Game development is like any other complex job. Each segment can have different goals and be broken down into parts. Once all the pieces are completed, you can combine them to create one functional piece.
Why not delegate some of the “minor” parts to a trusted partner while your programmers and designers focus on the core elements? Your in-house team should prioritize core game design features, and their implementation. However, repetitive tasks of lower importance can be delegated by a trusted contractor. Flexible business models that rely on project-based recruitment are preferred by many large companies. They invite additional workers to help them with certain tasks.
A smaller game development UK studio doesn’t require a lot of support after releasing a project. While they might require a hundred developers, only a few dozen will be needed for maintenance. In such cases, outsourcing is the best option. This will allow you to hire fewer people to do the job. It is important to remember that adaptation and recruiting take time. These two issues can be solved by outsourcing.
Many companies don’t hesitate to outsource nearly every component of their games. This includes outsourcing game design, 3D/2D assets, creating original soundtracks, and writing code. This approach is not for everyone. It requires a lot of contractors and a lot of money. You might be able to get a very successful campaign on Kickstarter, such as Star Citizen. If your previous title has made you millions, why not? Wideload Games asked 15-20-20 third-party companies for help in making Hail to the Chimp.
It is important to understand the potential benefits of outsourcing your current project, given all the planning and strategy involved. You shouldn’t rush to make the decision to outsource your entire project or just a portion of it. Before you waste time or resources, take some time to consider all the benefits and decide if it’s worth it. We have compiled a list of the most important points to remember.
Benefit #1: Everything is on time
It is difficult for game developers to keep up with the deadlines. You must either delay the game’s release if the promised features aren’t available or face the consequences. You can also force your entire team to do daily crunches, which will eventually lead to burnout and poor product quality. However, outsourcing some tasks to an external team may save the day. They can add or remove content from existing pages. You will pay a little more for this, but it is well worth the extra if your title is released on time.
Benefit #2: More variability and more content
Game developers with experience often have a large portfolio of titles they borrow ideas from. This is because all the projects are handled by the same game writers, artists, and game designers. Game development outsourcing can bring uniqueness to your next title without placing too much stress on the in-house creative team. External developers are able to suggest new ideas and even create new IPs according to your vision. You will also have more original content if you have more talent.
Benefit #3: Greater flexibility and more specific expertise
Game developers need to possess expertise and creativity. Specialists have specialized skills and experience in working within narrow niches. It would be cheaper to hire specialists for a specific job than to recruit a new team for a one-off job. In most cases, we believe that a project-based contract with games development companies is the best option. They can either lend you one or more experts depending on the size and complexity of your project or they can provide you with a whole team upon request. You don’t pay a penny more when the job is finished. All parties win.
Benefit #4: minimizing risks
There are many risks involved in game development. The process may be negatively affected if your internal teams are forced to follow the project development strategy. This could include switching artists or coders mid-game or crunching numbers. Outsourcing solves these problems easily, so it is a better alternative to internal planning. Your personnel will feel less stressed and retain the “fun factor”, which keeps them motivated during their development.
Benefit #5: reducing costs
Game development outsourcing not only expands your team but also reduces overhead costs. Sometimes overhead costs can be very expensive. In addition to paying the developers a salary, you also have to purchase hardware and software, provide various consumables, pay rent, social benefits, and pay office rent. Outsourced workers can take care of all these financial burdens, and you only pay them for their time.
Many people believe that it is easy to arrange contracts with third-party businesses. You receive X money and then you perform this and that for us. It might seem simple in an ideal world. However, there are many nuances, problems, and miscommunications in reality. To minimize potential negative effects, you should have a clear plan and follow some key steps when outsourcing.
Stage 0: Determining the scope of the project
The idea of the future project is the first step in everything. It is easy to describe the project. It is the hard part – deciding how big you want it. It is nearly impossible to factor in every detail and analyze game development without enough expertise. You can still outsource this task to professionals. A thorough consultation at the beginning can save you from any unexpected problems later. It is a good idea to hire seasoned developers to help you determine if your dream project is too complicated or large.
Stage 1: Preparation and formation of budgets
You cannot outsource game design without establishing a price range and how much you will pay. Companies often create budgets for their projects well in advance, taking into consideration the possibility of outsourcing certain parts. Managers must ensure that their partners have the necessary human resources to complete all tasks in a timely manner. It is the easiest and most hassle-free way to get rid of the whole project to a dedicated team that covers all your needs.
Stage 2: Finding potential partners
There are many companies who live and breathe outsourcing games. It’s easy to find potential partners in the game development industry. Many contractors are able to provide feedback and portfolios from past clients. These portfolios will help you distinguish good studios and bad ones. To assess the abilities of potential partners, you can always begin with a project consultation. If they make a positive impression, you will have a foundation to build upon.
Stage 3: Finding the right partner
Make a list of all the pros and cons of each potential contractor before you choose a company to work on your game. You should also examine their portfolios and negotiate to find out how experienced your potential partners are in the field.
Stage 4: Setting goals and discussing tasks
Before you delegate tasks to others, make sure to create a complete list, rank them by priority, give detailed descriptions and attach all documentation. Then, you can set long-term goals. You must plan ahead with your partners to create a development cycle calendar and to collaborate with them if you are looking to outsource everything.
You will also need to approve the conditions for delivery and acceptance of intermediate and final results. Both parties will be able act in accordance to the mutual plan, which guarantees the desired outcome. Knowing the best methods of cooperation can help avoid any unnecessary actions (changes or fixes, etc.). This saves money.
Stage 5: Work in progress
It should be easy to work with a well-respected games development company that follows the established rules. You can expect minimal fixes and no need to be constantly in control. There might also be some bumps that you don’t even notice. Partnering with equal partners allows them to communicate well and can help each other evaluate their work progress and take informed decisions about any bottlenecks.
Both sides will get what they want and can agree on the final product. The client will receive the final product or part thereof ready for testing and release. For the services, the contractor will be paid a monetary compensation.
