Outsourcing your game art is a great way to save time and money while increasing the quality of your product. When done right, you can get the most out of your outsourcing investment. Here are some tips for getting the most from your outsourcing to ensure you don’t get behind in the ever-changing world of game art.

Set Clear Goals and Expections

Before you even begin to look for an outsourcing partner, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you need from them.  The first step in setting clear goals and expectations is to define your goals clearly. What do you want out of this relationship? What are the deliverables? When do you need them? Being as specific as possible about your goals will ensure that everyone involved knows what is expected of them. Not only will this help reduce misunderstandings, but it will also make it easier for both parties to plan accordingly. 

It’s essential to set realistic expectations when it comes to outsourcing work. If you expect your partner to complete tasks that are beyond their capabilities or timeline, then there’s a good chance that things won’t go as planned. Remember, no one likes surprises so make sure to have an honest discussion with your partner about what they can realistically provide in terms of timeline and quality before signing any contract.

Do your Research

Choosing an outsourcing partner is no small task – there are many factors that must be taken into consideration before making a decision. In order to cope with this task effectively, do the following steps.

1) Start With A List of Questions

Before you even begin researching potential partners, come up with a list of questions that will help you gauge who is the best fit for your project. What experience do they have in developing games? What kind of team size do they have? Have they ever worked on projects similar to yours? Do they have any reviews or testimonials from past clients? Can their team meet the timeline and budget of your project? Then, when it comes time to interview potential partners, use this list as a guide. 

2) Check Out Their Portfolio

A good portfolio should give you an idea of what kind of work they produce and how experienced they are working on game development projects. Look out for any red flags—games that look unfinished or lack polish—as this could be a sign that their team isn’t as experienced as they claim. Also, pay attention to any awards or recognition their portfolio might have received; these can be indications that the team has real talent and skill in producing quality games. 

3) Ask For References

If possible, ask potential outsourcing partners for references from past clients so you can get a better sense of what it’s like to work with them. These references should provide valuable insights into things like communication style, professionalism, reliability, etc., which can help you decide whether or not the team is right for your project. If possible, also try to talk directly to developers who have worked with them in the past; this will give you first-hand knowledge about what it’s like working with them on an individual level

Create an Outsourcing Strategy

Communication is key when it comes to managing any kind of relationship—especially one involving outsourcing game art projects. Establishing good communication between you and your third-party contractor will help ensure that there are no misunderstandings or miscommunications during the process. It is also important to keep regular contact with your contractor throughout the project so that any issues are addressed promptly and productively.  

When you’re working with a third-party contractor, it’s crucial to identify potential pitfalls before they occur. This means taking steps such as evaluating their skillset prior to hiring them and ensuring that all contracts are watertight before signing off on them. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a contingency plan in place for unforeseen circumstances such as delays or cost overruns. 

Stay involved in the project throughout its entirety, from start to finish. Set up regular check-ins with your provider so that you can monitor progress and provide feedback as needed. Make sure that any changes or adjustments are communicated clearly so that everyone is on the same page going forward. If possible, try to be as hands-on as possible; this will help ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible and that you get exactly what you want from your investment in outsourced game art.

Outsourcing game art can be an excellent way to save time and money while increasing quality at the same time—but only if it’s done correctly! By setting clear goals and expectations upfront, choosing your provider carefully, and staying involved throughout the process, you can ensure that you get maximum value out of your investment in outsourced game art without leaving anything on the table. Make sure not to get left behind by following these tips for getting more out of your outsource game art investments!

Yes, there has been controversy everywhere surrounding AI-generated art due to concerns about creativity, originality, copyright, and the impact on the art market. But regardless of the controversy, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in the field of art, creating everything from paintings to music and other types of creative works.

How does AI work? AI works by using data and algorithms that can be trained on large collections of existing artworks. By analyzing these datasets, AI learns the patterns, styles, and content of the artworks. Then, it uses this knowledge to generate new pieces that mimic and copy the style or content of the originals.

While some people are excited about AI art, many artists are not thrilled. They believe AI art misses the human touch and creativity that make art special.

What Is an AI scraper?

A “scraper” is a tool or bot used to automatically extract data from websites. “Scraping” refers to this process of data extraction, often used for purposes such as training AI models.

And How Do Game Artists Suffer From Scraping?

Game artists suffer from scraping when bots automatically extract and copy images or content from their online portfolios without permission. While the people who do not have the time or skill to be artists benefit from this because AI – through scraping – allows even non-artists to describe what they want and get amazing, high-quality results.

