Expert tips

Expert tips

19.12.2024

A Simple Guide to the Process of Porting Games

6 months

Have you ever played a game on your PC, console, or mobile device and wondered how it ended up there? Chances are, that game was ported from another platform!

Game porting has become a huge deal in the gaming world, and it’s only getting more important as the industry grows. Think about it – in 2024, the global gaming market was valued at around $221 billion, and mobile gaming alone accounted for nearly half of that revenue.

As more players join the gaming community, they’re using a variety of devices: consoles, PCs, smartphones, tablets, and even cloud-based systems. If developers want their games to reach the widest audience possible, game porting is more than just important.

In fact, a report by Newzoo showed that PC and console game revenues will account for 51% of global market revenues, which is a significant portion. On the other hand, mobile gaming is set to account for 49% of this year’s global revenue, growing by 3.0% year on year to reach $92.6 billion. This shows there’s a big opportunity for game developers to expand into mobile gaming.

But how can a game that was originally designed for a console like PlayStation or Xbox make its way to mobile devices? That’s where porting games comes in.

What Is Game Porting, Really?

Game porting is much more than just transferring a game from one platform to another—it’s about adapting the entire game experience to ensure seamless performance on a new system. For example, a title developed for PlayStation might be reworked for Xbox, PC, or even mobile devices. By doing so, developers can broaden their reach and tap into new player bases.

This process isn’t as simple as copying files. Different platforms come with their own hardware, software, and technical requirements, so developers need to fine-tune and optimize every aspect of the game. It’s about making the experience feel native to each device, ensuring players enjoy the game just as much as they would on the original platform.

Understanding the Game Porting Process

The process of porting games is indeed a complicated process and it can vary depending on the platforms involved and the complexity of the game itself. However, the basic steps in game porting services generally look something like this:

Step One, Assessing Compatibility

Before starting the actual work of porting, the first thing developers need to do is assess how compatible the game is with the new platform. Every platform has its own unique set of hardware and software features, and developers need to figure out if the game will function properly on that system.

For example, the game might need to be optimized for specific graphics hardware, control systems, or processing power. Some games might need significant changes to work on a new platform, while others might only require minor tweaks.

Before the process of game porting starts, developers also have to think about different aspects like screen sizes, input methods (such as touchscreen or controller), and performance optimization.

Then, Start With Planning and Setting Expectations

Once the compatibility assessment is complete, it’s time to plan the porting process. This stage involves creating a timeline, setting budgets, and identifying the resources needed to complete the project. Developers need to plan carefully because game porting can take a significant amount of time and money, especially if the game is complex.

Setting clear expectations matters. The team needs to decide what features will be included. If the port is being done by a third-party service, developers will also want to arrange a clear communication strategy about deliverables.

Next, Dive Into Code Adaptation and Optimization

One of the most technical aspects of porting games is adapting the game’s code for the new platform. This step usually involves rewriting or modifying parts of the game’s original code so it runs properly on the target system.

Optimization is a big part of this stage. Developers often have to optimize the game to make sure the game runs smoothly on the new platform. This could mean reducing the graphics quality for mobile devices or adjusting the game’s performance to work better with the available hardware.

After That Is to Test Things Out and Fix Any Bugs That Come Across

Once the game has been ported to the new platform, it’s time for the testing phase. This is where developers check for bugs, glitches, and performance issues.

During testing, developers pay close attention to factors like frame rate, load times, sound, and gameplay. If there are any issues, they go back and debug the game to make the necessary fixes. Testing can take a lot of time, especially when porting video games that involve complex features like multiplayer modes or advanced graphics.

Once That’s Done, Polish Things up for a Smoother Experience

Now that the initial testing is done, what’s next? It’s time to polish the game. This step involves fine-tuning the user experience to make sure everything feels just right. Developers may adjust the game’s graphics, controls, or sound to better suit the new platform.

The goal of this phase is to make the game feel like it was meant to be played on the new platform, even if it was originally designed elsewhere.

Finally, Wrap It up With Some Final Testing and Quality Assurance

Before the game is released, a final round of testing and quality assurance (QA) is done. QA will see if the game meets the necessary standards and is free from any major issues. During this stage, the game is thoroughly tested to make sure everything works as intended.

This phase is also where developers make any last-minute adjustments based on feedback from testers. Once the game passes the QA process, it’s ready to be released on the new platform.

