If you’ve played Sunderfolk, you’ve probably noticed how polished and unique it feels. Maybe you’ve even wondered how much thought went into every little detail.

Sunderfolk is a Unity tactical RPG developed by Dreamhaven. It features turn-based battles, cooperative gameplay, and a richly stylized underground world. Our team at Devoted Studios supported the project by working on core gameplay systems, UI, animation, shaders, and performance optimization.

We’re excited to share a full breakdown of the work our team contributed to Sunderfolk!

Project Overview

Tech Art – Shaders, VFX & World Visual Fidelity

Creating the visual tone of Sunderfolk meant balancing art direction with performance. We worked closely with the art team to build shaders and visual tools that would support the game’s painterly style, magical elements, and atmospheric lighting.

✨Custom Shader Framework

Sunderfolk has a painted, atmospheric look that feels different from most games. To help achieve that, we co-developed a custom stylized shader framework using Unity’s Shader Graph and HLSL.

Here’s what we built:

• Rim lighting and gradient mapping to add visual depth to characters and props
• Stylized water shaders with depth blending, foam, and reflections
• Depth-based fog for layering inside caves
• Edge outlining using SDF to help characters stand out in gameplay
• Glow shaders for crystals with animated emission and subtle distortion
• Tree leaf shaders that respond to wind using world-space vectors

The shader system was designed with performance in mind and exposed key artistic parameters for real-time tweaking by the art team.

✨ Dynamic Lighting Effects

We also supported building lightweight tools for in-game effects:

• Emissive material masking on spells and crystals
• GPU-friendly bloom and sparkle overlays for magic effects
• Volumetric light shafts used around the Heart Tree crystal, driven by vertex alpha
• Water rendering optimized for GPU performance

These effects helped make the world feel more dynamic and alive, while keeping everything running efficiently.

Engineering – NPCs, AI & Pathfinding

To bring Sunderfolk’s world to life and make sure it ran well across platforms, we focused on performance systems and gameplay logic that supported a smooth tactical experience in Unity.

✅ Rendering and Asset Optimization

We improved rendering efficiency by adjusting asset configurations and optimizing shader performance. This helped reduce GPU and CPU load while keeping visuals crisp.

✅ Resource and Memory Management

We completed passes to streamline resource usage, including mesh and texture optimizations. As a result, load times got faster and memory usage became more stable.

✅ Scene and UI Performance

To keep tactical UI responsive, we trimmed unnecessary scene elements and reduced overhead in UI rendering. This improved frame construction and kept the interface feeling snappy.

✅ System Logic Improvements

We refined internal systems to reduce CPU spikes and increase stability. These updates helped performance across platforms, especially during local co-op.

✅Platform Feature Integration

We supported platform-specific implementation and testing across consoles, making sure everything was functional and passed certification requirements.

✅ Lightweight NPC AI

While we didn’t create a full behavior system, we helped build a lightweight solution for NPCs to walk the levels using NavMeshAgents. Basic decision logic and event triggers powered ambient movement and simple interactions.

UI/UX – Multiplayer, Devices, and Battle Readability

To help players stay engaged and informed during combat, we supported the integration of clear and readable UI systems. The work focused on making the tactical interface intuitive, responsive, and optimized for performance.

Companion Device Integration

To support Sunderfolk’s couch co-op experience, we supported and helped with optimization on a companion UI system that allows mobile devices to act as player inputs.
Key elements included:

• Device pairing via local network discovery
• Dynamic class selection and sync (Bard, Berserker, Arcanist, Rogue)
• Spell management and card-based turn input
• Responsive layout for both portrait and landscape modes

Everything was built using Unity’s UI Toolkit. That gave us flexibility with styling and animation while keeping the interface lightweight and responsive.

Tools and Optimization

Behind every smooth game experience is a lot of behind-the-scenes problem-solving. We built tools to help the team test, fix, and improve the game’s performance across different platforms.

Streamlining the Build and Performance

Behind the visual polish and responsive gameplay, we built tools to help the team test, improve, and ship Sunderfolk smoothly across platforms. Performance and efficiency were key goals.

To support the porting and multi-platform optimization, we:

• Created batching tools for LOD generation and lightmap baking
• Implemented shader keyword stripping to reduce build size
• Completed shader optimization
• Profiled GPU/CPU spikes in high-density environments
• Built internal debugging tools for AI, NavMesh links, and event tracking

These systems helped make development faster and more efficient across all stages of the project. This kind of work fits into shader optimization Unity and supports Unity tactical RPG development best practices.

That’s a Wrap!

Our work on Sunderfolk focused on building systems that supported visuals, gameplay, and performance. From UI and animation to shaders and pathfinding, our goal was to make tools that helped the team move faster without giving up quality.

Want to check it out? Visit → https://www.dreamhaven.com/sunderfolk/announcing-sunderfolk

If you’re here, you probably already know that Fortnite has become a huge cultural phenomenon. In 2024, there were about 650 million registered players, with around 1.1 million people playing every day. With numbers like that, it’s easy to see why so many brands want to get involved in Fortnite, using it as a way to enter the metaverse and boost consumer engagement and brand awareness with a fresh, new audience.
Think about it: where else can you connect with millions of people, create something unique, and interact with your audience in such a dynamic, engaging way?
But there’s a catch. Jumping into Fortnite isn’t as simple as slapping your logo onto a game. With so many brands trying to make their mark, standing out can be a challenge. Without the right strategy or expertise, brands can easily miss the mark and fail to connect with their audience, leaving their efforts lost in the noise.
To successfully launch a brand experience in Fortnite, brands need to work with Fortnite brand activation developers who know how the game works and what its audience enjoys. These experts help create fun, interactive experiences that allow brands to connect with players through in-game events, custom skins, emotes, and more.