Where in reality, making beautiful and eye-catching art takes a lot of skill, effort, and time to practice. And of course, artists who have their work stolen have every right to feel upset.

One Artstation artist, who wished to remain anonymous, explained their concerns about AI in the art world, “As an artist, I rely on my own creativity, vision, and skills to create my art. AI-generated art takes all of that away, and instead relies on algorithms and data to produce something that is soulless and lacking in genuine emotion or meaning.” 

“It’s not real art, and it’s not fair to the artists who have dedicated their lives to honing their craft,” they continued.

So in order to safeguard intellectual property, platforms hosting artist portfolios should implement measures to reduce scraper actions.

Will AI Replace Artists?

To be honest, no. Although it may seem like it is replacing artists and their work, the truth is that it is highly unlikely that AI will replace humans entirely. Here’s why:

• AI Does Not Have Human Capability: While AI can be trained to generate art in a certain style or using specific prompts, it lacks the ability to create truly original or emotionally impactful art pieces the way a human artist can. Additionally, many people value the unique perspective and personal touch that a human artist brings to their work.
• AI Is Lacking of Emotions: Another reason is that art is a form of self-expression and is often used as a way for people to communicate their emotions and experiences. Even with the most advanced AI technology, it may not be possible for a machine to fully understand or convey the complexity and depth of human emotions in the same way as a human artist.

Art is also seen as a cultural product, having a social and cultural context. AI can replicate forms, but it would have a hard time to understand the nuances that come from the human experience and culture.

Many people view art as a form of craft, requiring skill and practice to master. While AI can be programmed to generate art, it may not have the same level of skill and technique that a human artist who has dedicated years to honing their art skill would possess.

AI art however, can help artists generate ideas and provide inspiration. Creative blockages can often hinder an artist’s progress, but AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, such as images, texts, and music, to generate new concepts and spark fresh ideas. But, AI should not be used to create art from scratch.

What Are Some Alternative Platforms That Don’t Support AI-Generated Content?

However, as the debate over AI-generated art continues, it is important to consider the concerns of those who are against its use and to make sure that the work of human artists is valued and protected. Therefore some artists started looking for alternative platforms to showcase their artworks. 

And if you are one of them, who are looking for places that don’t allow AI art, here are some platforms just for you. These sites value human creativity and keep AI art out.

Devoted CG

Devoted CG is a platform where game companies and game artists connect to collaborate on exciting projects. Our goal is to facilitate connections and partnerships for creating video games, entertainment, virtual production, and AR/VR experiences.

We protect artists from AI in several ways.

1) We utilize Cloudflare, a web infrastructure and security service, to enhance website performance and protect the intellectual property of the digital art portfolios hosted on our platform. Cloudflare helps keep our website running smoothly and safely by blocking unauthorized bots trying to steal data, this will make sure that AI companies cannot misuse your work.  

2) Devoted CG does not use the portfolios to train AI models. We also do not allow third-party companies to use our users’ data for training AI.

Here are some cool brand-new features on Devoted CG that you are sure to love:

• Easy Portfolio Import: With just two clicks, you can import your portfolio from ArtStation.

• Optimized Profile Setup: Fill in your profile with styles, tags, software used, and your daily & hourly rates. This ensures you receive only relevant requests from potential clients.
• One-Time NDA Signing: There is no need to sign an NDA with every client — just do it once and you’re covered.
• Share Your Portfolio: Once your portfolio is reviewed by Devoted’s in-house Art Directors, you’ll have the opportunity to share it on social media or include it in your CV, showcasing your work to the world!

Artgram

Artgram is a platform for artists who want to make sure their work is showcased in a space free from AI-generated content. Artgram has a system that automatically detects and blocks AI-generated artwork. And they clearly state, “We do not allow any AI-generated content.”

This means artists can confidently share their artworks, knowing they are in a community that values and protects human-made creativity. You can focus on your own creativity without worrying about AI art mixing with your work.

Newgrounds

As one of the biggest and oldest communities of artists, game developers, musicians, voice actors, and writers, Newgrounds is another platform that takes a strong stand against AI-generated art, and they made it clear under their guidelines – AI images are banned from their platform – which says, “AI-generated art is not allowed in the Art Portal.”

This makes Newgrounds a trusted place for artists to share their work and engage with a community that values originality. You can participate in the community, share your creations, and know that all the art you see is made by real, human artists, just like you.

Furaffinity

Furaffinity has a strict policy that does not allow content made using AI, machine learning, or similar generators. This includes not only images but also derivative works like stories, audio, and backgrounds.

