DEVOTED STUDIOS BLOG

With the global gaming market expected to soar to $503.14 billion by 2025 (up from $396 billion in 2023!), it’s clear that the demand for high-quality games is only going to get bigger.

But we all know game development is no walk in the park—it’s a fast-moving, complex industry that requires a ton of different skills. From brainstorming ideas to designing, coding, testing, and finally launching the game, every step is important and needs a lot of expertise. Plus, with new technologies and trends popping up all the time, things can get even more challenging!

Even the biggest game studios sometimes need a helping hand to turn their vision into reality. That’s where external game development studios come in. These companies are the pros at providing specialized game development services to other video game companies.

If you’re on the lookout for top-tier video game studios in California, you’re in the right place! California is packed with some of the most creative and innovative studios, with Los Angeles as a major hub for talent.

In this article, we’re excited to introduce you to some of the best external game developers in California!

Why External Game Developers Matters?

In the fast-paced world of game development, time and resources can be stretched thin, even for the biggest game developers studios.

External game developers specialize in offering their skills and expertise to help game studios meet their goals faster and more efficiently. Whether it’s for a short-term project or a long-term collaboration, these external teams provide fresh perspectives and specialized knowledge that can push a game from good to great.

But before you outsource to external game development studios, it’s important to know the most common types available and what they can offer.

Top Game Developers in California

When it comes to creating groundbreaking games, California is home to some of the most innovative and talented video game studios in the world. 

Devoted Studios

Devoted Studios is an external game development studio in Los Angeles that offers a range of services to game developers. These services include full-cycle development, co-development, concept art, porting, engineering, and end-to-end art production.

Devoted Studios has worked on a variety of projects, including games like Spellbreak, Kid A Mnesia: Exhibition, Palia, Blankos Block Party, Animal Jam!, Airphoria vol.2 (Nike project), and Coin Hunt World, among others. 

They have also worked with 343 Industries to design new armor sets for the Halo: Master Chief Collection. Devoted Studios uses a range of technologies, including Unreal, Unity, and blockchain, among others. Their goal is to provide an equal opportunity for every talent in the world to work on the games of their dreams while nurturing and leading talent to success and recognition.

1518 Studios

This California-based game art outsourcing studio specializes in creating 3D artwork and video game assets. Their services include concept design, illustrations, user interface design, logo creation, 3D art and animation, motion capture, cinematics, and various types of 2D art.

1518 Studios has worked with companies like Supercell, Brainseed Factory, and Redemption Games. They’ve contributed to popular games such as Borderlands 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and more.

Azumo

Azumo is a game development studio in California that offers full game creation services for platforms like mobile, PC, consoles, and AR/VR. With over 8 years of experience, they use tools like Unity and Unreal Engine to develop games. Their services cover everything from designing the game to coding, testing, and launching it. They even help after the game is released with updates and fixes.

One of the well-known games Azumo worked on is Game of Thrones Legends, a mobile strategy game where players can build their own kingdoms and fight for the Iron Throne. Azumo has also partnered with big companies like Zynga.

Double Coconut 

Double Coconut, one of the game development studios in California, has over a decade of experience in providing exceptional service to partners in the gaming industry. Specializing in Crypto and Mobile games, Double Coconut stands out for its industry-leading engineering capabilities, focusing on mobile and web projects built in Unity and HTML5.

As one of the leading game studios in California, Double Coconut offers full-service design capabilities to bring mobile, web3, Play-to-Earn, or NFT projects from concept to market. Their vast experience and expertise in game design make them a reliable partner for anyone looking to create a successful gaming project.

Jam City 

Jam City is a well-known California video game company that excels in creating deeply engaging and unique mobile games that captivate global audiences. With over $4 billion in lifetime bookings and billions of downloads, Jam City has developed some of the most successful mobile games in the industry. 

They are the creative force behind popular franchises like Cookie Jam and Panda Pop and collaborate with major global IP holders such as Universal, Disney, and Warner Bros. One of their biggest hits is Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, which topped the charts in over 40 countries upon release. Additionally, their AR game Jurassic World Alive remains a top performer in the market.

AAA Game Art Studio 

AAA Game Art Studio, based in both the US and Cyprus, is a leading video game studio in California with over 20 years of experience. Known for delivering high-quality work on time, AAA Game Art Studio has partnered with major clients such as HarperCollins, Bandai Namco, and Konami. They specialize in multiple aspects of game art, including UI/UX design and both 2D and 3D art.

