Level up your game: Outsource game development

What is game development outsourcing?

Game development outsourcing means hiring an outside studio to build all or part of your game.

It gives you fast access to skilled developers, artists, and designers. In short, game development outsourcing offers:

• Access to expert developers for mobile, desktop, and console games
• Lower costs than building a full in-house team
• Easy scaling as your project grows or slows

Game development is a large and profitable industry. However, finding people with the right coding skills can be hard.

Because of this, many businesses turn to game development outsourcing. Through a third party provider, you can find seasoned developers. As a result, your in-house team can build modern games that draw new players.

In this article, we look at the growing gaming market. We also cover what to check when you pick the best outsourced GameDev company.

The rising gaming market

Today’s gaming market is growing fast. For example, analytics firm Newzoo reports that the global games market has grown past $200 billion, with billions of players worldwide.

Because of this, game development offers strong returns. However, companies without deep tech skills are often unsure about entering this market.

This happens for many reasons. For example, competition is high, tech changes fast, and trends shift quickly. As a result, more firms hire outside game studios to build their games.

A third party provider gives you skilled and flexible experts. So you can build high quality games quickly and at a fair price.

Defining game development outsourcing

Game development outsourcing means hiring an outside studio to help create a game. Many teams treat it like any other software development outsourcing project.

As competition grows, more companies bring in an outsourced team to help. In addition, this lets small studios ship bigger, richer games.

Hiring outsourced game developers offers many benefits. The main ones are:

• Access to expert developers for mobile, desktop, and console games
• Use of new tech, such as VR and AR, to build unique games
• Help keeping up with the latest trends
• Savings on searching, hiring, and onboarding staff
• Easy scaling as project needs change
• Access to specialists who develop, animate, illustrate, and add effects

Outsourcing helps a studio grow. Without an outside team, games would be shorter, with less variety and lower graphics quality.

These partners also track the newest game development trends. So your title stays fresh and current.

Things to consider in choosing a game development partner

A good partner sets your game up for success. In addition, they deliver on time and within budget.

If you plan to partner with a GameDev company, check these things first.

Services offered

First, check the services a game development outsourcing company offers. Make sure they match what you need.

This step shows whether the provider can do the work you want.

Say you need skilled 2D and 3D developers. Then hire a company that offers that. If you want an AI focused game, look for a firm with that skill. If your title leans on visuals, animation outsourcing can round out your team.

Length of service in the industry

Established game development outsourcing firms bring deep experience. As a result, they serve clients well.

They quickly grasp what each project needs. They also suggest the best strategy to reach your goals.

In addition, experienced firms find specialists fast. They often keep more than one dev team on hand. Many also run in-house game testing to catch bugs early.

Engagement models

Most GameDev outsourcers offer several engagement models. So you can pick the best fit for your game.

A model that fits your company helps you build a well made game.

The most common models in game development are:

• Fixed price model, where a team works to set requirements, goals, deadlines, and budget.
• Time and material model, which lets you improve a game even after launch.
• A dedicated team, where you track progress and ask for changes as work goes on.

Process

A great partner has a smooth inner workflow. This means each manager, developer, and designer knows their tasks and deadlines.

A provider with a clear process works well with your in-house team. As a result, they deliver work with fewer errors.

Location

Also check where the company is based before you choose. Location affects hourly rates and work shifts.

Offshore developers often cost less than nearshore firms. However, a big time zone gap can make teamwork harder. The same trade-offs apply to offshore software development in general.

Talk to the agency early. Ask about their internet connection for smooth work and clear chats. Also ask if they can work overtime when deadlines are tight.

MVP Asia Pacific’s offshore game development team

MVP Asia Pacific‘s offshore game development experts help you do more than your local team can.

Their skilled developers offer many services. These include concept art, game design, asset development in 2D and 3D, and programming. In addition, they slot into your team like an extension of your own staff.

Beyond top talent, MVP Asia Pacific can lift your efficiency. As a result, you cut overhead costs across your operations.

Start your GameDev journey and work with MVP Asia Pacific now.

Frequently asked questions about game development outsourcing

What is game development outsourcing?

It is the practice of hiring an outside studio to build part or all of a game. The partner can handle art, code, design, testing, or the whole project.

How much does game development outsourcing cost?

Costs vary by scope, platform, and studio location. Offshore teams often charge less per hour. So many companies use them to control budgets.

What can you outsource in game development?

You can outsource concept art, 2D and 3D assets, animation, programming, and QA. In addition, some studios manage full end to end production.

Is outsourced game development good for small studios?

Yes. It gives small studios access to skills they may lack in-house. As a result, they can ship larger games on a tighter budget.

How do you pick a game development partner?

Check their services, experience, engagement models, process, and location. Also confirm they can meet your deadlines and communicate clearly.

Key takeaways

• Game development outsourcing gives you fast access to expert developers and artists.
• It often costs less than building and running a full in-house team.
• Check a partner’s services, experience, process, and location before you sign.
• Clear communication and a good time zone fit keep projects on track.