Is outsourced game development for you?
Is outsourced game development right for you?
Outsourced game development is a strong fit if you want to cut costs, ease your team’s workload, and tap skilled talent without long-term hiring.
- It frees your in-house team to focus on core work.
- It gives flexible, scalable staffing for each project.
- It lowers costs while keeping output quality high.
Are you a startup studio or part of a large corporation? Either way, outsourced game development can improve your process and lighten the load. So if you think outsourcing your game projects is right for you, keep reading.
First, let us look at outsourcing itself. Outsourcing means handing tasks to third-party service providers. It is a well-known cost-cutting model. In fact, most businesses adopt it early in their growth.
Top 3 advantages of outsourcing mobile game development
Outsourcing is a popular way to grow talent while saving resources. So it is no surprise that gaming companies use it too. To stay current, it also helps to track the latest game development trends.
Less workload for the in-house team
When you outsource mobile game development, you free your in-house teams from heavy workloads. Remember, development work needs focus and flexibility. As a result, a lighter load keeps your core team sharp.
Flexibility in the working arrangement
An outsourced team lets you plan more flexible work setups. For example, you can mix on-site and offshore game developers. So this blend can boost productivity across the workplace.
Promoting workplace collaboration is one of the best ways to engage hybrid teams.
Long-term cost-effectivity
Outsourcing is a smart way to cut costs without hurting quality. Gaming firms know better than to skimp and let their games suffer. So they use trusted partners instead.
Outsourced mobile game development providers like Connext have a strict quality control process. As a result, every output meets industry standards. In addition, careful game testing keeps bugs low before launch.
How to outsource mobile game development
First, find a company that shares your vision. Working with a firm against your core values is a bad start. So begin with research and background screening.
More importantly, the provider should have the right infrastructure and experience. In addition, you should define your needs and requirements clearly. As a result, both sides start on the same page. This is where solid software development outsourcing practices help.
Meanwhile, outsourcing on a smaller scale means using a freelancer or independent contractor. Still, they should go through the same screening. So you can confirm their skills match your needs. For larger projects, a dedicated development team is often the better choice.
Top 10 biggest gaming companies
- Sony
- Tencent
- Nintendo
- Microsoft
- Activision Blizzard
- Electronic Arts (EA)
- Epic Games
- Take-Two Interactive
- Sega Sammy
- Bandai Namco
The video gaming industry has grown fast since its start. With each generation, game development has drawn strong backing from new markets. So the field keeps expanding.
From indie studios to household names, here are the biggest gaming companies that outsource their game development. Many also rely on broad IT outsourcing services to support their pipelines.
1. Sony
Sony is the brain and muscle behind the popular PlayStation 5 console. The company is known for making games mainly for its console line. This once included the handheld PlayStation Vita.
2. Tencent
Fans of League of Legends know that Tencent owns Riot Games. That studio is behind one of the biggest online multiplayer games. Tencent also developed Honor of Kings, a hit among mobile users.
3. Nintendo
The world’s oldest gaming company is Nintendo. Founded in 1889, the Japanese firm first sold handcrafted playing cards.
Later, Nintendo became known for handheld devices. These include the DSi, 3DS, and the Nintendo Switch. In recent years, it also released hit titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
4. Microsoft
Microsoft is a household name in operating systems, laptops, and computers. It is also known for its Xbox console and game line.
From the first generation to the Xbox Series X and S, the company keeps pushing forward. Microsoft also owns Mojang. That Swedish studio made Minecraft, one of the most popular games ever.
5. Activision Blizzard
With the merger of Activision and Blizzard Entertainment, the company made history with Call of Duty. In addition, it developed the popular MMORPG World of Warcraft.
6. Electronic Arts (EA)
Electronic Arts works across many game genres. For example, it built the city-building game The Sims. It also releases FIFA-style titles each year. As a result, EA reaches wide audiences.
7. Epic Games
Epic Games started in 1991 and found fame with Fortnite. Still, the studio began small. Tim Sweeney founded it as Potomac Computer Systems in Maryland.
8. Take-Two Interactive
Founded in New York City in 1993, Take-Two Interactive grew through two labels. These are Rockstar Games and 2K. They created the Grand Theft Auto series and the NBA 2K series.
Later, the company spread across genres. For example, it brought out Red Dead Redemption and the WWE 2K series.
9. Sega Sammy
Sega Sammy came from the merger of Sega and Sammy Corporation in Japan. The company produced games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Pachinko. So it captured a wide fan base.
Pop culture references to Sonic made the game even more popular. This grew further after the Hollywood movie.
10. Bandai Namco
Bandai Namco also formed through a merger of Bandai and Namco. Over the years, the multinational firm has produced hundreds of games. One well-known example is the Tekken series.
Should you outsource mobile game development?
Hiring an external provider is not for everyone. It takes real effort and a long-term commitment. Still, outsourcing mobile game development is very possible. In fact, the same is true for any kind of game. Mobile-first studios may also review mobile app development basics first.
First, though, ask yourself these questions:
- Is outsourcing worth it?
- How much is the budget allocation?
- What is the scope of this project?
- Am I going to outsource 100% of the operations?
These questions are not exhaustive. Still, they make a great starting point.
Frequently asked questions about outsourced game development
What is outsourced game development?
It is the practice of hiring an outside studio or freelancer to build part or all of a game. So you get skilled help without full-time hiring. As a result, you save cost and time.
How much does outsourced game development cost?
Costs vary by scope, platform, and location. Offshore teams often charge far less than local studios. So the model can cut your budget while keeping quality.
What game tasks can I outsource?
You can outsource art, coding, animation, and testing. In addition, some studios handle full end-to-end builds. So you choose what fits your needs.
Is outsourced game development good for small studios?
Yes, small studios gain a lot from it. It gives access to talent they could not hire full time. As a result, they can ship bigger projects.
How do I choose a game development partner?
First, check their portfolio and experience. Next, confirm their infrastructure and quality process. Then define your scope clearly before you sign.
Key takeaways
- Outsourced game development cuts costs and eases your in-house workload.
- It offers flexible staffing and access to skilled global talent.
- Choose partners with proven experience, strong infrastructure, and clear quality control.
- Many top studios, from Sony to Bandai Namco, outsource part of their work.
- Define your scope and budget before you commit to a provider.
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