Game Development Market Overview
Within the last ten years, the game development sector has experienced exponential expansion, achieving a market capitalization exceeding $150 billion in 2021. Propelling this surge are innovative gaming platforms, enhanced worldwide connectivity, and the pervasive utilization of smartphones. As the quest for top-tier gaming experiences escalates, game creators are exploring methods to streamline their development processes and optimize costs.
One prevalent strategy is outsourcing, which provides access to a global reservoir of proficient individuals and an array of specialized services. This approach empowers developers to concentrate on their primary skill sets while harnessing external mastery in domains such as game design, coding, artistic direction, animation, and quality control, thus achieving a harmonious balance of efficiency and expertise.
How to Choose an Outsourcing Game Development Company
When choosing an outsourcing collaborator, it’s crucial to examine elements such as their experience, technical proficiency, artistic and design aptitude, communication, project administration, and quality assurance. The following tools and methodologies can aid in making an enlightened decision:
Portfolio Analysis
Portfolio Analysis is a technique employed to scrutinize a company’s collection of projects, evaluating their overall performance and potential for expansion. A prevalent approach for this analysis is the utilization of a weighted scoring model, which entails assigning scores to distinct aspects of each project and subsequently computing a weighted average score.
This method offers a more sophisticated and all-encompassing assessment of a company’s portfolio, surpassing the limitations of merely examining unprocessed data such as the number of projects or the capital invested.
To perform a Portfolio Analysis using a weighted scoring model, follow these steps:
- Identify the key aspects to be evaluated;
- Assign scores to each aspect;
- Determine the weight of each aspect;
- Calculate the weighted average score for each project;
- Compare the weighted average scores for each project.
Technical Expertise
Technical Expertise is an essential aspect to contemplate when gauging a company’s capabilities, as it directly influences the caliber of their products and services. One method to appraise a company’s technical expertise is by examining their familiarity with diverse programming languages, game engines, and development instruments. This data can be illustrated through the Technology-Experience Matrix.
The Technology-Experience Matrix is a visual depiction of a company’s proficiency and familiarity with various technologies. It facilitates the swift identification of a company’s strengths and shortcomings in the realm of technical expertise.
Here’s an example of utilizing the Technology-Experience Matrix to evaluate a company’s technical expertise:
- Enumerate the technologies: Initiate by listing all pertinent programming languages, game engines, and development tools the company possesses experience with;
- Designate proficiency levels: For each technology, allocate a proficiency level on a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 signifies the highest degree of expertise;
- Plot the technologies on the matrix: Position the technologies on a graph, using the x-axis to represent the proficiency level and the y-axis to denote the technology;
- Visualize the data: The Technology-Experience Matrix will present a lucid overview of the company’s strengths and areas for improvement concerning technical expertise. It allows you to effortlessly pinpoint the technologies in which the company exhibits a high level of expertise and those requiring further enhancement.
Art and Design Capabilities
Art and Design capabilities hold significant importance in the success of a company’s products and services, as they enhance the overall user experience and can substantially influence customer contentment. To appraise a company’s Art and Design aptitude, the Art Quality Index (AQI) can be employed.
The Art Quality Index (AQI) is an instrument utilized to assess the caliber of a company’s art and design, considering an array of factors, such as:
- Visual appeal: This pertains to the appearance and aesthetic attributes of a game that render it visually enticing to players;
- Originality: This encompasses the innovative and inventive aspects of a game that differentiate it from its competitors;
- Attention to detail: This refers to the degree of care and accuracy devoted to all facets of a game, including graphics, gameplay, and comprehensive design.
By implementing the AQI, you can expeditiously and precisely assess a company’s Art and Design capabilities, thus gaining a deeper understanding of their creative strengths and potential areas for improvement.
Communication
The Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) is a resource employed to appraise a company’s communication abilities by examining three essential components:
- Responsiveness: Capacity to expeditiously and efficaciously react to changes or requests;
- Transparency: Openly and candidly conveying information and intentions;
- Collaboration: Cooperating with others to accomplish a shared objective.
The CAT aids in evaluating the effectiveness of a company’s communication with its stakeholders, including employees, customers, partners, and the general public. The outcomes of this assessment can offer valuable insights into the company’s communication strengths and areas for improvement, subsequently guiding enhancements to its comprehensive communication strategy.
Project Management
The Project Management Maturity Model (PMMM) is an instrument employed to assess a company’s project management competencies. It examines the organization’s ability to proficiently manage four critical elements of a project:
- Scope: Range and limitations of a project, encompassing its inclusions and exclusions;
- Schedule: Timeline and time management aspects of a project, including deadlines and milestones;
- Budget: Financial resources designated for a project and the administration of those assets;
- Risk: Potential uncertainties, threats, and challenges that could influence the success of a project.
The PMMM offers a systematic and structured methodology for evaluating a company’s project management processes and practices. By utilizing the PMMM, an organization can pinpoint areas for enhancement and devise a strategic roadmap for bolstering its project management capabilities. Consequently, this can result in superior project outcomes, heightened efficiency, and elevated stakeholder satisfaction.
Quality Assurance
The Quality Assurance Evaluation Framework (QAEF) is an instrument utilized to assess a company’s dedication to quality assurance. The QAEF explores several crucial factors that influence a company’s capacity to deliver high-caliber products or services, including:
- Testing methodologies: Systematic approaches and techniques employed to examine the quality and performance of a game;
- Defect tracking: Process of identifying, reporting, and resolving errors or bugs within a game;
- Continuous improvement initiatives: This encompasses ongoing endeavors to persistently enhance the quality and performance of a game through sustained development and optimization.