What Are the Challenges in Porting Games?

While the process of porting video games can be straightforward, there are several challenges developers face along the way.

Hardware Limitations	Different platforms have different hardware capabilities, which can make porting difficult. For example, a high-end PC game may need to be scaled back when ported to a mobile device with less processing power.
Control Schemes	Games designed for controllers or keyboards may require significant adjustments to work well with touchscreens or motion controls.
Performance Issues	Making sure that the game runs smoothly on the new platform can be a complex task, especially for graphically intensive games. Optimization often requires a lot of trial and error.
Platform-Specific Features	Each platform comes with its own unique features, like achievements on Xbox or social features on PlayStation. Developers need to decide whether to integrate these features into the port or leave them out.

Porting games can be a tough job. And as we’ve said it earlier, it’s not just about copying a game to another platform—it’s about making sure it works just as smoothly and looks just as good as it did on the original system. With all kinds of challenges, it can be a lot to handle for some game developers, especially if the team doesn’t have the time or resources to do it all.

That’s where we come in. At Devoted Studios, we specialize in helping developers with game porting services, taking care of all the tricky parts so you don’t have to.

By working with us, you can focus on what you do best—creating incredible games—while we handle the porting process. We’ll save you time, reduce your stress, and make sure your game is ready to reach even more players. With us on your team, you can trust that your game is in good hands, so that you are free to focus on the bigger picture.

Ready to reach more players?

Let us be your trusted partner for game porting services. With years of experience and a dedicated team, we’re here to handle the entire porting process for you.

Contact Us

Collaborations

16.12.2024

Devoted Studios & PlayVS Zone Wars UEFN Project

7 months

more

Sometimes, the best projects come with the biggest challenges. That was definitely the case for Devoted Studios when we were asked to develop the PlayVS Zone Wars experience in Unreal Engine for Fortnite (UEFN). With a super tight deadline, some tricky limitations, and a lot of creative pressure, this project pushed our team to the limit—but in the best way possible.

In less than two months, we pulled together something really special: a 2v2 team deathmatch island with custom rules, plus 25 unique arenas. It wasn’t easy, but the end result was worth it. Here’s how we did it.

What is PlayVS Zone Wars UEFN?

If you’re a Fortnite fan, you know how intense the Zone Wars mode can get. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes game where the primary objective is to be the last team standing, outlasting all opponents. Now, imagine that—but with custom rules, a new 2v2 team setup, and 25 unique arenas. That’s what PlayVS Zone Wars offers.

In short, the idea was to give Fortnite players a fresh new way to compete, with a bit more structure and variety.

Our Role at Devoted Studios

When we were brought on to this project, our job was clear: develop the entire PlayVS Zone Wars mode using Unreal Engine for Fortnite. This meant creating everything from scratch—building the arenas, designing the custom rules for the 2v2 team deathmatch, and making sure everything worked perfectly in UEFN (Unreal Engine for Fortnite).

The Challenges We Face

While working with Unreal Engine for Fortnite gives us a lot of flexibility, it also brings some unique challenges. However, our team’s familiarity with UEFN allowed us to effectively leverage its capabilities, making sure that we remained true to the gameplay experience while introducing our innovative elements.

What Working With a Very Tight Timeline Looked Like

Here’s where things got really interesting, we had less than two months to get everything done. Developing a full-fledged game mode with 25 custom arenas and unique gameplay mechanics is a massive undertaking—and to do it in under 60 days? That’s the kind of challenge that really gets our adrenaline going.

Some of the time crunch challenges included:

Managing time effectively: We had to move fast and stay on top of things—planning, designing, testing, and refining. Every stage had to be carefully timed to make sure we didn’t fall behind.
Rapid iteration: The need for quick adaptation was important. Our development cycle involved swift prototyping and feedback loops, which enabled us to refine the gameplay continuously.
Team collaboration: We had to work efficiently and collaborate across departments—designers, developers, and testers all had to stay in sync, sharing updates and solving problems together.

Despite the Challenges, We Are Proud of What We’ve Achieved

We came through in the end with something we’re really proud of. Here’s a breakdown of what we were able to accomplish:

A Custom 2v2 Team Deathmatch Island

We created a custom 2v2 team deathmatch island with a set of rules that changed the gameplay dynamics in fun ways. Players got to dive into competitive matches where strategy mattered just as much as skill.

