Outsource Game Development [Complete Guide]

The demand for custom game development solutions is continuously growing. Companies are looking for professional game developers who can develop games that stand out from the crowd. Outsourcing is the most preferred way for companies to meet the increasing demand for games without incurring too much expense.

When outsourcing game development, companies have several options at their disposal. These include hiring a freelancer, working with an outsourcing company, or using a remote team of dedicated game developers.

Each has its advantages, and in this article, we will explore everything about outsourcing game development. Before we dive into the complete process of building a custom game, let’s look at some statistics.

Gaming Industry Statistics

1. According to reports, there are more than 3.24 billion gamers worldwide today, and this figure will keep growing due to the immense popularity of games.

2. The global gaming market will touch the mark of $200 billion by 2024 end as it’s growing with a CAGR of more than 8.3%.

3. The revenue from the free-to-play games totals over 85% of the overall gaming profitability.

Looking at the statistics, it’s evident that the gaming industry is booming, and businesses now recognize its full potential. To stay ahead in this highly competitive market, companies need to get started now if they want to enter this market. Before you hire mobile game developers, it’s essential to understand the different approaches available for building your game.

Different Approaches to Building a Game

1. Self Development

The first approach to building a game is self-development, which involves learning the necessary programming skills and developing the game independently. This process requires significant time and effort, but it can be rewarding and allows for complete control over the project. It also allows developers to experiment with different coding and game design aspects.

However, self-development may take longer because of a lack of experience and feedback from peers or experienced professionals, which can delay development. Furthermore, self-development may also require a lot of money to be spent on learning materials and computer hardware.

2. Hiring a Freelancer

The next is to opt for game development services from an experienced freelancer. A freelancer can be hired on a contractual basis, and they can offer services in game design, programming, art, or graphics. This approach is often cost-effective and faster than self-development because of the freelancer’s experience and expertise.

While hiring a freelancer, ensure that they have the necessary experience and qualifications to meet your project requirements. It is also essential to review their portfolio of past work before making a decision. Furthermore, always ensure that all agreements are put in writing to protect your interests. This will make the overall development process with freelance developers streamlined.

3. Hiring In-House Team

The third approach is to hire an in-house team to develop the game. This will involve finding and hiring talented developers, artists, and other professionals in the game development space. Having a dedicated game development team that is working solely on the project can be beneficial as it allows for direct feedback from the developers and promotes collaboration between different disciplines.

In-house development teams can offer significant control over the game designing and development process and help ensure consistent quality. However, hiring an in-house team may require a larger budget as salaries for developers and game designers are usually high. Furthermore, it is essential to plan ahead and have the necessary infrastructure ready before starting the project.

4. Outsource Game Development from the Agency

When you outsource game development, you enter into a contract with an experienced game development agency. Such game development companies specialize in the full cycle of game development, from concept to design to coding and deployment. This approach is often used by smaller studios or independent developers who want a cost-effective way to develop their games on time.

It’s among the best options for when you need a team of professionals with different areas of expertise. Outsourcing can also speed up the game development process, as game development agencies can draw from their pool of experienced game designers & developers and provide quality assurance.

On this note, let’s look at what benefits you get when you work with an outsourced game development agency.

Benefits of Outsourcing Game Development

1. More Time to Focus on Core Operations

By game development outsourcing, you can save a lot of time and effort that would otherwise be devoted to non-core functions. This provides more bandwidth to focus on your core business activities, such as marketing and product development.

For example, if you are a small game development team, outsourcing the game art and animation will help free up your time so you can focus on other important tasks such as coding and game mechanics. When you focus on the areas that have a direct impact on success, you can start to observe a positive change in your business.

2. Experienced Game Developers & Designers

When you opt for outsourcing game development, you can access a pool of experienced game designers and developers. These professionals have an in-depth understanding of the different aspects of game development, such as coding, art, animation, sound design, level design, etc.

This means that they are well-equipped to create innovative and high-quality products that meet your business needs. Outsourced game developers will also be able to provide valuable feedback and advice on how best to optimize your game for maximum success. Furthermore, they can offer dedicated support during the development process.

3. Cost-Effective

Outsourcing game development is also a cost-effective option. By outsourcing, you can access global talent at competitive rates while paying only for the resources you need. This allows businesses to benefit from cost savings while still achieving high-quality results.

Furthermore, outsourcing eliminates the need to invest in dedicated infrastructure, additional personnel, and other associated costs. This makes it easier for you to develop your game within a tight budget.