By adopting the QAEF, an organization can obtain a more profound comprehension of its strengths and shortcomings in quality assurance, pinpointing areas for improvement. This can facilitate the adoption of best practices, augment customer satisfaction, and mitigate the risk of defects or failures.
Top 10 Game Development Outsourcing Companies
1. Ubisoft
Ubisoft stands as a global frontrunner in the realm of game development, renowned for its robust reputation in crafting successful franchises. Among the company’s most acclaimed titles are:
- Assassin’s Creed;
- Far Cry;
- Just Dance.
Ubisoft’s persistent commitment to innovation and excellence has secured its position as one of the world’s leading game production companies. Ubisoft captivates gamers and pushes the gaming industry’s boundaries with a varied portfolio of titles spanning several platforms and genres.
2. Virtuos
Virtuos is a distinguished game development company with a multinational presence, boasting offices in several countries. The organization possesses expertise in developing games for a diverse array of platforms and has contributed to the creation of celebrated titles such as:
- Horizon Zero Dawn;
- Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age;
- Dark Souls: Remastered.
Virtuos’s capacity to work on an extensive range of projects and platforms, in conjunction with its global presence, renders it an invaluable collaborator for game development studios and publishers worldwide.
3. Sumo Digital
Sumo Digital is a prominent game development studio recognized for its proficiency in crafting high-caliber games. Some of the company’s most notable titles encompass:
- LittleBigPlanet 3;
- Crackdown 3;
- Snake Pass.
Sumo Digital’s reputation for delivering exceptional games has established it as a reliable outsourcing partner for numerous leading game publishers and development studios worldwide. Focusing on innovation and a commitment to providing the most outstanding gaming experiences, Sumo Digital consistently plays an integral role in the gaming industry’s growth and development.
4. Keywords Studios
Keywords Studios is a foremost provider of services within the gaming industry. Boasting a broad array of offerings, such as art, game design, localization, and QA, Keywords Studios possesses the expertise to support game developers and publishers throughout every stage of the development process. The company has collaborated on various popular titles, including:
- Fortnite;
- PUBG;
- Call of Duty.
With an emphasis on quality, efficiency, and innovation, Keywords Studios persistently aids its clients in bringing their games to market and achieving success.
5. N-iX
N-iX is a preeminent game development company, boasting expertise in Unity and Unreal Engine. The organization has amassed considerable experience in crafting games across diverse genres and platforms, including mobile, PC, and VR. N-iX’s portfolio showcases popular titles such as:
- Gods of Boom;
- World of Tanks Blitz;
- Mushroom Wars 2.
With a skilled team of developers and a dedication to delivering high-quality games, N-iX has solidified its position as a trusted partner for game development studios and publishers.
6. Starloop Studios
Starloop Studios is a specialized game art and development company, concentrating on mobile and console platforms. The company has extensive experience in creating high-caliber games and has collaborated on popular titles like:
- Angry Birds 2;
- Zombie Gunship;
- Rumble Stars Soccer.
Starloop Studios is acclaimed for its expertise in game art and development and maintains a proven track record of delivering first-rate games that enthrall players and stimulate engagement.
7. GameDuell
GameDuell is a Berlin-based game development enterprise with a diverse portfolio of games. The company possesses expertise in developing casual games, social games, and mobile games, and has crafted popular titles such as:
- Fluffy Birds;
- Grand Gin Rummy;
- Belote.com.
With an emphasis on delivering enjoyable and engaging games to players, GameDuell has cemented itself as a leader in the gaming industry. Boasting a presence in Berlin and a talented team of developers, GameDuell persistently plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of gaming.
8. Streamline Studios
Streamline Studios is a preeminent game development company with a global presence. The organization has amassed extensive experience in developing high-quality games and has collaborated on high-profile projects like:
- Street Fighter V;
- Final Fantasy XV;
- Gears of War.
With a skilled team of developers and a dedication to delivering the most exceptional gaming experiences, Streamline Studios has solidified its position as a trusted partner for game publishers and development studios worldwide.
9. ArtCraft Entertainment
ArtCraft Entertainment is a specialized MMO game development company. Concentrating on crafting high-quality, massively multiplayer online games, ArtCraft Entertainment has produced popular titles such as:
- Crowfall;
- Star Wars.
The company’s expertise in MMO game development, combined with its commitment to delivering engaging and immersive gaming experiences, has made it an invaluable partner for game publishers and development studios.
10. Amber
Amber is a full-service game development agency boasting a wealth of experience across various platforms. The company has developed popular games like:
- Disney Magic Kingdoms;
- Harry Potter: Wizards Unite;
- Narcos: Cartel Wars.
The company’s comprehensive approach to game development, coupled with its expertise in a range of platforms, renders it a valuable asset for game developers and publishers seeking to bring their vision to life.
Conclusion
Outsourcing game development has emerged as a popular solution for companies aiming to craft high-quality games while minimizing costs and expediting time-to-market. By selecting the appropriate outsourcing partner, developers can tap into a global talent pool and an array of specialized services, leading to the triumphant creation and launch of their games.
When opting for an outsourcing game development company, it is vital to weigh factors such as experience, technical expertise, art and design capabilities, communication, project management, and quality assurance. These factors will govern the project’s success and guarantee that the game is of exceptional quality and aligns with the developer’s vision. A robust emphasis on quality assurance is particularly crucial, as it helps ensure that the game undergoes thorough testing and meets the lofty standards established by the developer.