Custom game rules: We crafted rules that forced teams to adapt quickly and think on their feet. No two matches were ever the same, and the unique rules kept things fresh and exciting for players.
Seamless integration with Fortnite: We made sure that the custom rules worked well with Fortnite’s core mechanics. Players still felt like they were in the Fortnite universe, but with a unique twist that made the experience feel fresh.

25 Unique Arenas

Designing 25 arenas in under two months was one of the toughest parts of this project. Each arena needed to feel different in terms of layout, challenges, and aesthetics. And even though we were working with UEFN’s limitations, we still wanted each arena to feel dynamic and exciting to play in.

Variety in arena design: We didn’t want players to get bored quickly, so each arena had its own theme and gameplay style. Some arenas were wide-open spaces that encouraged ranged combat, while others were more confined, forcing players to think fast and use cover to their advantage.

Balanced gameplay: Each arena needed to offer a fair playing field, so we tested them all to make sure they didn’t favor one team over the other. We also made sure that all arenas performed smoothly across different devices, so players could enjoy the experience no matter what they were playing on.

Rapid Development & Iteration

With such a short timeline, we had to keep things moving at a fast pace. But even though the deadline was tight, we never sacrificed quality. We focused on delivering a smooth and polished experience, even if it meant pushing through some late nights.

Efficient iteration: We didn’t have the luxury of taking our time, so we quickly tested ideas, identified problems, and made changes on the fly to keep the project on track.

Teamwork and collaboration: Throughout the process, our team worked like a well-oiled machine. Everyone—from the developers to the designers to the testers—worked together to solve challenges and bring the PlayVS Zone Wars vision to life.

Final Words From Us at Devoted

The PlayVS Zone Wars project was one of those rare cases where everything came together despite the odds. We faced a tight deadline, worked within UEFN’s restrictions, and had to create something truly unique—and we did it. The end result was a fast-paced, custom 2v2 team deathmatch island with 25 unique arenas, each offering something different for players.

The project was a big win for everyone involved, and it’s a great example of what we, at Devoted Studios, can do when faced with challenges. We’re proud of what we accomplished, and we hope players enjoy the new PlayVS Zone Wars mode as much as we enjoyed building it.

Head over to the live experience on Fortnite: PlayVS Zone Wars UEFN!

Expert tips

13.12.2024

In-House vs Outsourced Game Development: What’s Best For You?

7 months

more

The gaming industry is booming, with the global games market projected to generate $187.7 billion in 2024, marking a +2.1% year-on-year growth. This growth is being driven largely by the continued dominance of PC and console games, which are expected to account for 51% of global market revenues.

With such a thriving market, game developers are under pressure to create high-quality, engaging experiences quickly and cost-effectively. However, the choice between in-house and outsourced game development can significantly impact how fast and how well a game is made.

Both options come with their own advantages and challenges, and understanding what works best for your specific situation is key to making the right decision. In this article, we’ll help you figure out which choice is best suited for your needs in an ever-expanding, competitive market.

Understanding In-House Game Development

When you go the in-house game development route, you’re building your game with a team of people who are directly employed by your company. This team typically includes designers, developers, artists, sound engineers, and testers who work together under one roof to bring your game to life.

The main advantage of this approach is that you get full control over the development process. You can oversee every step of the project, quickly address issues, and make changes as needed. Plus, your team becomes deeply embedded in your company’s culture, which can lead to better collaboration and communication.

Some of the key benefits of in-house game development include:

Full control	When you have an in-house team, you make all the decisions. You can steer the project in whatever direction you think is best and make adjustments on the fly.
Faster communication	Since everyone is working together in the same space (or within the same company), it’s easier to have clear, quick communication. This can reduce misunderstandings and help keep the project on track.
Stronger team bonds	Building your team from within helps create a shared company culture. As your team grows and evolves, their familiarity with your goals and mission can lead to more cohesion and long-term collaboration.
Consistency	Your in-house team is committed to your game, and you don’t have to worry about external teams coming and going. They’ll be available whenever you need them, and they’re already familiar with your game and company.

However, there are also some drawbacks:

Higher costs	Hiring full-time employees, offering benefits, and maintaining an office can get expensive. The overhead costs of an in-house team can add up quickly, especially if you’re just starting out.
Limited expertise	Even if your team is talented, they might not have the expertise needed for every aspect of game development. You might find that some specialized tasks, such as advanced animation or certain technical features, require additional support.
Longer hiring process	It can take time to recruit, hire, and onboard new employees, which can delay your project’s start.