How to Launch a Brand Experience in Fortnite

Launching a brand experience in Fortnite requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and audience. Here’s how brands can do it:

Partner with the Right Developer

If you want to launch a successful brand experience in Fortnite, it’s important to team up with a developer that really knows the game. The right developer will guide you through everything, from the first idea to the final launch.
Fortnite brand activation developers can help create the perfect experience for your brand. Whether you want to design a custom in-game environment, create a unique item like a skin or emote, or even plan an event that gets players involved, the agency will have the expertise to make sure your brand activation feels fun and fits naturally into the Fortnite world.

Decide on the Type of Experience

There are so many ways to create a brand experience in Fortnite, depending on how you want to engage with players. Here are a few ideas:

• In-Game Events: You can host fun in-game events like concerts, tournaments, or challenges that let players interact with your brand in exciting ways. For example, our collaboration with Full Cycle Development for Nike Airphoria Vol. 2 brought a cool, immersive experience to Fortnite. This collaborative event gave players the opportunity to interact with Nike’s iconic Air technology in the ever changing world of Fortnite.
• Custom Fortnite Game Development: If you want something totally unique, you can work with developers to create custom game modes, maps, or environments. This helps players interact with your brand in a deeper, more inviting way.
• Branded Skins and Items: You can also design custom skins, emotes, and other items that players can use in the game. These branded items are a great way to boost your brand’s visibility and let players show their support.

Devoted Studios Leads the Way in Fortnite Brand Experiences

At Devoted Studios, we’re all about creating exciting and immersive Fortnite brand experiences. We know how to seamlessly bring brands into Fortnite’s world, making sure that every activation feels engaging and authentic. As the premier choice for brands looking to make their mark in the Fortnite Universe, we specialize in creating virtual islands with mini-games and high-quality 3D assets.

Some of Our Collaborations

• Nike Airphoria Vol. 2: We teamed up with Nike to create Airphoria Vol. 2, an immersive gaming experience in Fortnite. This project featured custom-designed islands and unique gameplay, allowing players to explore and interact with Nike’s branding in a totally new way. With stunning 3D modeling, visual effects, and creative world-building, we brought Nike’s virtual experience to life.
• Hell’s Kitchen: We also worked with renowned chef Gordon Ramsay to create unforgettable Hell’s Kitchen restaurant experiences on ITV’s LAND in the Sandbox.
• PlayVS Zone Wars: Recently, we collaborated with PlayVS to introduce a new 2v2 team deathmatch mode to Fortnite using Unreal Engine for Fortnite. Our goal was to design 25 unique arenas, each offering its own twist, and create custom rules to make the gameplay more exciting. Despite facing UEFN’s limitations and a tight two-month deadline, we successfully completed the project, delivering an engaging and fresh experience for players.

Our Expertise and Services

As the premier choice for brands looking to make their mark in the Fortnite Universe, we, at Devoted Studios, specialize in creating virtual islands with mini-games and high-quality 3D assets. We offer a range of services tailored to brands aiming to establish a presence in Fortnite. 

Other Developers for Fortnite Brand Experiences

While Devoted Studios excels in creating Fortnite brand experiences, several other developers also offer specialized Fortnite creative development services.

Leartes Studios

Leatres Studios is one of the UEFN developers that brings impressive expertise to Fortnite brand experiences. Their team of highly experienced Environment Artists is skilled in creating any type of environment within game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity.

Spark Studio

Spark Studio is another Fortnite brand activation developer that excels in creating incredible brand experiences within Fortnite. They focus on level design, developing unique environments and challenges that provide a distinctive gaming experience. They also specialize in asset creation, designing stunning visual elements and interactive resources that enrich the overall experience and help bring the game to life. Additionally, Spark Studio is skilled in creating custom mechanics to make sure great game performance.

Final Words

Bringing your brand into Fortnite is a great way to connect with a huge, engaged audience through fun and immersive experiences. Teaming up with agencies like Devoted Studios helps make sure your brand stands out in the game in a way that feels real and impactful. With their skills in creative direction, technical development, and brand integration, they can help you create unforgettable moments that really resonate with players and boost your brand’s visibility in the gaming industry.

To get even more insight into the process, we reached out to Michael B, our amazing Technical Director, who shared his expertise on the key aspects of this transition. His deep understanding of UE5 and our hands-on experience with porting made this article possible.

Key Differences Between UE3 and UE5

Preparing Assets for UE5

Static and Skeletal Meshes

• Export UE3 meshes as .FBX files using the UDK Content Browser or 3DS Max/Maya with the ActorX plugin.
• Clean Up Geometry: UE3 models may have issues with tangents, normals, and pivots, so be prepared for some geometry cleanup.
• Re-import into UE5, ensuring Nanite support is enabled for static meshes to fully utilize UE5’s high-poly asset handling.

Materials

• Rebuild Materials: In UE3, materials used basic shading models (diffuse, specular). In UE5, you’ll need to switch to the full Physically Based Rendering (PBR) workflow, including Base Color, Metallic, Roughness, and Normal.
• Reuse Masks: If you used masks like RGB packed textures in UE3, you can still reuse them for Roughness, Metallic, and Ambient Occlusion (AO) in UE5.

VFX Conversion: Cascade to Niagara

#Step 1: Export UE3 Cascade Emitters

• Reference Key Parameters: This includes spawn rate, lifetime, size over time, materials, particle types (CPU/GPU), and events.