This policy explicitly says that, “Content made using AI, machine learning, or similar generators is not allowed, including derivative works created from it (e.g. stories, audio, backgrounds, paint-overs, using one’s own content to generate new content).” Meaning, this will guarantee that all content on Furaffinity is authentically human-made. 

Artists can share their work without worrying about AI-generated content overshadowing their artworks. It is a great space for those who want to keep the focus on human creativity and originality.

Artfol

Artfol is another excellent platform for artists wanting to avoid AI-generated content. Artfol’s policy is simple, “Any content created entirely or partially using AI generative models (such as AI models using the LAION dataset) will be removed from Artfol.”

This means that any art created with the help of AI models won’t be allowed on the site. Artists can share their work in a safe and genuine environment. In addition to their no AI art, they also have a community where artists can connect and grow together. 

Cara.app

Cara.app is another platform that strictly prohibits AI-generated art. This means every piece of art you see on Cara.app is made by a real person, not AI. To make sure of this, Cara.app uses an AI detector that can automatically filter and reject AI-generated images from portfolios.

This platform is dedicated to keeping art real and authentic, which makes it a special place for artists. You will not have to worry about AI-generated pieces overshadowing your work. Cara.app ensures that all artists have a fair chance to shine and that creativity and originality are always valued.

Besides its strong stance on AI art, Cara.app offers lots of tools and resources to help artists grow and connect with each other. You can join interactive forums, participate in artist groups, and follow tutorials to improve your skills. It’s a fantastic place for artists who want to be part of a supportive community and share their work.

Why Do We Think These Platforms Matter?

As AI continues to grow within the art industry, the debate over its role will keep going. Many artists feel that AI-generated art lacks the personal touch that makes art special. They want to share their work on platforms that respect and protect human creativity.

Choosing the right platform can help every artist find a community that appreciates their art and values their hard work, skills, and effort. These platforms provide tools and resources to help them showcase and sell their art, without worrying about AI-generated competition.

If you decide to find the alternative for ArtStation and showcase your artworks elsewhere, choose wisely and pick up the platform that fits you best!

Co-development is a collaborative approach to game development that involves multiple game production companies working together to create a single project. This approach has been shown to be highly effective and can lead to the creation of better and more successful games.

One of the key benefits of co-development is that it allows different game companies to share their expertise and knowledge. For example, a game production company that specializes in creating engaging stories can collaborate with a company that has expertise in creating high-quality graphics, resulting in a game that has both a compelling narrative and beautiful visuals.

Another benefit of co-development is that it allows game companies to pool their resources and talent. By working together, companies can create larger and more ambitious games that would not be possible for a single company to develop on its own. This can lead to the creation of games that are more complex and engaging, and that offer players a richer and more immersive gaming experience.

Co-development also allows game companies to share the risks and costs associated with game development. By working together, companies can spread the financial burden of game development across multiple partners, which can help to reduce the overall cost of development and make it more feasible for companies to create larger and more ambitious games.

Effective Co-development Strategies

Identify Strengths

One of the key strategies for effective co-development is to identify the strengths and expertise of each game company involved in the collaboration. By understanding the unique capabilities of each partner, game companies can work together to create a game that leverages the strengths of each partner and creates a more well-rounded and engaging experience for players.

Distribute Responsibilities

It is crucial to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each partner. By defining the specific tasks and responsibilities of each partner, game companies can ensure that the collaboration is well-organized and efficient and that each partner is contributing to the overall success of the game.

Effective Communication

By establishing regular communication channels and setting up clear lines of communication, game companies can ensure that all partners are informed about the progress of the game and are able to provide input and feedback.

Largest Co-development Projects

In recent years, the gaming industry has seen an increase in the number of games that were co-developed by multiple game production companies. This collaborative approach to game development has been shown to be highly effective and has led to the creation of some of the most successful and critically-acclaimed games in the industry.

One of the most notable examples of a game that was co-developed is the popular action-adventure game, The Last of Us. The game was developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and was released for the PlayStation 3 in 2013. The Last of Us was a commercial and critical success and has been widely praised for its engaging story, compelling characters, and innovative gameplay.

Another successful game that was co-developed is the popular role-playing game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The game was developed by CD Projekt Red and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and was released for multiple platforms in 2015. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was a massive success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide, and has been praised for its rich and immersive world, engaging story, and complex characters.

In addition to these examples, there are many other games that have been co-developed by multiple companies, including the popular first-person shooter, Destiny, which was developed by Bungie and published by Activision, and the popular action-adventure game, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, which was developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Overall, the increasing use of co-development in the gaming industry has led to the creation of some of the most successful and critically-acclaimed games in the industry. By leveraging the strengths and expertise of multiple game companies, co-development can help to create better and more engaging games that are enjoyed by millions of players worldwide.