Each of these game studios in California has its own strengths, bringing something unique to the gaming industry. Devoted Studios, based in Los Angeles, is known for its wide range of services, from full game development to art optimization. They’ve worked on popular titles like Spellbreak and Halo: Master Chief Collection, proving they can handle big, challenging projects with ease.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner to help bring your game to life, studios like Devoted Studios are a great choice. Whether you need full development or just extra support, these California video game companies are experienced, creative, and passionate about making games that players love. From Jam City’s mobile hits to AAA Game Art Studio’s stunning 2D and 3D art, gaming studios in California offer everything you need to create a successful game.

These days, gaming is considered one of the most profitable and beloved industries. A comprehensive gaming experience requires more than just effort; talented developers, designers, coders, testers, and marketers working together ensures success. Unfortunately, not everyone has this kind of access – especially when working as a startup or an individual. But don’t worry – creating a successful game without a team is still possible! This dream can be realized without any pressure related to particular resources by outsourcing game development to a professional company. That said, how can you make sure all your gaming projects go off with a bang? This article will show you why you need to consider outsourcing all your gaming endeavors to a reliable third-party provider and give you the best tips on making it happen.

Start by defining your game concept

Before you start outsourcing game development, press pause for the moment and contemplate your concept for the game. What’s the theme? What’s the ultimate goal? Who’s it geared towards? Taking some time to conduct market research can be extremely beneficial here. Find out what styles of games tend to generate the most enthusiasm, and which features prioritize by your target audience. When is what you want to make already too mainstream? With investigation comes clarity in your ideas and well-thought-out assumptions — when collaborating with an outsourcing company, playing it right by keeping these points well-defined goes a long way in ensuring the successful delivery of your project on time!

Look for a reliable outsourcing game development company

It’s an exciting time as you now have a game concept to develop! Take the next step and start exploring professional outsourcing game developers that can work on your vision. First, narrow down your search for game development companies that specialize in the type of gaming that interests you and with experience working with international teams. Secondly, research online and analyze their portfolio to ensure that the purpose and style align with what you desire. Thirdly, reach out to some of the previous clients and ask for references if there’s something specific you need clarity on regarding their process or output quality. Last, but not least, look up ratings from directories like Clutch or G2 for extra assurances of their service reliability. By completing these steps properly, you’ll be poised to create a truly amazing gaming experience!

Collaborate and communicate with the outsourcing company

Successful completion of your gaming project requires strong communication with the game development team you are outsourcing to. Clear and structured briefings will 1asextualy help ensure progress is monitored and reports given in an efficient manner. Be sure to remind them from time to time of going over any updates or challenges. Also, it might be worthwhile to allocate multiple channels for the collaboration; for example, emails, Skype calls, and Slack which enhances responsiveness between all involved parties. Keeping a constant communication flow will bring many positive benefits as there is no worry of confusion due to knowledge miscommunication or any other expectations gap issues that may arise.

Keep your budget in mind

Outsourcing game development can be a cost-effective way to get the job done. However, creating a well-thought-out budget and outlining the project’s goals are essential for successful outsourcing. Make sure to negotiate the terms of the agreement, including price and expectations from both sides, before you move forward with any party. Moreover, an investment in a secure payment system that meets your milestones is also advised to achieve optimal results. With this peace of mind, rest assured that there won’t be any hidden costs that could hamper your project’s progress and success!

Trust the outsourcing game development company’s capabilities

When outsourcing your game development needs, it’s critical that you trust the company you hire. After selecting a partner, have confidence in their abilities to bring your creative vision to life — they specialize in game development and their staff can boast an impressive depth of knowledge in their domain.

You should feel comfortable delegating such an important task; they are dedicated on your behalf and with the guidance of experienced professionals, your innovation is sure to become a reality! Remember that no detail should go unnoticed: from major projects needing comprehensive strategies to minor tasks needing expert attention; your dream of making great games is safely placed here.

Creating a game without a team can be a challenging task. However, by outsourcing game development to a professional company, you can create a successful and engaging game project that meets your expectations. Collaborating with a reliable outsourcing game development company ensures that every aspect of your game is developed and supported by an experienced team, allowing you to focus on other parts of the process without compromising the quality of the game. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating an amazing game that will stand out from the crowd. Happy gaming!

The world of movie making and special effects has grown leaps and bounds over the years– and the entry into that is virtual production. Through this dynamic technology, creatives are finding it easier, faster, and cheaper than ever to craft stunning visual effects. This revelation has not gone unnoticed in virtual interactive gaming platforms; certain studios have already adopted virtual production technology with mesmerizing results.