#Step 2: Rebuild in Niagara

• Niagara Features: Niagara supports ribbon, mesh, and sprite particles, CPU/GPU simulations, and complex logic via scripting. It gives us the flexibility to rework and improve the VFX from the original UE3 system.

Gameplay Logic Conversion: Moving from UnrealScript to Blueprints and C++

• Use Kismet Logic as a Reference: Kismet was UE3’s visual scripting system, and now Blueprints serve a similar role in UE5.
• Modularize Gameplay Code: Break the gameplay logic into smaller, reusable modules to streamline development and improve performance.
• Automate with Python: UE5 supports Python automation, allowing us to batch import assets, set up structures, and speed up the porting process.

Other Important Considerations

Cinematics & Camera Systems

Physics

Audio

The Final Checklist: What You Should Do Before Launch

• Export all geometry, animations, and effects from UE3.
• Rebuild materials using the PBR workflow.
• Recreate VFX using Niagara.
• Rewrite gameplay logic in Blueprints/C++.
• Replace cinematics with Sequencer.
• Replace physics with Chaos-based setups.
• Use Lumen for lighting and disable baked lights.
• Perform QA testing to ensure the visuals, performance, and gameplay are up to standard.

Tools We Use to Help Us Along the Way

Our Tips for a Successful Porting Process

• Reuse textures and animations whenever possible to save time and effort.
• Don’t just do a 1:1 port. Use this opportunity to enhance visuals, gameplay, and fidelity.
• Nanite is perfect for static meshes, especially in large environments.
• Use retargeting for animations to make the most out of old and new skeletons.

Porting Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated – Here’s How Devoted Studios Makes It Easy

In game development, there’s a role that not everyone talks about, but it’s super important to the success of a game: Art QA. Art QA’s job is to make sure everything in the game looks and works just as it should. This includes checking 3D models, textures, animations, and special effects to ensure they meet both the technical requirements and the creative goals of the game.

At Devoted Studios, we know how important quality is. As a co-development, full-cycle development, and game porting company, we work hard to make sure every asset (the visual elements like models and textures) is in a class all by itself. And that’s why never skip the step of testing the art to make sure every detail is flawless.

So we want to walk you through what our Art QA does, why it’s important, and how it helps us create better games.

Let’s First Talk About What Art QA Does

Art QA specialists are the bridge between the artistic and technical sides of game development. They focus on checking the quality of a game’s visual elements. Their job is to make sure these elements meet the game’s technical needs and fit the artistic vision.

As Vladyslav Neskhozievsky, 3D Delivery Manager with 3D Art Direction and Tech Art Experience at Devoted Studios, explains,

I would define Art QA as a discipline that focuses on reviewing and ensuring the quality of a game’s artistic content.

Main Responsibilities of Art QA

The Skill Set of an Art QA Specialist

Art QA is more than just a role—it’s a specialized discipline that requires a combination of technical knowledge, artistic sensibility, and strong communication skills. While each studio may have its unique expectations for the role, there are a few essential skills that every Art QA specialist should possess:

🧰 3D Software Knowledge

Proficiency in 3D software is a must for Art QA specialists. Whether it’s Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, or another tool, being familiar with 3D creation packages ensures they can properly assess models and textures.

🖼️ Texture and Asset Review

Art QA specialists need to understand how textures are created, how they’re used in the game engine, and what common issues might arise. Adobe Photoshop, Substance Painter, and other tools are important for this.

🎮 Game Engine Knowledge

Art QA specialists should have a solid understanding of game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity. This knowledge helps them assess how assets will perform in the engine and spot potential issues early on.

🔎 Attention to Detail

Quality assurance is all about the details. Art QA specialists need to be meticulous and able to catch even the smallest of errors, whether it’s a wrong texture resolution, incorrect asset scale, or a performance issue caused by an asset.

💬 Communication Skills

Art QA specialists must effectively communicate feedback to artists, developers, and producers. Their role isn’t just about finding problems; it’s also about collaborating and ensuring that everyone on the team understands the feedback and how to act on it.

🧠 Problem-Solving Abilities

Art QA specialists should be able to think on their feet. Whether they need to suggest ways to fix a visual error or offer an alternative solution, problem-solving is a big part of their role.

Art QA in the Game Development Pipeline

Art QA isn’t a one-off task in the game development process—it’s an ongoing responsibility that spans the entire production cycle. At Devoted Studios, we integrate Art QA into every phase of development, from initial concept art through to the final stages of production.

📐 Pre-Production

During the early stages of the game development cycle, Art QA ensures that the assets created by the art team are aligned with the project’s technical and artistic requirements. This may include checking reference materials, initial concept art, and even early prototypes.

🛠️ Production

As the project moves into full production, Art QA specialists review the assets and ensure they meet the required standards. They work closely with the art team, providing feedback and tracking changes to make sure that everything stays on track.

✅ Post-Production

During the final stages of game development, Art QA is responsible for running through the final checklists. They check that everything is polished and ready for release, from ensuring the game runs smoothly on all platforms to making sure the art looks flawless.

Why Art QA Matters at Devoted Studios

At Devoted Studios, we know that Art QA is an important part of creating great games. As Volodymyr Chuyenko, 3D Delivery Manager with 3D Art Direction and Tech Art Experience at Devoted Studios, says,

Art QA is a technical specialist who works closely with the team of artists and the client. He monitors the quality of the content in technical terms, but can often provide artistic feedback from his side.

This means Art QA isn’t just about making sure the technical side of the game is perfect. It’s also about making sure the game’s visuals match the artistic vision. Art QA helps keep both the technical and artistic parts of the game in balance, which is key to creating a high-quality game.