Game production companies are responsible for creating and developing video games, which are played on a variety of platforms including computers, consoles, and mobile devices. These companies are typically involved in every aspect of game production, from initial concept and design to development and testing, to marketing and distribution.

There are a number of game production companies operating in the industry today, ranging from small independent studios to large multinational corporations. Some of the most well-known game production companies include Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Microsoft Studios.

Nintendo

When it comes to game production, few companies can match the success and innovation of Japanese game developer and publisher, Nintendo. Founded in 1889, Nintendo is one of the oldest and most respected game companies in the world, and has consistently been at the forefront of the gaming industry for over 130 years.

Throughout its history, Nintendo has been responsible for creating some of the most iconic and beloved game franchises in the world. From the early days of Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. to more recent hits like Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo has consistently been able to create engaging and entertaining games that have captivated players of all ages.

One of the key factors in Nintendo’s success as a game producer is its commitment to innovation and creativity. The company has always been willing to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of gaming, and this has resulted in a number of industry-changing innovations. For example, Nintendo was one of the first companies to introduce motion control technology to gaming with the release of the Wii console in 2006, which allowed players to control their games using physical gestures.

In addition to its commitment to innovation, Nintendo is also known for its high-quality game design and production. The company’s games are known for their engaging stories, compelling characters, and beautiful graphics, which have helped to make them some of the most popular and successful games in the world.

Despite the challenges posed by the constantly evolving gaming industry, Nintendo has continued to thrive and remains one of the best game producers in the world. With its commitment to innovation, high-quality game design, and a deep understanding of what makes games fun and engaging, Nintendo is poised to continue its success as a game producer for many years to come.

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Sony Interactive Entertainment is a leading game production company and a subsidiary of the Japanese electronics company, Sony Corporation. The company is best known for its PlayStation line of video game consoles, which have been popular since their introduction in 1994. In addition to its consoles, Sony is also a leading publisher of video games, with a number of popular franchises such as God of War, Uncharted, and The Last of Us.

Sony Interactive Entertainment was first established in 1993 as Sony Computer Entertainment and was responsible for the development and production of the original PlayStation console. The PlayStation, which was released in 1994, was a revolutionary piece of gaming technology that introduced 3D graphics and CD-ROM technology to the world of gaming. The console was a massive success, selling over 100 million units worldwide, and helped to establish Sony as a major player in the gaming industry.

Over the years, Sony has continued to evolve and innovate in the world of gaming. In 2000, the company released the PlayStation 2, which introduced DVD technology to gaming and became the best-selling video game console of all time, with over 155 million units sold worldwide. In 2006, Sony released the PlayStation 3, which introduced motion control technology and became the first video game console to support high-definition graphics.

In addition to its popular consoles, Sony is also a leading publisher of video games. The company has a number of popular franchises, including God of War, Uncharted, and The Last of Us, which have won numerous awards and accolades for their engaging stories, compelling characters, and innovative gameplay.

Today, Sony Interactive Entertainment continues to be a leading game production company and is at the forefront of the gaming industry. With its commitment to innovation and high-quality game design, the company is well-positioned to continue its success and remain one of the top players in the world of gaming.

Microsoft Studios

Microsoft Studios is a leading game production company and a subsidiary of American technology company, Microsoft Corporation. The company is best known for its Xbox line of video game consoles, which were first released in 2001. In addition to its consoles, Microsoft Studios is also a leading publisher of video games, with popular franchises such as Halo, Gears of War, and Minecraft.

Microsoft Studios was first established in 2002 as Microsoft Game Studios, and was responsible for the development and production of the original Xbox console. The Xbox, which was released in 2001, was a powerful and innovative gaming system that introduced online gaming and a number of other industry-changing features. The console was a success, selling over 24 million units worldwide, and helped to establish Microsoft as a major player in the gaming industry.

Over the years, Microsoft has continued to evolve and innovate in the world of gaming. In 2005, the company released the Xbox 360, which introduced motion control technology and became the first video game console to support high-definition graphics. In 2013, Microsoft released the Xbox One, which introduced a number of new features including voice control and the ability to watch live television.

In addition to its popular consoles, Microsoft Studios is also a leading publisher of video games. The company has a number of popular franchises, including Halo, Gears of War, and Minecraft, which have won numerous awards and accolades for their engaging stories, compelling characters, and innovative gameplay.

Today, Microsoft Studios continues to be a leading game production company and is at the forefront of the gaming industry. With its commitment to innovation and high-quality game design, the company is well-positioned to continue its success and remain one of the top players in the world of gaming.