Outsourced Game Development Means Getting Global Talent

Outsourced game development means hiring an external gaming development company to handle certain parts (or all) of your game’s creation. This could involve anything from coding and design to sound effects or testing.

Often, outsourcing allows you to tap into global talent, meaning you can find specialists in areas where your in-house team may not have experience.

The main benefit of outsourcing game development is that it gives you access to specialized skills and a larger talent pool, sometimes at a lower cost than hiring full-time employees. Plus, outsourcing can be a great way to speed up development or add extra support for tasks that would be difficult or time-consuming to do in-house.

Here are some reasons why you might consider outsourcing game development

Cost savings	One of the main reasons people choose to outsource game development is to save money. You can often hire highly skilled professionals at a fraction of the cost, especially if you work with companies in regions with lower labor costs.
Access to expertise	When you outsource game development, you can hire a team that specializes in certain aspects of game design or development that you might not have in-house.
Faster turnaround	If your game requires a lot of work or you need to meet a tight deadline, outsourcing game development allows you to bring on additional talent without the hassle of hiring new employees. More hands on deck can help speed up the development process.
Flexibility	Outsourcing gives you the flexibility to hire professionals for specific parts of the project. If you only need help with a few tasks, you can bring in experts temporarily, without having to hire them full-time.

But, outsourcing also has its challenges

Communication Challenges	While working with an external team can sometimes create challenges around time zones and coordination, these hurdles can be easily overcome with the right tools and clear communication.
Less Hands-On Control	One of the downsides of outsourcing is that you may not have the same day-to-day involvement in every aspect of the project.
Quality Assurance	When you rely on an external team, it can sometimes feel like there’s a risk of misaligned expectations or quality inconsistencies.

If You’re Still Wondering Which Is Right for You…

Now that we’ve covered both sides of the equation, how do you decide which one is the best fit for your game?

Here are a few factors to consider when making the decision:

Your Budget

One of the biggest factors in deciding whether to go in-house or outsourced game development is your budget. In-house development tends to be more expensive because you need to hire full-time employees and cover their salaries, benefits, office space, and other overhead costs. Building a mid level mobile game alone can range from $10K to $50K, depending on the scale and needs of the project.

If you’re working on a limited budget or just getting started, outsourcing game development can be more cost-effective, allowing you to hire talented professionals without breaking the bank.

The Scope of the Project

If you’re working on a large, complex game, outsourcing game development might be the best way to bring in the necessary expertise. Specialized skills in areas like 3D modeling, VR, or AI may not be available with your in-house team.

On the other hand, if your project is smaller or more straightforward, an in-house team might be enough to get the job done.

Time Constraints

With the global games market growing rapidly and competition increasing, time is often of the essence. If you have a tight deadline and need to get your game out as quickly as possible, outsourcing game development could be a great way to speed up the process.

You can hire additional talent to work on different aspects of the game simultaneously, helping you meet your goals faster. In-house teams, depending on their size and available resources, may not be able to work as quickly.

Level of Control

If having complete control over your game’s development process is important, an in-house team may be the better choice. With an in-house team, you can have regular check-ins, make decisions on the fly, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

If you outsource game development, while you can still give feedback and manage the project, you might find it harder to make quick changes or resolve issues in real time.

Long-Term Goals

Consider your long-term goals when making the decision. If you’re planning to build a game development company and have several projects lined up, building an in-house team might be the best way to go.

You’ll have dedicated employees who are aligned with your vision and who can continue to work with you on future games. However, if your game is a one-off project or you don’t want to commit to hiring full-time employees, outsourcing game development might be the better choice.

Conclusion: In-House or Outsourced Game Development?

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to in-house vs. outsourced game development—it all depends on your unique needs. If you need full control over the project, want to build a strong internal team, and have the budget to support it, an in-house team might be the best option. If you’re looking to save costs, need specialized skills, or want to speed up the development process, outsourcing game development could be the solution.

With the global games market growing year after year, there’s a lot of potential for developers to capitalize on new opportunities. The decision of in-house or outsourced game development will depend on your specific circumstances, but in either case, making the right choice will help your game stand out in this competitive, fast-growing market.