At Devoted Studios, we believe this balance is crucial. Our Art QA specialists make sure that all the visual elements of the game meet both the technical requirements and the creative direction. This helps us deliver a game that looks amazing and works smoothly, meeting the high standards of our clients.

• Ensuring Seamless Integration: Whether we’re co-developing assets or working on a full development cycle, Art QA ensures that every asset we create integrates seamlessly into the game. This guarantees that the visual elements of the game align with the technical framework and the artistic vision.
• Optimizing Performance: Art QA helps make certain that the assets we create don’t just look good—they also perform well. Whether it’s making sure that assets are optimized for different platforms or that textures load correctly, Art QA specialists work to make sure that the game runs smoothly across all environments.
• Streamlining Communication: Art QA specialists act as a bridge between technical and artistic teams, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. By providing clear and actionable feedback, they help streamline communication and make sure that nothing is overlooked.
• Client Satisfaction: Ultimately, our goal at Devoted Studios is to provide our clients with games that meet their expectations and exceed industry standards. By drawing on the expertise of our Art QA specialists, we can make sure that the final product delivers both technically and artistically.

Devoted Studios Has Been a Trusted Partner for Co-Development and Full-Cycle Game Development

If you’re looking for a co-development partner, full-cycle game development, or game porting services, Devoted Studios is here to help. Our Art QA specialists, along with our skilled teams in co-development, full-cycle development, and porting, guarantee that every project meets the highest standards of quality.

We understand the importance of quality assurance and the value of having experts on your team who can verify that your assets and visual elements are flawless. With our Art QA specialists and dedicated development teams, we bring your vision to life—without compromise.

If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, contact Devoted Studios today. Let’s make something amazing together!

The indie game development world can be brutal, but for those who are passionate about their craft, it’s an adventure worth pursuing. 

Alx Preston, the CEO of Heart Machine, has experienced the highs and lows of indie game development, from crowdfunding to navigating budget constraints and working with publishers. 

In our SpeakIndie Episode #2, Alx shares his journey and thoughts on surviving as an indie developer today.

But First, Let’s Get to Know Alx!

Alxander Preston, nicknamed Alx Preston, is the founder and owner of Heart Machine, a video game studio. He serves as the creative director, head designer, and creator behind notable games like Hyper Light Drifter, Solar Ash, and Hyper Light Breaker.

Alx’s journey into the gaming world didn’t start with a formal background in the industry. In fact, his career began in other entertainment fields, including freelance art and design. It wasn’t until a few years into his career that he decided to take a leap into the gaming world, inspired by indie developers who dared to create their own paths.

I didn’t really want to do AAA because that seems boring or, you know, rough in a lot of ways that I wasn’t interested in. And indie stuff seemed compelling. But, you know, even when it was getting started, it seemed really brutal.

Alx co-founded Heart Machine and started making Hyper Light Drifter, a visually stunning 2D action RPG.

The Realities of Indie Game Development

Creating an indie game isn’t easy—especially as the stakes continue to rise. Alx openly admits that one of the most challenging parts of game development is managing deadlines, expectations, and ever-expanding budgets.

We were planning for Hyper Light Drifter to be a smaller project, but as we got into it, the scope exploded. We ended up needing far more resources than anticipated. It’s rare for an indie game to come in on budget and on time.

With a small team of nine, Alx and his team worked tirelessly to make the game a reality. As anyone in the industry will tell you, working in the gaming world means dealing with constant challenges—especially financial ones.

Crowdfunding and The Kickstart to Success

Heart Machine’s journey with Hyper Light Drifter was made possible thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign. However, this wasn’t a smooth process. Alx initially aimed for a $30,000 goal, but the project required much more.

I thought $30,000 would be enough, but quickly realized that it wasn’t. We ended up reaching a much higher budget. And that’s part of the risk of crowdfunding—estimating how much you really need for a project and adjusting your expectations.

The Kickstarter campaign took nine months to prepare, and even after launching, the journey wasn’t easy. But crowdfunding wasn’t just about money—it was also about building a community. Alx was aware of the risks, but the rewards of seeing players support the game were unmatched.

Crowdfunding was the best opportunity we had. It was an incredible way to engage with our community and get the game off the ground.

Partnering with Publishers

As Heart Machine began to grow, Alx expanded his team and started working with larger publishers. Choosing the right publishing partner can make or break a project, especially when balancing artistic vision with the realities of business.

In the past, I worked with several different publishers on different projects. The key was finding partners who shared our vision and understood the challenges of creating something unique. Devolver Digital, for example, was a great fit for us because they understood our style.

Alx’s strategy was to work with different publishers on different projects, a move that allowed Heart Machine to diversify its opportunities and manage risks.

Managing the Indie Grind: Hard Conversations and Burnout

Indie game development often involves difficult conversations—particularly when it comes to budget extensions, timelines, and creative disagreements. Alx is no stranger to these hard discussions.

It’s all about transparency. When deadlines aren’t being hit or budgets are getting stretched, you have to be honest with yourself and your team. At times, I’ve had to ask for more time and money, even if it wasn’t an easy conversation.

But beyond the tough conversations, there’s an underlying passion that drives indie developers like Alx. Despite the hardships, the love for gaming and creating something new keeps them going.

Staying Agile in a Shifting Industry

As the gaming industry evolves, so too must indie developers. In 2024, the landscape is changing. Alx recognizes that while publishers are tightening their belts, there’s still room for smaller, unique projects that bring something fresh to the table.

