Game Outsourcing Unveiled: Essential Services for the Gaming Industry

As video games get more complex and detailed, developers feel the pressure to meet players' high expectations. Outsourcing game development to specialized studios offers a practical solution. These studios work smoothly with established developers, providing expert help in many areas. Here, we'll explore the main benefits and disadvantages of working with external development studios and answer some common questions about choosing the right outsourcing partner for game development.

Game outsourcing has become a critical part of modern game development. With the gaming industry growing more complex and expansive, there is an increasing demand for specialized services. This approach helps companies concentrate on their main strengths and manage resources more efficiently.

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Game outsourcing involves handing off parts of game production to external firms or freelancers. This can cover various activities, including art creation, animation, coding, and testing. The main aim is to tap into external expertise and technology to improve the development process without the need to manage all these aspects in-house.

There are several types of outsourcing in the gaming industry. The most common are:

Art and Design Outsourcing:

Due to the complexity of the game creation process, certain aspects are handled by specialized studios. For example, 3D models and character designs, which are one of the most important parts of the game from a visual perspective, are developed with the help of detailed and charismatic designs, built to attract the player and make the plot more animate.

Game worlds or locations are another part of the game. Outsourcing firms create detailed and rich environments, starting from the waterfall-surrounded caves to the bustling metropolitan seaside, which will highlight and support the game’s theme. Furthermore, external animators work on motion capture and animation, bringing characters and locations to life through realistic movements and interactions.

Development and Programming Outsourcing:

External developers are frequently hired to customize and improve game engines, adapting them to meet the unique requirements of each project. This work includes AI programming, in which specialists develop advanced behaviors for non-player characters (NPCs) to make them more responsive and lifelike.

Outsourcing studios also ensure that games function seamlessly across multiple platforms, including PC, console, and mobile. Cross-platform compatibility is critical for offering a consistent and engaging experience for gamers.

Testing and Quality Assurance Outsourcing:

External teams dedicated to performance testing carry out stress tests and other evaluations to ensure that the game operates smoothly under various conditions. Additionally, compatibility testing is handled by outsourced teams who rigorously test the game across different hardware setups, operating systems, and software environments, guaranteeing a seamless experience for all users. User experience (UX) testers also play a crucial role, as they assess the ease of use and appeal of the game interface, further enhancing the overall player experience.

Source: https://www.ecuad.ca/academics/teen-programs/summer-institute-for-teens/sit-game-development

Audio Production Outsourcing:

Audio experts create sound effects using sound design and editing systems that enhance the game’s atmosphere and realism. In the same way, professional composers produce original music, ensuring its mood and pacing match that of the game. Professional voice actors bring characters to life with voice-over work, enriching the story and boosting player engagement. These components work together to make the gaming experience more impactful and appealing.

Support and Maintenance Outsourcing:

Dedicated customer support teams are essential for handling player questions and resolving issues after a game launches. They provide the necessary support to keep players happy. Outsourced teams also develop regular updates and patches to fix bugs, add new content, and tweak gameplay, ensuring the game stays fresh and exciting. Community management specialists are crucial too, as they manage online communities, engage with players on social media and forums, build a loyal fanbase, and gather feedback for future improvements. These combined efforts help ensure the game continues to improve and keep players engaged.

Source: https://www.colum.edu/academics/programs/game-design

The types of outsourcing we have described are the most common in the game development industry, but not the only ones. The range of outsourcing activities can be much broader, depending on the priorities of a specific project or a company’s placement. Here are some of the additional types of outsourcing:

1. Localization and Translation: Games often require localization to be accessible in multiple regions. This implies translating the text and introducing cultural peculiarities to fit the local audience.
2. Marketing and Public Relations: : Outsourcing marketing and PR activities allows gaming firms to use professional skills in these areas while promoting their game. This may include digital marketing, event management, public relations campaigning, and social media work, many of which are crucial for the game to be seen at all.
3. Legal and Licensing Services: The gaming industry is known for complex legal situations and the need for proper licensing, in compliance both with general international policy and specific regional rules. Legal firms or experts can be hired for this mission specifically.
4. Cloud-Based Services and Server Management: Many modern games need online server support for multiplayer gaming. Outsourcing server management and cloud services helps ensure server reliability, scalability, and security.
5. Research and Development: Companies may outsource research and development tasks to innovate or enhance technology and game mechanics. This could involve integrating augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR), developing advanced graphic rendering techniques, or creating new gameplay models.

Outsourcing is vital in the gaming industry's production cycle. It helps gaming companies quickly adjust to new technologies and market demands while controlling costs and risks. Outsourcing tasks outside their core operations allows developers to focus more on strategic areas like creating new gameplay mechanics and developing narratives. This approach also supports scalability, letting game developers modify their team size based on each project's needs without committing to permanent hires

Like any business practice, outsourcing game development comes with its benefits and challenges. Understanding these can help companies make informed decisions about integrating outsourcing into their development strategies.

Communication Barriers

Language differences, cultural misalignments, and time zone discrepancies can complicate clear and timely communication. For example, a U.S.-based gaming company working with an outsourcing team in Asia might need more time for feedback and iterations, which can extend development cycles and affect project deadlines.

Source: https://www.diversityresources.com/global-communication-styles-in-the-workplace/

To avoid or solve this challenge, it is recommended to:

1. Use tools and software that facilitate effective communication, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana, and set regular check-ins and updates.
2. Schedule overlapping hours for teams across different time zones to ensure real-time interaction is possible when needed.
3. Provide cultural awareness training and, if necessary, language training to in-house and outsourced teams to improve mutual understanding.