Expert tips

03.12.2024

Why Game Developers Are Choosing UEFN

7 months

more

The gaming industry is constantly changing, with new tools and platforms making it easier for developers to create games in innovative ways. One of the biggest changes recently is the growing interest in UEFN, or Unreal Engine Fortnite Network. Many game developers, both big and small, are turning to UEFN to create new games or expand on existing projects.

An example is Future Trash, which recently secured $5 million in seed funding. The studio plans to invest these funds in developing and launching its original intellectual property, FOAD, directly on the UEFN platform within Fortnite, as reported by GameBeats.

But what exactly is UEFN, and why are so many developers excited about it?

UEFN Is a Powerful Tool for Fortnite Game Development

Unreal Engine Fortnite Network, or UEFN, is a game development platform built on Unreal Engine, one of the most popular engines in the gaming industry. Unreal Engine is known for its ability to create high-quality, visually impressive games with complex mechanics. Fortnite, one of the most successful games in recent history, was built using the Unreal Engine. UEFN takes this technology and allows developers to build and launch games directly within the Fortnite platform.

This means that instead of creating a game from scratch and trying to find an audience, developers can create games within Fortnite and take advantage of its massive player base. UEFN provides the tools needed to create fully functional games, whether it’s a new concept or an addition to an existing game.

Why Are Developers Choosing UEFN?

Access to a Huge Audience	With millions of active players worldwide, Fortnite offers instant access to an established audience. By launching a game on UEFN, developers don’t have to worry as much about marketing and player outreach because their games are already available to a huge number of players through Fortnite.
Simplified Game Development	UEFN simplifies many steps of game development by providing a set of tools and pre-built systems that Fortnite studios and other developers can use right away. It offers features that make it easier to create games with high-quality graphics, smooth gameplay, and storytelling. For Fortnite developers, the platform includes tools for creating multiplayer experiences, which is often one of the hardest parts of Fortnite game development. With UEFN, developers can focus more on the creative aspects of their game and spend less time worrying about the technical side.
Cost Efficiency	UEFN provides cost-saving advantages because it gives developers access to ready-made assets and systems, so they don’t have to build everything themselves. These built-in tools allow Fortnite developers to reduce the amount of time and money they spend on creating a game, making the overall process more affordable. This makes UEFN especially appealing for smaller Fortnite studios or indie developers with limited resources.
Strong Community and Support	The UEFN platform has an active community of Fortnite developer teams who share their experiences, offer advice, and help each other solve problems. This collaborative environment helps Fortnite studios improve the quality of their games by learning from the experiences of other developers. The support system in place makes it easier to navigate any challenges during the development process.
Simplified Distribution	UEFN simplifies the game distribution process by allowing developers to distribute their games directly within Fortnite, which already has millions of active players. By using UEFN, developers don’t have to worry about building their own distribution network or figuring out how to attract players. Fortnite’s platform takes care of this, making it easier for Fortnite developer teams to focus on making great games instead of spending too much time on marketing or distribution strategies.

By using UEFN, developers don’t have to worry about building their own distribution network or figuring out how to attract players. Fortnite’s platform takes care of this, making it easier for developers to focus on making great games instead of spending too much time on marketing or distribution strategies.

Our Experience at Devoted Studios with UEFN

At Devoted Studios, we’ve seen how UEFN can transform the game development process. As a studio that works with game creators to bring their visions to life, we’ve helped numerous developers tap into the power of UEFN. We specialize in guiding teams through the process of using UEFN’s tools and systems to build high-quality games that stand out in Fortnite’s massive ecosystem.

One of which is our collaboration with Nike on the Nike Airphoria Vol. 2: Experience on Fortnite.

In this project, we handled the full cycle development and engineering to bring Nike’s vision to life on the Fortnite platform. Nike Airphoria Vol. 2 is part of a long-term partnership between Nike and Epic Games. The game blends Nike’s iconic Air technology with Fortnite’s ever-changing environment, giving players a fresh and exciting way to experience the Nike brand.

UEFN offers an incredible opportunity for both small indie teams and larger studios. From our perspective, the most significant advantage is the platform’s ability to take care of the technical hurdles that can slow down development. It’s easier for us to focus on the creative aspects—whether that’s designing unique game mechanics, improving graphics, or working on storytelling—because UEFN handles many of the more time-consuming technical details.

The Future of Game Development on UEFN

As more Fortnite developers discover the advantages of UEFN, we expect this platform to continue growing in popularity. With its powerful development tools, cost efficiency, and access to Fortnite’s massive player base, UEFN is quickly becoming one of the best options for game creators today.