Crowdfunding is still viable, but the environment has changed. In the past, indie developers could gain traction just by having a good pitch. But now, the market is flooded with games. It’s much harder to stand out.

One of the trends Alx has observed is that smaller, tactical games seem to be more popular. Games with unique mechanics and strong world-building are resonating with players, but they also carry significant risks.

Building a Strong Community

Community-building is a key element for indie developers. Alx is passionate about creating a relationship with his audience, whether through social media, fan art, or community engagement events like Discord, Gamescom, and Comic-Con.

We’ve built a really great community, and it’s important to continue engaging with them. I’ve seen some amazing fan art over the years, and that always motivates me,” says Alx.

The relationship between indie developers and their community is reciprocal. The fans support the games, but the developers also thrive on the energy and creativity that the community brings.

Future Trends in Indie Game Development

So, what does the future hold for indie game developers like Alx? While there’s still a lot of uncertainty in the industry, Alx believes that things will eventually return to some form of normalcy.

2024 has been a tough year, but I think 2025 will see a return to normalcy. Publishers will become hungrier for new projects, especially from indie developers. The landscape is shifting, but there’s still room for unique games,

As for Alx and Heart Machine, the journey continues with Possessor—a new game with a smaller, more focused scope. He’s learned valuable lessons from past projects, and his team is constantly innovating to create something special.

The Final Words: The Passion Behind the Games

Alx’s journey shows the resilience and passion required to survive in the indie game development world. It’s not an easy road, but for those who truly love what they do, the challenges are worth it.

Games are a passion-driven industry. It’s tough, but that’s what makes it special. You’re creating something that people will love and engage with, and that’s what keeps you going,

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, indie developers like Alx Preston will keep pushing boundaries, taking risks, and creating unique experiences that resonate with players. And for those brave enough to follow in their footsteps, the future of indie gaming is bright.

Video game development is changing fast. In 2025, the demand for high-quality games and faster development cycles is increasing the need for game development outsourcing. Developers are seeking ways to manage costs, access global talent, and get their games to market more quickly. 

As the video game industry continues to grow, outsourcing game development has become a key solution.

How Is the Outsourcing Market Growing in the Gaming Industry?

The global video game outsourcing services market was valued at USD 1062.2 million in 2023, and it’s set to keep growing. The market is expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2024 to 2030, reaching an estimated USD 1955.6 million by the end of the decade. This growth highlights how more game studios, both large and small, are turning to outsourcing to meet their goals, particularly in regions like the USA.

From another source, the Outsourcing Game Development Market is also expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2025 to 2033, reflecting a steady demand across the industry. This trend is driven by the increasing need for data-driven insights and more efficient decision-making, which are becoming essential in game development.

So, why is outsourcing video game development gaining so much traction? The answer is simple: the pressure to produce better games quickly, all while managing limited resources. Here are some of the key trends shaping the outsourcing landscape in 2025.

🎨 Trend 1: The Demand for High-Quality Art Is Getting Higher

One of the biggest reasons developers are turning to game art outsourcing is to meet the rising demand for stunning visuals. As the gaming industry pushes for more realistic graphics and detailed environments, the role of talented artists has never been more important. But not every studio has the resources to hire full-time, top-tier art teams.

Outsourcing game artists is a smart solution. Game studios can tap into specialized talent from all over the world, getting top-quality artwork without breaking the bank. From character design to environmental art, outsourcing gives studios the flexibility to scale their teams as needed and access skills they might not have in-house.

🌍 Trend 2: Expanding Talent Pools for Accessing Skilled Developers Worldwide

In 2025, the need for skilled game developers is greater than ever. With the rise of complex games, new technologies like virtual reality (VR), and new genres, the talent pool has to grow. Game development outsourcing offers a way to access global expertise. Studios no longer need to be limited to local talent, which opens up opportunities for collaboration across borders.

At Devoted Studios, we work with over 3,000 professionals worldwide, including developers from Eastern Europe, artists in Southeast Asia, and designers in Latin America. This global talent pool gives game studios access to some of the best minds in the industry, making outsourcing a powerful tool for scaling projects and elevating quality.

🖼️ Trend 3: Outsourced Studios Bring Expertise in Specialized Art Styles

As the gaming industry grows, there’s more demand for specialized art styles. Game developers want to make their games look special and stand out. Outsourced studios can help with this because they have artists who specialize in different styles, like realistic 3D designs or simple 2D animations. This helps developers create the exact look they want for their game without having to train their in-house team in every style. While many studios prefer working with fewer external partners, specialized skills are a key factor in deciding who to collaborate with.

Outsourcing also allows developers to get high-quality work quickly. For example, if a studio needs a specific art style for a fantasy or retro game, they can turn to experts who already know how to create it. This means faster results and a more polished final product. By working with outsourced studios, developers can focus on other parts of the game, knowing the art will be taken care of by skilled professionals.

💰 Trend 4: Studios Are Seeking More Cost-Effective Solutions for Their Development

For many game developers, especially smaller studios or indie game developers, keeping costs in check is a top priority. Outsourcing video game development is one of the most effective ways to do this. By partnering with external studios or freelancers, developers can manage their budget more effectively while still producing top-tier games.

Outsourcing also gives studios the ability to manage specific aspects of the game, like coding, testing, or animation, without having to bring in additional full-time employees. This is particularly valuable when it comes to short-term projects or phases of development where specialized skills are needed temporarily.

⏱️ Trend 5: Studios Are Looking To Speed Up Development Cycles

In the gaming industry, the clock is always ticking. Players expect regular updates, and competitors are constantly releasing new titles. This pressure has led many developers to seek ways to speed up their development cycles. Outsourcing game development plays a major role here. By partnering with external teams, developers can divide their workload and speed up the production process.