In its true form, Virtual Production can be revolutionizing the mediums of theater and video game development, by providing exciting creative opportunities that were never available before! In an effort to unpack all that different motion markets stand to gain from this customization – let’s enter into what it exactly is, how it functions,  and why it could revolutionize the industry as we know it.

What Is Virtual Production?

Virtual production technology is revolutionizing the way we create videos. It combines real-time motion capture with computer-generated graphics to produce stunning visual effects on a movie or television set.

Actors perform their lines in front of a green screen while motion captures cameras track every move they make. The captured movement data is analyzed to create 3D virtual environments that can be viewed and manipulated in real-time! This process delivers enormous advantages, benefitting directors and cinematographers by allowing them to preview scenes and make adjustments on the fly. All this results in significant cost savings for productions big and small!

Method with Growing Popularity

Virtual production is quickly becoming the preferred method for filmmakers and game developers, and it comes with plenty of remarkable advantages. For starters, no special effect seems too difficult to bring to life considering that virtual production gives you the power to create almost any environment with minimum cost. Hence, its fuss-free effectiveness opens up supernatural opportunities for the audience to get swept away in a vast array of unique set pieces.

What makes virtual production even better is its collaborative nature, as all people involved are in sync at every step of the process offering each other instant feedback. This way there’s less worrying about errors or reshooting scenes as everything happens swiftly, saving time and money in the process.

Flexibility as an Advantage

Virtual production has opened up the world of film and game production to an entirely new realm of possibilities. With this revolutionary tech, directors now have the greatest advantage, flexibility.

No longer do complex lighting and special effects require tedious reshoots or sending back footage. In real-time filmmaking and gaming, these talented individuals can change camera angles, lighting design, set design – every artistic element as they go!

Creative control over their vision in a way that was previously unavailable is overwhelmingly thrilling for team members. Throughout the process of creation, each principle can experiment with different settings until they find the perfect touch that will stand out to viewership. No longer is there a waiting period while elements are tested before being OK’d to use; now all it takes is an immediate diagnostic at hand directly operated on the virtual stage itself!

Not only does virtual production lessen completion time exponentially but it encourages directors and visual effect artists to get creative with transitional effects for a visually gripping outcome that may have otherwise been unattainable prior to its advent. Allowing makers this miracle blessing means top-class media is that much closer to reality already!

Cost-Effective Technology

Virtual production is providing an entirely new way to create special effects. Instead of taking the traditional route of costly sets, filmmakers and game developers can reduce expenses by going digital. Building a physical environment may eat up much of your film’s budget, but opting for a virtual one will save time and money!

It has been proven that virtual shooting scales back production times significantly due to no transition needed from constructing physical props. Virtual productions offer cost efficiency and realism where building in real life couldn’t or didn’t have to happen before—saving money on set pieces and decorations with realistic imagery without heavy drafting materials as well.

Overall, virtual productions afford quick production from extreme cost savings with fewer resources and refinements to support those stories behind big-headed shots.

Virtual production has the potential to revolutionize the way that special effects are created in movies and games. By allowing real-time collaboration, flexibility, and cost savings, it has the potential to change the game for studios seeking to create high-quality content. The technology is still in its infancy, but as it continues to develop, we’re likely to see more studios adopt it as a standard practice. We believe that virtual production is the future of special effects, and we can’t wait to see how it evolves in the years to come.

The Sandbox is a buzzworthy decentralized gaming platform—it’s sure to unlock fresh possibilities in game development and experiences. One of the best features? It’s an opportunity for expert developers and studios to work together on immersive content that can also be monetarily rewarded on the blockchain. Let’s dive into this blog post and find out more about ways to collaborate with perfect collaborators when it comes to creating amazing content within The Sandbox.

Maybe you’re curious how to find just the right mix of artists and designers who can facilitate the breathtaking visuals of The Sandbox games, or perhaps you’ve already hired incredible professionals but are looking for collaborative tips. In any case, dive right in! This guide will go through what it takes to recruit talented people plus chat up their unique model for jumping deep into meaningful projects – all success stories within The Sandbox ecosystem!

Official Discord Server

Looking for The Sandbox developer? Check out the “For Hire” section on The Sandbox’s official Discord server! This platform gives you the opportunity to search through items other gamers have listed, providing their requirements and the services they offer. Plus, you can also list your project with ease and start connecting with others in no time.

So, once you get started make sure to include pertinent information on your vision like timeframe, budget allotment, and core abilities needed. When it comes to description, outlining all the necessary details in an organized manner ensures that those applying are suited to work on exactly what you need.

The Sandbox Recommendations

If you are looking for professional Sandbox-certified studios for your project, pay attention to The Sandbox’s website – it offers an alphabetical listing of studios and creators who specialize in voxel art and can create specifically for this platform. 