4. Time-saving

Outsourcing game development can be a great way to streamline the process. When you outsource, you can count on experienced game professionals who are well-versed in the nuances of game development.

This saves time on training, as there is no need to bring new personnel up to speed. With an agile methodology, you can also expect much faster turnaround times. This allows you to quickly launch new features or updates so your game is always up-to-date and competitive.

5. Best Utilization of Resources

Outsourcing game development also allows you to make the best use of your resources. With an experienced game development team, you can expect high-quality results with minimal effort and cost.

Furthermore, optimized resource utilization also means that you can achieve the same results with fewer people and resources. This makes it easier to grow your business without having to worry about scaling up quickly.

6. Focused Development Lifecycle

When you outsource the game development services to an experienced game development team, you can expect the development process to be highly organized and focused. The professionals have a comprehensive understanding of the different stages of game development and the optimizations that need to be made along the way.

This helps ensure that the development process remains on schedule and within budget. Furthermore, the game development team can also offer valuable insights into how best to promote your game for maximum impact.

7. High Scalability

One of the major benefits of outsourcing game development is that it allows for high scalability. This means that you can quickly increase or decrease the number of people working on your project, depending on the requirements.

This allows you to quickly scale up or down without having to invest in additional resources. Scalability is an essential factor that can help businesses stay competitive in a dynamic market. Businesses can easily expand or slim down operations to adapt to changing market conditions.

8. 24*7 Support

With a professional game development outsourcing process, you can expect to get 24*7 support from the game development team. This is especially beneficial when you need quick updates or bug fixes for your game.

Furthermore, the game development team can also provide ongoing maintenance and support for your game. This ensures that you can keep up with the latest trends and updates in the gaming industry.

These are some of the benefits of outsourcing game development. As we explore the various benefits of outsourcing mobile game development services, let’s check out the various methods available for outsourcing game development.

Different Methods of Outsourcing Game Development

1. Onshore Game Development

Onshore game development is a form of outsourcing game development that involves working with a company based in the same country or region. This type of outsourcing is attractive to many developers due to the greater accessibility of communication.

It is also beneficial for developers who are looking to create a high-quality game with minimal risk. Another advantage of this type of outsourcing is that it lets developers have greater control over the development process, as well as greater access to skilled professionals. But it is more expensive than offshore game development.

2. Nearshore Game Development

Nearshore game development is another form of outsourcing game development, but instead of working with a company located in the same country or region, nearshore game development involves working with an agency situated in a nearby region or country. This type of outsourcing is attractive as it helps developers to access resources and expertise from a different country or region.

Additionally, with this outsourcing game development services allow companies to benefit from cost savings due to the lower cost of labor and resources in the nearshore location. Furthermore, nearshore companies are more likely to have a better understanding of local markets and regulations.

3. Offshore Game Development

Offshore game development is a form of outsourcing game development that involves working with a company located in a far-off country or region. This type of outsourcing is attractive due to the lower cost of labor and resources available in the offshore location.

The biggest reasons why developers choose offshore game development are cost savings, access to a larger talent pool, and better technology. Additionally, many offshore software development companies have experience in the game development industry and can provide developers with valuable insight into local markets.

After exploding about different outsourcing methods, let’s jump into which country can be an ideal option for game development.

Which Country Is Best for Game Development Outsourcing?

1. India

India is an excellent choice for game development outsourcing. It has a large pool of talented professionals who are skilled in developing different types of games, such as 2D and 3D games for mobile and web platforms. The cost of game development in India is significantly lower than in other countries, making it an attractive option for game development outsourcing.

Furthermore, the time zone difference between India and other countries makes communication easier and facilitates faster turnaround times.

2. Ukraine

Ukraine is another great choice for game development outsourcing. Ukraine is known for its strong tech talent, and the country has produced some of the best mobile game developers in the world. If you are looking to outsource game development projects, Ukraine could be the choice for you.

The cost of game development in Ukraine can be lower or higher depending on the complexity of the project and the experience level of the developers. The country is also known for its excellent support services, which greatly reduce overall development and communication friction.

3. Philippines

The Philippines is quickly becoming one of the best countries for game development outsourcing. The country offers a wide range of skilled professionals with extensive experience in game design and development.

The cost of game development in the Philippines is also relatively lower than in other countries, making it an attractive option for game development outsourcing. Additionally, you can find many experienced game developers who can complete projects within tight deadlines.