Rather than managing every aspect of development in-house, studios can outsource tasks like QA testing, bug fixing, or level design, allowing in-house teams to focus on the core elements of the game. This way, games can be released faster and with fewer bugs or issues, which is key to staying competitive in a crowded market.

🕹️ Trend 6: Studios Are Adopting New Technologies

The gaming industry is constantly evolving with new technologies like augmented reality (AR), machine learning, and advanced graphics engines. In 2025, outsourcing game development is a key way to integrate these new technologies without the need to train an entire in-house team. External partners often have the expertise and experience to work with cutting-edge tools and technologies, making it easier for studios to stay ahead of the curve.

For example, a studio developing a VR game may require specialized developers who are skilled in VR mechanics and performance optimization. As the VR gaming industry continues to grow, with the consumer VR market expected to rise from less than $16 billion in 2024 to over $18 billion by the end of 2025, outsourcing these tasks lets the studio focus on other parts of the game. 

🤝Trend 7: Game Developers Are Shifting to Flexible Business Models for Better Results

Game outsourcing in 2025 is about creating flexible partnerships, not just hiring an external team. Many game studios are shifting away from traditional outsourcing models and are opting for co-development partnerships. These partnerships allow for more collaboration, making sure that both parties work together from the start of the project through to the final release.

Co-development outsourcing offers studios the chance to work closely with their external partners, aligning their vision with the development process. This collaborative approach leads to better communication, fewer misunderstandings, and ultimately, a better game.

The Role of Devoted Studios in Game Development Outsourcing

As the demand for game development outsourcing grows in 2025, we at Devoted Studios are ready to meet these growing needs. We are a co-development service provider specializing in full-cycle game development services worldwide. Whether it’s art, design, programming, quality assurance, or even porting games, we have the expertise to handle every aspect of game development.

By partnering with us, game developers gain access to our extensive experience and knowledge, helping make sure their projects stay on track, within budget, and on time. As a trusted outsourcing partner, we are here to help you streamline the game development process.

The gaming industry has come a long way, growing bigger and more exciting with each passing year. New technologies, platforms, and genres keep opening up fresh opportunities for developers and publishers. Players now want to enjoy their favorite games on whatever device they have—consoles, PCs, or mobiles. This means there’s a growing demand for games that can be played on multiple platforms.

This shift in player expectations has made game porting an essential part of the gaming landscape. Developers are realizing the potential of expanding their games to different platforms to reach more players and tap into new markets. The global games market, including mobile and other platforms, generated more than $184 billion in revenue in 2023, growing by +0.6% year-over-year, and is projected to grow to $205 billion by 2026. This just shows how important it is for developers to port games to multiple platforms in order to tap into all that potential.

Reference: blog.udonis.co

However, before you jump into the process of porting games, there are some important steps you need to take. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple checklist of things to consider before starting video game porting and how to make sure your game is ready for the switch.

Game Porting Is Not as Simple as Just Pressing a Button

First, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. Game porting is the process of adapting a video game so that it works on a different platform or operating system. For example, taking a game originally developed for PC and making it run on a console like the PlayStation or Xbox. It could also mean moving your game from one operating system, like Windows, to another, like macOS.

This is a big task, but it can be worth it. A well-executed game porting service can help you reach a wider audience, increase your game’s lifespan, and bring in more revenue. 

Now, let’s take a closer look at how we, at Devoted Studios, handle game porting and how we can help game studios successfully port their games.

🕹️ Evaluate the Target Platform

Before we get started, we take the time to fully understand the platform you want to port your game to. Every platform—whether it’s a console, mobile device, or new operating system—comes with its own unique hardware, software, and features. We make sure to research these differences so we can plan the best way to adapt your game.

We also take a close look at your game’s codebase. Is it built to be flexible for the new platform? Does it rely on platform-specific features that might need adjusting? By identifying these potential challenges early, we can make sure everything runs smoothly as we move forward with the porting process.

🛠️ Set Up the Right Tools

Once we know what we’re dealing with, we focus on setting up the right development tools. This includes ensuring we have the proper software development kits (SDKs) and any platform-specific tools needed for the job. For example, porting to a console requires access to that platform’s development environment, which we make sure is ready to go.

We also set up essential tools like cross-platform libraries and version control systems to keep everything running smoothly. These tools help us stay on track and make sure your build machine is working properly.

💻 Modify Code and Assets

With the tools in place, we start making the necessary changes to your game’s code so it’s compatible with the new platform’s API. This step is essential—your game needs to communicate with the new system properly. We optimize the code for performance, ensuring it runs smoothly on the new platform.

We also look at the game’s assets like textures, audio, and models, then we modify them as needed. Each platform has its own set of requirements. For example, high-end consoles might need high-resolution assets, while mobile devices require smaller ones. We make sure everything fits the new system’s capabilities.

🎮 Adapt UI/UX and Features

UI (user interface) and UX (user experience) are important when porting games. Every platform has different input methods, like touch screens on mobile devices, controllers for consoles, or mouse and keyboard for PCs. We make sure the UI works smoothly with these input methods by adjusting menus, buttons, and control schemes as needed.

We also check how your game looks across different screen sizes and resolutions. What works well on a mobile device might need adjustments for a larger TV screen or gaming monitor. 

🚀 Test and Optimize Thoroughly

Testing is a big part of our process. We test every aspect of the game to make sure everything works as it should on the new platform—no bugs, no crashes, no performance issues. From the gameplay itself to sound and graphics, we make sure everything is polished.