You can peruse the profiles of The Sandbox creators for hire one by one to identify a studio that best suits your requirements. On finding one, contact them with the details of your project and discuss further steps.

Your search for artists and designers with the desired qualifications is nearly complete! With The Sandbox’s website at your service, you can rest assured knowing that you have access to a professional space filled with passionate professionals who are actually excited about being a part of your projects!

Social Media 

Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram are great resources if you’re looking for talented artists and designers. Sandbox creators often showcase their work on these sites, giving you a great idea of what it is they could achieve for you or your project. 

By using relevant hashtags such as #TheSandbox, #gamedev, or #digitalart, you will be able to narrow down your choices and focus on the content creators who specialize in knowledge areas that match what you seek. 

When there’s somebody that has caught your attention, don’t hesitate to reach out and start up a conversation! Figure out what their availability looks like now, and get an understanding of the process for getting them onboard with the task or project at hand. It’s powerful knowing that digital tools like social media platforms allow you access to discover someone offering their skillset who’s perfectly qualified for your needs!

Devoted Studios

If you are reading this article at the moment, congratulations! You have no need to look further because Devoted Studios is an official The Sandbox partner that has secured some amazing voxel projects in their portfolio.

Devoted Studios, based in Los Angeles and founded in 2018, is an innovative production management company that is dedicated to streamlining game development into a pain-free process. Boasting a combination of savvy overseas and local talent with a diverse range of skill sets, Devoted Studios was created with the idea to create an equal opportunity for all talented individuals to work on projects they’re passionate about. Behind this mission stands Ninel Anderson, a serial entrepreneur with 10+ years in the gaming industry.

Devoted Studios strives to create captivating gaming experiences and bring unique visions from concept to completion. We are committed to providing talented individuals from around the world the chance to unlock their full potential and showcase their skills on projects they have a personal investment in and will be proud of.

By working together with Devoted Studios, developers, content creators, and digital artists can benefit from tools designed specifically for creating voxel art materials as well as access to exclusive assets only available within The Sandbox platform. With this partnership comes opportunities to push the boundaries of creative exploration while capitalizing on resources necessary for turning imaginations into success stories!

Devoted Studios Blockchain and Metaverse Portfolio
Hell’s Kitchen

Devoted Studios have collaborated with Gordon Ramsay himself to craft the ultimate Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen experience! Visitors take a trip in LAND on ITV’s The Sandbox and dive into custom-designed content. Down the line, keep an eye out for Hell’s Kitchen-themed asset giveaways, including playful limited edition Gordon Ramsay avatars. These flashy collectibles might just give players and creators the perfect finishing touch when creating their own original experiences within the world.

Blankos Block Party

The free play-to-earn universe created by gamers! Earn, collect, and own vinyl toys, creatively known as Blankos, while gaining advantageous advantages as you trade on the marketplace. Devoted Studios takes charge in engineering utility and exceptional art production designed specifically to enhance players’ experience and accompany them around the virtual world.

DEADFELLAZ

DeadFellaz is an NFT project with a 10K-token collection that features zombie characters! Over $82M has been earned since its launch, and it has certainly caught the interest of some A-list celebs; Reese Witherspoon, Lionel Richie, Steve Aoki, Dillon Francis, and Alexis Ohanian are just a few of the celebrities that have put their stamp on this brilliant collector’s item. Devoted Studios had a part in creating Decentraland, Oncyber, and other experiences with this amazing brand.

Coin Hunt World

Coin Hunt World is a fast and furious free-to-play mobile game with a surprisingly realistic map simulation. Players can search the world, find real crypto, and transfer their winnings to their own accounts. At Devoted Studios, games come to life through expert engineering, artistry, animation, and level design – giving players an unbeatable gaming experience.

MagicCraft

MagicCraft is an NFT-based MMO RPG game that provides players with an adventure through a fantasy universe, with the chance to earn exclusive NFT items that they can trade and exchange with other adventurers via the game’s built-in marketplace. Devoted Studios provided full-cycle development and art production for MagicCraft’s unique digital realm – making for an immersive gaming experience only found here. 

The Sandbox is all about creativity and collaboration. By hiring talented artists and designers, you can bring your vision to life and create amazing worlds that can be enjoyed by millions. Whether you use Discord, The Sandbox’s website, social media, or professional organizations, finding the right collaborators is crucial to ensure the success of your project. Take the time to communicate your ideas, be open to feedback, and build a relationship of trust with your collaborators. With a little bit of effort and teamwork, you can make history in The Sandbox.