As a game developer, you’re constantly looking for ways to improve your workflow and increase productivity. One way to do this is by outsourcing core activities that are time-consuming or require specialized skills. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of outsourcing in game development and provide tips on how to effectively outsource tasks to help you save time and resources.

Outsourcing Core Activities: What Does It Mean?

Outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring an external provider or vendor to perform a task or set of tasks for your business. In game development, this can include activities such as art production, programming, testing, and marketing. By outsourcing these core activities, you can focus on what you do best – creating great games that engage and entertain players.

Benefits of Outsourcing in Game Development

1. Cost Savings:

One of the primary benefits of outsourcing in game development is cost savings. Hiring an external provider to perform a task can often be more cost-effective than hiring full-time employees, especially if the task requires specialized skills or knowledge. Additionally, by outsourcing core activities, you can avoid the costs associated with equipment and software that would be required for in-house production.

2. Expertise:

Outsourcing tasks to experts in their field can help you access specialized skills and knowledge that may not be readily available within your organization. This can lead to higher-quality work and more efficient processes. For example, outsourcing art production to a professional artist can result in high-quality visuals that would be difficult for an amateur to achieve.

3. Time Management:

Game development is a time-consuming process that requires careful planning and coordination. By outsourcing core activities, you can free up time for other important tasks, such as project management, quality assurance, and marketing. This can help you stay on schedule and deliver your game on time.

4. Scalability:

Outsourcing allows you to scale your production process according to your needs. For example, if you’re working on a large-scale project that requires additional resources, you can easily bring in more providers to help with the workload. This can be particularly useful for indie game developers who may not have the resources to hire full-time employees.

5. Risk Management:

Outsourcing also helps you manage risk by spreading the load across multiple providers. If one provider goes out of business or is unable to fulfill their contract, you can quickly bring in another provider to take over the workload. This can help you avoid downtime and ensure that your project stays on track.

How to Effectively Outsource Tasks in Game Development

1. Clearly Define Your Requirements:

Before outsourcing a task, it’s important to clearly define your requirements. This includes providing detailed specifications for the work you need done, including deadlines, budget constraints, and any other relevant information. By doing this upfront, you can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your provider delivers work that meets your expectations.

2. Choose the Right Provider:

There are many providers out there who offer game development services, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Consider factors such as their experience in the field, their portfolio, their availability, and their communication skills. You can also ask for references from previous clients to get a sense of their work quality and reliability.

3. Establish Clear Communication:

Effective communication is key to successful outsourcing. Make sure to establish clear lines of communication with your provider from the outset, including regular check-ins and progress reports. This can help you stay on track and ensure that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.

4. Monitor Progress:

Keep a close eye on your provider’s progress throughout the project. This includes regularly reviewing their work, providing feedback, and making any necessary adjustments to the scope of the project. By doing this, you can ensure that the final product meets your expectations and is delivered on time.

Real-Life Examples of Outsourcing in Game Development

1. Art Production:

Many game developers outsource art production to professional artists who specialize in creating high-quality visuals. This can result in visually stunning games that would be difficult for an amateur artist to achieve. For example, the popular game "Overwatch" was created by Blizzard Entertainment, which outsourced some of its art production tasks to external providers.

2. Programming:

Programming is a core activity in game development, and many game developers outsource this task to specialized programmers who can help them create efficient and optimized code. For example, the popular mobile game "Clash of Clans" was developed by Supercell, which outsourced some of its programming tasks to external providers.

3. Testing:

Testing is another core activity in game development that can be outsourced to specialized testers who can help ensure that the final product is free from bugs and glitches. For example, the popular game "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" was developed by Nintendo, which outsourced some of its testing tasks to external providers.

FAQs

1. How do I choose the right provider for my game development needs?

Choosing the right provider for your game development needs involves considering factors such as their experience in the field, their portfolio, their availability, and their communication skills. You can also ask for references from previous clients to get a sense of their work quality and reliability.

2. What are some common tasks that can be outsourced in game development?

Tasks that can be outsourced in game development include art production, programming, testing, marketing, and more. By outsourcing these core activities, you can focus on what you do best – creating great games that engage and entertain players.

3. How do I effectively communicate with my provider throughout the project?

Effective communication is key to successful outsourcing. Make sure to establish clear lines of communication with your provider from the outset, including regular check-ins and progress reports. This can help you stay on track and ensure that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.

Summary

In conclusion, outsourcing core activities in game development can be a highly effective way to save time and resources while improving the quality of your work. By defining your requirements upfront, choosing the right provider, establishing clear communication, and monitoring progress throughout the project, you can ensure that your outsourcing experience is successful and rewarding.