During testing, we also focus on optimizing the game for the target platform. For example, mobile devices often need optimization for battery life, while consoles may require adjustments to smooth out graphics or improve load times. We fine-tune every detail to make sure the game performs well across all systems.

📝 Meet Certification and Compliance Requirements

Before launch, we make sure the game meets the platform’s certification requirements and complies with all legal guidelines. This includes checking the game’s age rating, ensuring compliance with platform terms, and making any necessary adjustments for regional or cultural requirements.

Let Devoted Studios Handle Your Game Porting

Porting games can be complex and time-consuming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Game porting services, like Devoted Studios, can help you handle everything from technical adjustments to performance optimization. Our services have the expertise needed to make sure that your game is ported smoothly and successfully.

We offer comprehensive game porting services to seamlessly transition your game across platforms. Our expert team specializes in adapting your game’s content and functionality to ensure it performs optimally on new systems. We tailor our approach to each project, using our creativity and technical expertise to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.

When working with Devoted, you can expect:

• Certification Guaranteed: All submissions are approved on the first attempt.

• Optimized Performance: We meet high performance standards without compromising quality. For example, we successfully adapt VR games to flat-screen gameplay, fine-tune controls, UI, and balance for the best experience.

Games We’ve Successfully Ported

FNAF: SECURITY BREACH

VR survival horror video game developed by Steel Wool Studio

👥 TEAM ROLE

• Ported the game to Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and XBox, with significant technical and visual optimization. 
• Porting and post-release bug fixing and patches

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Achieving stable 30 FPS on Switch, using up to 1024 textures, and tuning Light and Shadows to provide quality gameplay.
• Stabilizing performance on the past gen consoles (60 fps avg) while bringing in visual improvements to hit quality comparable with PC version Ultra settings.

FNAF: HELP WANTED

VR survival horror video game developed by Steel Wool Studio

👥 TEAM ROLE

• Porting to Switch
• Optimization of game for PS4, PS5
• Porting of DLC for Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Switch

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Achieving stable 30 FPS on Switch, using up to 1024 textures,  and tuning Light and Shadows to provide quality gameplay.
• Stabilizing performance on the past gen consoles (60 fps avg) while bringing  in visual improvements to hit quality comparable with PC version Ultra settings.

OPEN ROADS

Adventure mystery-thriller video game

👥 TEAM ROLE

• Tech art and lighting for porting to Switch
• Optimization process for Switch
• Lighting setup and baking
• Scene dressing

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Creating an optimized tree system for the Nintendo port to achieve 30fps.
• Relighting and post-processing the scene to enhance the overall experience and mood.

RISK OF RAIN 2

We understand that game porting comes with its set of challenges, from adapting to different hardware specifications to optimizing performance across various platforms. These tasks can be daunting for developers looking to expand their game’s reach. 

At Devoted Studios, we’re here to streamline this process. Our experienced team is skilled at navigating these complexities, ensuring that your game retains its quality on every platform. We’re committed to helping you captivate a broader audience without sacrificing performance or the gaming experience.

Stats That Speak for Themselves

The need for game porting services has never been more critical. For instance, in 2024, a significant jump in developers focusing on PC games has been observed, climbing from 66% to 80% within a year. This spike may be tied to the growing popularity of platforms like Valve’s Steam Deck, which, while not officially listed as a development option, was noted by 44% of developers under the ‘Other’ category as a key area of interest.

Moreover, the mobile games market is set to grow significantly. By 2025, it’s expected to earn about $126.10 billion, and by 2029, this number could go up to $156.60 billion. The number of people playing mobile games is also expected to increase, reaching 2.4 billion by 2029. Right now, about 26.6% of people play mobile games, and this is likely to rise to 29.8% by 2029. This big growth shows just how important it is to adapt games for different platforms, like mobile devices, to reach more players.

7 Years of Game Porting Excellence: Our Proven Process

After seven years in game development and porting,we’ve figured out a process that works really well. Our approach mixes solid knowledge, new ideas, and careful planning to make game porting easy and effective.

Our way of managing projects is based on agile principles, which means it’s adaptable and efficient. We carefully plan every part of the process, from the first idea to the final checks. This ensures we don’t miss anything and everything gets done right.

Our team is filled with skilled people like QA engineers and programmers who are really good at what they do. They are led by our experienced project managers who make sure everyone works together well.

Our goal is to make the game porting process clear and simple for you, so you can focus on creating great games that players will love on any platform.

How Do Our Game Porting Services Work?

This Is What Our Development Stages Look Like

🕐 Estimation and Planning

Before we start any porting project, we begin with careful estimation and planning. Our team assesses the project’s scope by reviewing the game’s existing code and planning any updates or new features needed. We also determine the level of platform support required, ensuring that the game will function properly on the new platform.

 

🚀 Onboarding and Build Launch

Once planning is complete, we move to the onboarding and build launch stage. Here, we focus on getting the initial build of the game up and running on the target device. Our team works through any issues that prevent the game from reaching level 1 functionality, and we begin optimizing the game based on the initial performance feedback.

 

🐣 Alpha Stage

In the alpha stage, our main goal is to optimize the game’s most critical performance updates. We work on removing gameplay blockers that hinder progress and start integrating basic platform features. This stage is crucial for ensuring that the core game mechanics work flawlessly.

 

🧪 Beta Stage

During the beta stage, we conduct a second round of optimizations and begin fine-tuning the game. This includes fixing any bugs that were identified in the alpha stage and making further adjustments to game functions and gameplay to ensure a seamless experience. We also work on platform features that enhance the game beyond its original scope.