And perhaps the most exciting thing about UEFN is that it gives developers immediate access to Fortnite’s massive player base. Fortnite has millions of players worldwide, and by launching games on UEFN, developers don’t have to worry about building an audience from scratch. Their games are automatically visible to a huge group of players who are already active on the platform. This is a huge advantage, especially for new games trying to get noticed in a crowded market.

The platform is also making it easier for creators to turn their ideas into reality, and that means players will have more exciting games to choose from.

Looking ahead, UEFN is set to have a big impact on how games are made. It’s making the development process faster, cheaper, and more accessible, opening doors for all kinds of developers. Whether you’re a big studio or just starting out, UEFN offers a great opportunity to create games, reach a wide audience, and grow in the gaming world. The future looks bright for UEFN, and it’s exciting to think about how it will continue to change the game development scene.

Unlock Your Game’s Potential with UEFN

At Devoted Studios, we specialize in full-cycle game development using UEFN to bring your game to life. From concept to execution, we help you create great gaming experiences, like Nike Airphoria Vol. 2, that engage millions of Fortnite players.

Schedule a call

All content

21.11.2024

10 Best Game Porting Outsourcing Studio in 2024

7 months

more

Game porting is a process in which a video game that was originally developed for one platform is adapted or converted to run on another platform. For example, if a game was created for a console like PlayStation, game porting would involve making that same game work on other platforms like Xbox, PC, or even mobile devices.

However, the process is not as easy as just moving files. Game developers have to make adjustments to the game’s code, graphics, and how it performs so that it looks and feels just as good on the new platform as it did on the original one.

But why porting? As more players buy games online instead of physical copies, game developers need to find ways to reach them across different platforms. This is where porting comes in. Porting allows a game to be played on multiple devices, like consoles, PCs, and even mobile. In 2022, the console gaming market made $28.6 billion, while the worldwide PC gaming market generated $42.9 billion. Meanwhile, packaged game sales were much lower, only reaching $9.3 billion. With such a strong focus on digital platforms, porting is a great way for developers to reach more players and boost their success by making their games available on as many platforms as possible.

Now, let’s look at why outsourcing game porting can be helpful and which studios are the best at it.

Why Outsource Game Porting?

Outsourcing game porting means hiring an outside team to help adapt your game for other platforms. Here’s why outsourcing can be a great idea!

Saves Time and Money Expert Help Faster Release Quality Assurance

Hiring an internal team to manage game porting can be expensive, but outsourcing helps you get high-quality work without needing a dedicated in-house team. Since porting requires a solid understanding of different gaming platforms, outsourcing studios are great at handling this, bringing the skills needed to make the process smooth.

When you outsource, different parts of the project can be worked on at the same time, meaning your game can reach new platforms faster than if handled internally. Plus, many outsourcing studios also provide testing services to make sure the port works well and is free of bugs or glitches.

Why Devoted Studios is Your Best Porting Studio Partner

When looking for the best game porting services, Devoted Studios shines as the top choice for developers wanting to expand their games to new platforms without compromising quality. Our team has a proven ability to handle complex porting projects and navigate technical challenges while delivering seamless gaming experiences. From mobile game porting to console and PC adaptations, we offer comprehensive porting solutions that meet the needs of developers looking to reach more players.

With projects like Palia, Five Night at Fredy’s series, Risk of Rain 2, and Spellbreak, we have proven time and again that we are the best porting studio for developers looking to partner with experts who can overcome challenges and deliver great results.

Want to reach more players?

Port your games with Devoted Studios and bring your game to new platforms. Our team can help make sure your game runs smoothly on consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help expand your game’s reach!

Learn More

All content

20.11.2024

Behind the Scenes: Devoted’s Art Director Igor Doroshchuk on the Open Roads Project

7 months

more

Porting a game to the Nintendo Switch is a bit like trying to fit a big, fancy sofa through a narrow doorway — tricky but rewarding once it’s in place!

For Devoted Studios, bringing the Open Roads Project to the Switch meant getting creative to make sure everything ran smoothly on the platform’s compact hardware. The Switch doesn’t have the power of bigger consoles, so the team, led by Art Director Igor Doroshchuk, along with Michael Bistakis, came up with some clever ideas to keep the game looking great without slowing down.