In addition to these well-known game production companies, there are also many smaller independent studios that are making a name for themselves in the industry. These studios are often known for their creativity and innovation, and are responsible for some of the most critically-acclaimed games in the industry.

The game production industry itself is a vibrant and dynamic sector that is constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of gaming. From large multinational corporations to small independent studios, game production companies are at the forefront of this exciting and rapidly-growing industry.

You may have heard of the metaverse before – it’s a concept that’s been around for a while, made popular by sci-fi books and movies like Ready Player One and the Matrix. Essentially, the metaverse is a parallel universe that can be accessed through cyberspace, where people can interact with each other and with digital representations of real-world objects.

And while the idea of the metaverse may seem like something straight out of a science fiction novel, it’s actually not all that far from reality. In recent years, there have been a number of companies and organizations that have begun to experiment with using the metaverse for marketing purposes. For example, in 2019, Toyota launched an interactive marketing campaign in the metaverse called “The Grid.” Users could explore an immersive digital world filled with Toyota vehicles and interact with avatars representing Toyota employees.

So what does this mean for the future of marketing? While it’s still early days yet, it’s not difficult to imagine a future where more and more brands begin to establish a presence in the metaverse. After all, what better way to reach potential customers than by inviting them into an immersive, interactive world that you control?

Of course, creating a presence in the metaverse is not without its challenges. For starters, it requires a significant amount of time and resources to create a robust and believable virtual world. Additionally, there is always the risk that users will get bored or frustrated with your campaign if it isn’t well-executed.

That being said, we believe that the potential rewards definitely outweigh the risks. If you’re looking for a way to take your marketing efforts to the next level, then we recommend considering investing in the metaverse. It might just be the key to unlocking unmatched levels of customer engagement!

How to Build a Brand in the Metaverse

In the physical world, brands have to worry about things like brick-and-mortar locations, product placement, and marketing campaigns. But in the metaverse, there are far fewer limitations. You can be anything you want to be, and your brand can be anything you want it to be. So how do you create a brand that will stand out in the metaverse?

Here are a few tips:

Find Your Niche

A metaverse is a big place, and there’s room for all sorts of brands. But in order for your brand to be successful, you need to find your niche. What are you offering that no one else is? Why should people care about your brand? Answering these questions will help you figure out what makes your brand unique and how to market it effectively.

Think About Your Avatar

In the metaverse, your avatar is your representative. It’s how people will recognize you and your brand. So it’s important to put some thought into what your avatar looks like. Do you want to be a human? An animal? Something abstract? Once you’ve decided on an avatar, you can start to build out your look with clothes, accessories, and animations that reflect your brand identity.

Create Engaging Content

People come to the metaverse to have fun and escape reality. So it’s important that your brand offers something engaging and entertaining. This could mean hosting events, giving away prizes, or creating interactive experiences. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something people will enjoy and remember.

Examples of Brands that entered the Metaverse

As the metaverse continues to grow and evolve, more and more brands are entering this exciting and rapidly expanding virtual world. From fashion and beauty to tech and gaming, a wide range of brands are finding new and innovative ways to engage with customers and build their presence in the metaverse.

One of the most notable brands to enter the metaverse is fashion giant Louis Vuitton. In 2021, the luxury brand launched its first virtual store in the metaverse, offering customers the opportunity to browse and shop for its iconic products in a fully immersive and interactive virtual environment. The store, which was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, allows customers to virtually try on clothing and accessories, and even customize their own virtual versions of the brand’s iconic bags.

Another major brand that has made a splash in the metaverse is cosmetics company Sephora. In 2022, the company launched a virtual beauty studio in the metaverse, allowing customers to virtually try on makeup and skincare products, and receive personalized beauty consultations from expert virtual makeup artists. The studio, which features a sleek and modern design, offers customers a unique and engaging beauty experience that is not possible in the physical world.

In addition to fashion and beauty brands, a number of tech companies are also making their mark in the metaverse. In 2021, Google launched its first virtual reality (VR) headset, Google Glass, which allows users to fully immerse themselves in the metaverse and experience a wide range of VR content. The headset, which is equipped with advanced AI technology, has become a popular choice among gamers and tech enthusiasts and has helped to establish Google as a major player in the world of VR.

As the metaverse continues to evolve and expand, it is clear that more and more brands will enter this exciting virtual world. Whether they are offering customers unique and engaging virtual experiences or using the metaverse as a platform for innovation and experimentation, these brands are helping to shape the future of the metaverse and are leading the way in this exciting and rapidly growing virtual world.