 

✅ Release Candidate (RC) Stage

Finally, we reach the release candidate stage, where our focus shifts to bug fixing and final tuning based on feedback. Our developers perform thorough checks and adjustments to refine gameplay and ensure that the game meets all platform-specific requirements. We also provide optional TRC support if the game has already been submitted to platform holders, focusing on compliance and resolving any outstanding issues.

Throughout these stages, our team uses advanced tools and follows a structured workflow to ensure that every game we port meets our high standards for quality and performance. By breaking down the porting process into these detailed stages, we maintain control over the project and deliver results that satisfy both our clients and the end-users.

 

What Will You Receive As Our Client?

Fully Ready Submissions	You will receive only top-quality, fully tested submissions that are ready to integrate into your game. We make sure every delivery has passed our stringent internal review before it reaches you.
Time Tracking	Our project managers use the Tempo Plugin with JIRA to meticulously track the time spent on each task by our artists and developers. You’ll get regular updates showing the progress and status of these tasks.
Status Reports	We keep you well-informed with weekly or bi-weekly sprint demos and retrospectives. These meetings provide you with detailed updates on the project’s progress, its current status, and any areas for improvement. We also welcome any questions or feedback during our video game porting collaboration.

 

Games We’ve Ported

FNAF: SECURITY BREACH

VR survival horror video game developed by Steel Wool Studio

👥 TEAM ROLE

• Ported the game to Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and XBox, with significant technical and visual optimization. 
• Porting and post-release bug fixing and patches

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Achieving stable 30 FPS on Switch, using up to 1024 textures, and tuning Light and Shadows to provide quality gameplay.
• Stabilizing performance on the past gen consoles (60 fps avg) while bringing in visual improvements to hit quality comparable with PC version Ultra settings.

FNAF: HELP WANTED

VR survival horror video game developed by Steel Wool Studio

👥 TEAM ROLE

• Porting to Switch
• Optimization of game for PS4, PS5
• Porting of DLC for Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Switch

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Achieving stable 30 FPS on Switch, using up to 1024 textures,  and tuning Light and Shadows to provide quality gameplay.
• Stabilizing performance on the past gen consoles (60 fps avg) while bringing  in visual improvements to hit quality comparable with PC version Ultra settings.

 

FNAF: HELP WANTED 2

👥 TEAM ROLE

• Porting to Meta (Oculus) Quests 2, 3, Pro
• Porting VR to flat for PC and PS5, Xbox, Switch

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Successfully optimizing it to comply with the high-performance expectations of the platform, without compromising quality.
• Successfully adopting VR game to flat-screen gameplay, designing new controls, UI and game balance.

 

FNAF: HELP WANTED 2. Pico Porting

Porting of Five Nights At Freddy’s from PC to Neo 3 and Pico 4 VR sets.

👥 TEAM ROLE

Porting of the game from Meta (Oculus) to Neo 3 & Pico 4 Pico 4 Ultra VR headsets (VR to VR version)

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Ensured clear visibility on project coordination 
• and successful on-time delivery
• Integrated custom achievements screen
• Optimized RAM, CPU, and GPU for performance and visuals
• Adapted UI and integrated main platform features

⚡️ OUR CHALLENGES

• Coordinating multiple stakeholders (our team, Byte Dance, Steel Wool)
• Addressing unique Pico device hardware and software features

 

OPEN ROADS

Adventure mystery-thriller video game

👥 TEAM ROLE

• Tech art and lighting for porting to Switch
• Optimization process for Switch
• Lighting setup and baking
• Scene dressing

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Creating an optimized tree system for the Nintendo port to achieve 30fps.
• Relighting and post-processing the scene to enhance the overall experience and mood.

 

RISK OF RAIN 2

Escape a chaotic alien planet by fighting through hordes of frenzied monsters

👥 TEAM ROLE

• Co-dev & Porting to Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X|S.
• Integration of all network features.
• Rendering optimization.
• Support for DLC.

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Boosted FPS performance by 57% on all levels.
• Introduced Multiplayer to PS and Xbox platforms, featuring 4-player coop.
• Prepared the game to certification. As part of “Survivors of the Void” DLC
• DLC certification passed on all platforms from the 1st try.

 

Risk of Rain 2 Port Development Journey

Network Optimization	Introduced 4 players coop to PS & Xbox versions.
Rendering Optimization	Stabilized & Improved performance for all game versions
Performance Improvement	Increase performance by 57% across all levels
DLC Addition	Clear platform certification on first submission

 

We’re especially proud of

Successful port of Gearbox’s Unity-powered roguelike Risk of Rain 2, well-received by players.	We optimized shaders, scenes, post-processing, and materials,boosting performance by 57% across all levels.	DLC addition “Survivors of the Void” cleared platform certification on first submission, strengthening our partnership with Gearbox.

 

SPELLBREAK

Is a battle royale game that combines magic, roguelike, and RPG elements

👥 TEAM ROLE

• Full Cycle Porting to Nintendo Switch
• Optimize assets for Nintendo Switch compatibility
• Create platform-appropriate UI for Nintendo Switch 
• Ensure seamless integration of core content and features during parallel development

🏆 OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

• Spellbreaker’s port was simultaneously shipped along with the original release, without delays and in quality. 
• Deep optimizations of CPU and GPU performance, allowing smooth gameplay on Switch.

 

To wrap things up…

Porting games is what we do best at Devoted Studios. We take the hard parts of making a game work on different platforms and handle them for you. Our team makes sure your game plays well and looks great, no matter where it’s played.