The team found that with the right tweaks and a bit of out-of-the-box thinking, even a project with a lot of moving parts could feel right at home on Nintendo’s portable console. So read along!

About Igor

Igor Doroshchuk is the 3D Art Director at Devoted Studios, where he also takes on a Technical Support role. With over 11 years of experience in the game development industry, he specializes in creating 3D props, environments, textures, and materials across various pipelines.

In addition to his creative work, Igor leads a team of artists, develops tailored pipelines for them, and ensures the delivery of high-quality assets for each project. He also provides technical support, including shader creation, asset integration, scene lighting, and prefab assembly for projects on both Unreal and Unity platforms.

We caught up with Igor Doroshchuk to talk about his work on the Open Roads Project, here’s the inside scoop on how he and his team tackled the obstacles to make this ambitious project come to life.

The Biggest Challenge During the Open Road Project

One of the biggest challenges for Igor’s team was designing scenes with an endless road surrounded by trees on both sides.

“The biggest challenge was to properly implement a big amount of the trees… where you are just driving the car, and you can have an endless road,” Igor explained. The goal was to create a lively and immersive environment that didn’t slow down gameplay.

However, the Nintendo Switch added extra limitations, as it has much lower technical capabilities compared to other platforms. “Nintendo has low parameters, low technical specifications, and we need to be wise in the ways we implement any system for the trees,” Igor shared.

The team had to get creative, eventually turning to a particle system to handle the trees, which saved memory and processing power. “We decided to convert all the trees to a simple particle system and spawn them. And that could help us to save a lot of polygons, a lot of budget to run this amount of the trees for these scenes,” he explained.

Solving Unexpected Issues

Like any project, the Open Roads Project was no stranger to unexpected issues. Igor shared his approach for dealing with these surprises, “For these types of issues, I’m personally using the approach that helps me a lot through my entire career in game development.”

His technique involves:

Isolating the problem

Pinpointing possible causes

Testing each solution until the issue is resolved

You start by isolating the problem. For instance, sometimes when you run the scene and some scripts start causing the problem, you just start deleting the game object in the scene one by one in runtime and see what happens.

This hands-on approach is straightforward but highly effective in narrowing down the source of the problem.

Iterations and Finding New Solutions

Before deciding on the particle system for the trees, the team spent months testing other solutions. “Of course, this is the tree system,” Igor said when asked about parts of the project that took longer than expected. “Before we came out with the particle system solution for the trees, we ran a couple of iterations.”

They tried different approaches, including optimizing shaders, adjusting the draw distance, and experimenting with an occlusion culling system. “We tried a lot of the stuff, and this helped us understand that probably we need to think out of the box,” he said.

After three months of testing, they landed on the particle system, a solution that eventually worked well for their needs.

We were at the point where we literally tried everything… and this is the only solution that came up in our heads, and we tried to use it, and it seems like it worked pretty well.

Making the Game Work for the Nintendo Switch

Since the game was focused on the Nintendo Switch, the team had to make sure it ran as smoothly as possible on this platform. “Since we were oriented for the Nintendo platform, we tried to optimize the scenes, the game itself as hard as we can,” Igor explained.

The team collaborated with partners who had access to a Nintendo Switch development kit. “We asked our partners to run it on the Nintendo Switch DEV kit and give us some metrics so that we could understand how it works, what we need to do,” he said. This testing process led them to simplify the trees further by turning all 3D trees into 2D planes that always face the camera.

“We kind of turned all 3D trees to 2D planes and spawned them like, you know, like cards, like billboards that always face the camera,” Igor explained.

Important Lessons Learned

Reflecting on his work on the Open Roads Project, Igor shared some valuable lessons he learned along the way. “This is thinking out of the box,” he said.

You don’t need to be focused on the solution you already have. Of course, for that, you need experience and creativity, and only those two could help you find really creative and really good and workable solutions.

Igor emphasized that even failures can be useful learning experiences. “Even if you fail with something and your approach will not work… that experience could help you in the future,” he shared. This mindset is what helped the team keep going, even when they faced challenges that seemed nearly impossible.

Advice for Future Projects

Igor had advice for other game developers facing similar challenges. He encouraged an open-minded approach to problem-solving. “You should always try to do some crazy stuff, and sometimes that could be quite helpful for you,” he said.

“And of course, you need to remember about the estimation of the project deadlines,” he added.

The Open Roads shows that even the toughest challenges can be handled with creativity, teamwork, and a willingness to think outside the box.

