relationships
  • Platform certification requirements

Project Management Framework

Shape Up Implementation

  • Six-week development cycles
  • Two-week cool-down periods
  • Scope hammering sessions
  • Betting table decision making
  • Hill chart progress tracking

Hybrid Methodology

I developed a custom approach combining:

  • Waterfall structure for design planning
  • Agile sprints for development
  • Daily stand-ups for immediate issues
  • Weekly planning sessions
  • Bi-weekly retrospectives

Additional Responsibilities

Marketing & Communication

  • Trailer production supervision
  • Art book design and development
  • PR team coordination
  • Platform marketing alignment
  • Community engagement strategy

Platform Relations

Managed:

  • Certification requirements
  • Technical specifications
  • Marketing guidelines
  • Release scheduling
  • Post-launch support

Results & Impact

The restructured approach achieved:

  • Successful launch across all planned platforms
  • Clear milestone tracking and achievement
  • Improved team communication and efficiency
  • Streamlined certification processes
  • Enhanced stakeholder visibility

Launch Metrics

  • On-time platform releases
  • Certification pass rates
  • Team velocity improvements
  • Customer satisfaction scores
  • Post-launch stability

Key Learnings

01

Methodology Flexibility is Critical

  • Hybrid approaches can better serve diverse teams
  • Shape Up method provides clear structure
  • Adaptation to team needs improves productivity
02

Clear Communication Drives Success

  • Regular stakeholder updates maintain alignment
  • Cross-platform coordination requires consistent dialogue
  • Team transparency and radical candor improves morale
03

Resource Allocation Requires Balance

  • Multiple platform launches need careful planning
  • Team members can fill multiple roles when needed
  • External relationships require dedicated attention