4. Poland

Poland is also an attractive option for game development outsourcing. The country has a vibrant tech scene and offers a wide range of talented professionals. Poland also offers competitively priced development services, making it an excellent choice for game development outsourcing.

In addition, there are several app development companies in Poland with extensive experience and expertise. All these factors make Poland a great choice for game development outsourcing.

5. USA

The USA is an obvious choice for game development outsourcing. Given the strong tech talent in the country, it’s no surprise that the USA is home to some of the best game development companies in the world.

The cost of game development in the USA can be high, depending on the complexity of the project. However, you need to do extensive research to find the best game development companies in the USA to ensure success at the right price.

Moving to the next section where we will discuss important things to consider while outsourcing game development requirements.

Things To Consider When Outsourcing Game Design & Development

While looking for professional outsourcing game development services, it’s important to consider all the factors that may impact your project’s success. Below are a few key things to consider when outsourcing game development and design.

1. Game Requirements

The first step is to determine the requirements for your game. Assessing what type of game you need help developing, whether it’s a mobile game, a console game, or something else entirely, can help you narrow down your search for the right partner. Once you know what type of game you need help with, you can create a comprehensive list of game requirements that will guide the whole process.

Also, perform a competitive analysis to understand what kind of features you should include in the game. Consider the user experience and how it can be improved upon. These details will help in the final design of the game and get the most out of outsourcing game development.

2. Budget

Outsourcing game development can be cost-effective, but it’s still essential to set a realistic budget. The cost of outsourcing will depend on the scope of your project, the complexity of the game, and other factors. Discuss with your outsourcing game development provider before finalizing a budget to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Additionally, it’s essential to factor in any extra costs that may come up during the course of a project. This includes changes to game design, extra features, and bug fixing. Also, consider other costs like marketing budgets and server hosting costs.

3. Choosing The Type Of Outsourcing Partner

The type of outsourcing partner you choose is important, as it will determine the success of your game. You should consider outsourcing to a local company or a global company. A local partner gives you more control over the project and offers direct communication with the team, while a worldwide partner can offer more options in terms of cost and talent.

When looking for an outsourcing partner, look for a company that has experience designing games similar to yours. Consider their portfolio of past work and client reviews. Also, make sure they have the right resources to handle your project without any problems.

4. Game Development Methodology

The game development methodology you choose will have a big impact on the success of your project. Agile methodology is often recommended for game development as it allows for quick iteration and adaptation to changes, and this, in turn, can help create a more robust game.

An experienced game development outsourcing partner will have experience using different game development methodologies and will be able to help you decide which one is best for your project. Additionally, they should also have the right tools and processes in place to ensure smooth game development.

On this note, let’s look at factors affecting the cost of outsourcing game development solutions so that you can make an informed decision when considering an outsourcing partner.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Outsourcing Game Development Services

1. Game Project Size & Complexity

The size and complexity of the game project play a major role in determining the cost of outsourcing game development services. Complexity refers to the number of features, animations, characters, and graphics needed to develop the game. Large projects are generally more expensive than small ones due to their more complex design requirements.

Complexity is also an essential factor that affects the cost of game development services. Complexity in terms of software development can include the number of platforms and devices that need to be supported, as well as the level of integration with other technologies and systems.

2. Country to Outsource Game Development

The country in which the game development services are outsourced is also an important factor that affects the cost. Generally, countries with a lower cost of living tend to offer cheaper services. For instance, countries like India and Ukraine offer lower-cost game development services than developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.

However, while outsourcing, always look for quality and experience over cost. Countries that have a mature game development ecosystem tend to offer better quality services than those with an immature one.

3. UI/UX

The user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of the game also play an important role in determining the cost of outsourcing game development services. Designing a visually-pleasing UI requires skilled designers, as well as other resources like coding and testing support. The same goes for UX, which needs to be developed in accordance with the features and flow of the game.

The more complex the UI/UX design of a game, the more it will cost to outsource its development. The UI/UX cost is also affected by the number of platforms that need to be supported, as well as the development framework used.

4. Game Development Technology

The game development technology used is also an important factor affecting the cost of outsourcing game development services. Generally, developing games with popular technologies such as Unity and Unreal Engine costs more than using other, less popular ones. Additionally, some technologies may require additional resources like coding support or specialized skill sets, leading to a higher overall cost.

Furthermore, the cost of game development services can also vary depending on the type of platform being targeted. For instance, developing games for mobile devices requires different resources and technologies than developing for PC, console, or web.

