As technology advances, so does the demand for high-quality games. However, creating a successful game requires a team of skilled professionals with expertise in various areas, such as game design, programming, art, and sound. Many game developers find it challenging to find and hire all the necessary talent in-house, which is where game outsourcing comes into play.

In this article, we will explore how game outsourcing works and why it’s essential for game development. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right partner and manage your outsourcing process effectively.

What is game outsourcing?

Game outsourcing is the practice of hiring an external company or individual to perform specific tasks related to game development. This can range from creating 3D models, animations, and sound effects to programming, testing, and localization.

The main advantage of game outsourcing is that it allows game developers to focus on their core competencies while outsourcing non-core tasks to experts in those areas. This not only saves time but also reduces costs by eliminating the need to hire a large team of in-house staff.

How does game outsourcing work?

The process of game outsourcing typically involves the following steps:

1. Defining the scope of work: Game developers must clearly define the tasks they want to outsource, including the level of detail and quality required. This helps ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of what is expected from the outsourcer.
2. Finding the right partner: Game developers must research and identify potential partners that have experience in the areas they need help with. They should also consider factors such as price, communication style, and turnaround time when choosing a partner.
3. Negotiating the contract: Once a potential partner has been identified, game developers must negotiate the terms of the contract, including the scope of work, timeline, budget, and payment terms.
4. Providing assets and specifications: The outsourcer will require access to the game’s assets and specifications in order to begin working on the task at hand. This may include 3D models, textures, sound effects, and design documents.
5. Monitoring progress: Game developers must regularly monitor the progress of the outsourcing project to ensure that it is on track and meets their expectations. They should also maintain open communication with the outsourcer to provide feedback and address any issues that arise.
6. Testing and quality assurance: Once the outsourced task is complete, game developers must test and assess the work to ensure that it meets their quality standards. This may involve playtesting the game and identifying any bugs or glitches.
7. Delivery and integration: The final step in the process is delivering the completed work to the game developer and integrating it into the game.

Benefits of game outsourcing

There are several benefits to outsourcing game development tasks, including:

1. Cost savings: Outsourcing non-core tasks can help game developers save money by eliminating the need to hire a large in-house team. This can also help reduce salaries and other expenses associated with hiring and training staff.
2. Access to expertise: Game outsourcing allows game developers to tap into the expertise of external professionals with specialized skills in various areas of game development. This can help ensure that the game is developed to the highest standards.
3. Flexibility: Outsourcing tasks can also provide game developers with more flexibility in terms of timelines and budget constraints. By outsourcing non-core tasks, game developers can focus on their core competencies and complete the game faster.
4. Risk management: Outsourcing tasks can also help game developers manage risk by providing access to a network of experienced professionals who have experience in various areas of game development. This can help reduce the risk of errors or bugs that could impact the game’s success.

Case study: Ubisoft and Blueprint Reality

Ubisoft, a leading game developer, partnered with Blueprint Reality, a Canadian-based outsourcing company, to develop the virtual reality (VR) game "Assassin’s Creed VR: Quest." The game was developed using Unreal Engine and required expertise in areas such as 3D modeling, animation, programming, and sound design.