Loss of Control

Outsourcing some stages of development may cause loss of control and understanding of the project. Therefore, the result can differ from what was envisioned.

Possible solutions:

1. Detailed Contracts and SLAs (Service Level Agreements): Define clear expectations and deliverables to ensure both parties are aligned on the project goals and standards.
2. Regular Monitoring and Reporting: Implement a robust monitoring system that provides visibility into the outsourced work. Regular reports and dashboards can help track the progress against the set objectives.
3. Retain Key Functions In-house: Keep strategic, core activities in-house to control critical aspects of the game development process.

Security Risks

Outsourcing involves sharing game assets, code, and other intellectual property, fueling concerns such as data breaches or leaks. The following are some of the measures that you should take to mitigate leaks and data breaches:

1. Data Protection Policies: Make sure the partner you are outsourcing to follows data protection policies in line with international data protection laws such as GDPR and has strong cybersecurity measures.
2. Restricted Access: Only authorized personnel should have access to sensitive data and intellectual property based on the necessity and involvement in a particular section of the project.
3. Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of the outsourcing provider to ensure compliance with security measures and protocols.

By adopting these strategies, companies can reduce the risks involved with outsourcing and boost the overall effectiveness of their outsourcing efforts. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the quality and security of the game development process are upheld while fully taking advantage of outsourcing's pros.

The need for outsourcing in the gaming industry is increasingly recognized as companies seek to enhance their capabilities and efficiency.

Cost Efficiency

One of the main benefits of outsourcing is that it can lead to substantial cost savings by reducing the need for permanent or specialized in-house staff. As such, a smaller game studio might outsource the animation of complex cutscenes or fights to a cheaper labor market, receiving the same quality as domestic artists at a significantly reduced price. Moreover, a study by the Global Outsourcing Association found that companies report up to 30% in cost savings when they outsource non-core activities.

Source: https://www.gamepro.com.au/tutorials/why-outsource-video-game-development/

Access to Specialized Talent

It allows companies to tap into a global talent pool with specialized skills that might be rare or too expensive to maintain domestically. A small developer might delegate VR game development to the outsourcing studio specializing in VR, benefiting from their expertise, which would be costly to develop in-house.

Scalability

A huge bonus is the possibility of independently adjusting the team’s size depending on the project requirements. Businesses may essentially increase their personnel by outsourcing certain tasks when necessary, as in the run-up to the release of a new game. In this manner, they can meet deadlines without incurring the continuing costs of hiring more full-time staff.

Faster Time to Market

By delegating tasks to specialized teams, projects can progress simultaneously across different components, leading to quicker completion times. This is vital for this field as the delivery of the final product first can secure a competitive edge.

Innovation Through Diversity

One of the advantages of outsourcing is the opportunity to get fresh ideas and solutions to problems by attracting foreign teams. As a result, a considerable amount of new gameplay features and designs may appear. Also, having writers of different nationalities can diversify the game’s story and make it more exciting. Thus, the final product will attract a larger audience.

As we conclude this exploration of the pros and cons of outsourcing in the gaming industry, it is evident that the practice remains double-edged. On the positive side of the scale, outsourcing enables cost-cutting, focused access to specialized talent, and better scalability, thereby giving the company an added edge in competitiveness and efficiency. However, there are also real challenges in communication barriers, inconsistent quality, and security risks calling for careful management and strong oversight.

Gaming firms that wish to optimize these advantages while minimizing potential downsides must manage to outsource well. By carefully preparing and implementing appropriate procedures, organizations can optimize their outsourcing strategies to stimulate expansion and novelty in their undertakings.

When it comes to outsourcing game development, selecting the right partner is crucial for the success of your project. This decision can impact the game’s quality, timing, and success. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a game development outsourcing company:

1. Portfolio and Expertise: Review the company's past projects and portfolio to assess their expertise in game development. Look for experience in your game's genre or technology stack. Companies that have worked with well-known titles or have a robust portfolio in your specific area of interest are a strong choice.
2. Reputation and Reviews: Check client testimonials, reviews, and feedback. Reputation in the industry can be a significant indicator of reliability and quality. Consider reaching out to past clients directly to discuss their experiences. It’s also important to contact the studio itself to see whether you are on the same wavelength.
3. Technical and Creative Capability: Evaluate the outsourcing firm's technical skills and creative abilities. Make sure they can handle your game's specific requirements, whether they involve complex AI, advanced graphics, or unique gameplay mechanics. Ask for demos or trial projects to gauge their capability.
4. Security Measures: Given the sensitivity of game development projects, check the outsourcing company's security protocols. Ensure they have robust measures to protect your intellectual property and sensitive data.
5. Cost Structure: Always make sure that your pricing policy works within your budget alignment, also, taking into consideration, it must adequately reflect on the amount of work and value of services provided by the outsourcing agency. It’s not recommended to choose a vendor with a too-low bid – as it can signify a possible discretization in their services.
6. Flexibility and Scalability: It's crucial that your outsourcing partner can adjust their services to match the changing needs of your project.

For those seeking a dependable game outsourcing company, Argentics stands out. With a strong portfolio and a skilled team, Argentics has a proven record of delivering top-quality game development projects. Their dedication to excellence and innovation makes them an excellent choice for studios needing to outsource key parts of their game development.

Ready to take your game development to the next level? Contact Argentics today to explore how their outsourcing solutions can benefit your project.