5. Size of the Game Development Team

The size of the game development team is another factor that affects the cost of outsourcing game development services. Generally, larger teams require higher costs due to additional resources and personnel needed. On the other hand, smaller teams offer more flexibility and lower costs but may not be able to handle complex projects.

The number of developers you need to hire depends on the complexity of your game and its features. It’s important first to understand your project requirements and then hire the right number of developers for the job.

6. Game Development Timeline

The timeline for game development is also an essential factor that affects the cost of outsourcing services. Projects that require shorter timelines typically require more resources and personnel, leading to higher costs. On the other hand, longer timelines offer more flexibility and lower costs but may not be suitable for specific projects.

When outsourcing game development services, it’s essential to set realistic timelines in order to avoid additional costs. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that the game development team is aware of any changes in the timeline and can adjust accordingly.

On this note, let’s explore how much outsourcing game development services cost.

How Much Will It Cost to Outsource Game Development?

If you wonder how much outsourcing game development solutions costs, the answer is an approximate one. The cost of outsourcing game development services depends on many factors, such as the complexity of the project, features, UI/UX design, technology used, size of the development team, and timeline.

On average, game development outsourcing costs $20k to $35k for a single platform (Android or iOS) with simple features. You may be required to invest nearly $150k if you want a game with all the advanced features and functionalities, and support for multiple platforms. By understanding your project requirements and budget, you can better estimate how much to outsource game development.

Bonus Point: Tips for Outsourcing Game Development Solutions

1. Know your Requirements

One of the most important tips to consider when outsourcing game development solutions is to know your requirements thoroughly. This helps you identify the right set of skills and expertise needed for the project. Do your research to find out what kind of tools and technologies are available in the market that can help you get the job done. Consider the costs associated with each option and identify which one is the most cost-effective for your project.

2. Choose the Suitable Outsourcing Type

Another important tip to consider when outsourcing game development services is to choose the most suitable type of outsourcing. There are two main types of outsourcing – offshore and onshore. Since time zones differ, offshore outsourcing can be more cost-effective but requires more development time than onshore outsourcing. On the other hand, onshore outsourcing is more expensive, but it offers faster delivery times thanks to the development team’s proximity.

3. Hire the Best Game Development Partner (Company or Freelancer)

The third tip to consider when outsourcing game development solutions is to hire the best game development partner. If you are working with a game development company, make sure they have a good track record in game development and the necessary resources to get the job done. If you are working with a freelancer, make sure they have the essential technical skills and experience to deliver quality results.

4. Check & Verify the Portfolio

It is important to check and verify the portfolio of the game development partner before committing to a contract. This will help you gain an understanding of their project management skills, technical capabilities, and the quality of their work. Ask them to showcase relevant projects they have worked on and review them to make sure they are up to your expectations. By doing this, you can ensure that the outsourced game development solutions will be of high quality.

5. Request Proposal

Requesting a detailed proposal from the game development partner is another important tip to consider when outsourcing game development services. The proposal should include details on the scope of work, timeline, pricing, and payment terms. This will help you understand what the project involves and ensure that everything runs smoothly with minimal surprises during the process. Once you have received the proposal, review it carefully and ask questions if necessary.

6. Finalize the Pricing Strategy

Another important tip to consider when outsourcing game development solutions is to finalize the pricing strategy. This involves defining the cost of each phase of the project, such as planning, development, testing, and deployment. It is essential to discuss this in detail with the game development partner before signing any contracts. Make sure that all costs are transparent so you don’t end up paying more than you expected.

7. Sign the Contract

The next tip to consider when outsourcing game development solutions is to sign the required contract. This document should include all details discussed in the proposal and any additional requirements needed for the project. It should also specify the payment terms and timelines agreed upon by both parties. Once the contract is signed, it’s time to get started on the project.

8. Get Updates on Each Phase

The final tip to consider when outsourcing game development services is to get regular updates from the game development company. This helps you make sure that everything is going according to plan and that any issues are addressed on time. Ask for detailed reports that include progress updates, bug fixes, development timelines, and other important information. This helps you stay in the loop and ensure that the project is moving forward as planned.

Wrapping up!

Game development is an exciting process and a great way to bring your ideas to life. When done correctly, outsourcing game development solutions can be an effective way to save time and money while delivering high-quality results.

The tips mentioned above will help you choose the right game development partner and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Hiring a professional game development outsourcing company like Auxano Global Services can help you get high-quality results without worrying about any technical issues.

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