Quick answer: Public roadmaps promise too much. A roadmap with 'Now / Next / Later / Considering' columns and dated updates builds trust because it shows what changed and why.

Trello-style roadmaps look modern but make every item feel committed. Player anger follows when items slip.

Four columns, no estimates

Now (in dev), Next (planned), Later (committed but unscheduled), Considering (exploring). No dates; dates rot.

Tag with confidence

Each item: Researching, Designing, Building, Polishing. Players understand a 'Researching' item might disappear; a 'Polishing' one is days from shipping.

Date the changes

'Moved from Next to Considering on 2026-04-12' is honest. Silent rearrangement is dishonest.

Link to bug tracker

Each item links to the Bugnet tickets driving it. Players can see the work; trust climbs.

“A roadmap is a promise document. Promise less; honor more.”

Resist the urge to populate the roadmap deeply. Three items in 'Now', five in 'Next' is enough. Crowded roadmaps lose meaning.