A big Thanks to Michael Bistakis who was a huge part of the Open Roads Project for the team. He has successfully brought fresh ideas and solutions to make the game work so well on the Nintendo Switch!

All content

07.11.2024

Creative Graphic Designer (Closed)

8 months

more

Creative Graphic Designer

We are looking for a talented and responsible Graphic Designer to join our team and help shape our brand identity. This role focuses on creating visually compelling presentations, marketing materials, blog graphics, and social media banners that reflect our brand personality.

We need someone who works efficiently under deadlines, has a strong attention to detail, and brings both problem-solving skills and creative ideas to challenges. You’ll experiment with new concepts and translate our brand vision into consistent, impactful designs that resonate with our audience.

Position Overview:

Presentation Design: Develop engaging business presentations, using infographics, charts, and illustrations. Work with PDF documents and Google Slides.
Brand Development: Take ownership of the brand’s visual identity by refining layouts, experimenting with new designs, and enhancing brand guidelines. Proactively propose improvements to make our brand shine and resonate with our audience.
Events: Design visuals for events, including banners, logos and print materials.
Marketing Materials: Design graphics for social media, email templates, and graphics for video.
Blog Articles: Design layouts for blog articles in WordPress.
Collaboration: Partner closely with the Marketing, Production, and Product teams to meet project goals and ensure design consistency.
Quality Control: Review designs to ensure they meet brand guidelines and specifications.

Bonus Skills: Experience with video editing, animation, and HTML knowledge for enhancing email templates and blog articles.

Qualifications:

Reliability in meeting deadlines and delivering work on time to support multiple initiatives.
Proficiency in design software (e.g., Photoshop, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Slides, PowerPoint).
Solid understanding of graphic design, typography, and branding.
Strong communication, creativity, and organizational skills.
Strong ideation and problem-solving skills with a positive, action-oriented mindset.
Enthusiasm for video games and the game industry. Experience in the gaming industry is a plus.
Portfolio showcasing previous work and design expertise.

Location: Europe preferred; global team
Language: English (Upper Intermediate +); Ukrainian a plus
Work Format: Fully remote, full-time, with at least half of working hours overlapping European time zones.

We offer:

Strong and enthusiastic team – you will have the opportunity for knowledge sharing, learning, and professional self-development
Interesting and challenging tasks – solve diverse and challenging issues, communicate with people within the company as well as with our partners;
Convenient working conditions – remote work, the opportunity to build your own working day with flexible working hours
А chance to work in a highly professional and dynamic team working with a wide range of International Game Production projects, attractive remuneration package, and opportunities to develop professionally.

This is a remote, full-time contracted position.

We are an equal opportunity company and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for a contract without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Gamedev

28.10.2024

Why Should You Outsource Game Development?

8 months

more

Developing a game can be an exciting yet challenging process. It involves everything from creating art and animations to coding and testing, all while keeping the end-user experience in mind. And with the fast-growing gaming industry, companies need to keep up. So, should you try to do it all in-house, or is it better to outsource the work to a game development studio?

In recent years, more businesses have been opting to outsource game development. Partnering with a specialized game development company does offer many benefits, from accessing top talent to saving time and money. But why game outsourcing? Let’s break it down.

Making Life Easier for Your Team

Game development outsourcing is when a company partners with an external studio to handle parts, or all, of the game creation process. Think of it as an extension of your own team! Instead of trying to do everything in-house, you collaborate with skilled professionals who specialize in areas like coding, design, art, or testing.

This way, you can scale your team up or down as needed, without the long-term commitment of hiring full-time staff. Working with a game outsourcing studio means you get the extra help you need, while still keeping control of your project and vision. It’s like adding more hands to your project, giving you flexibility and access to expert talent.

Why Do Companies Start Outsourcing Game Developers?

Now, let’s talk about why outsourcing has become an increasingly attractive option for the gaming industry.

Access to Top Global Talent

One of the biggest perks of outsourcing game development is that you can work with talented people from all over the world. When you collaborate with a game outsourcing studio, you tap into a wide pool of artists, designers, developers, and other experts who have tons of experience. Whether you are building a mobile game or a console title, these professionals have seen it all and know how to get the job done.

At Devoted Studios, we work with creative professionals from different backgrounds and specialties, which means we can bring unique ideas and solutions to your game. Instead of being limited by the skills of your in-house team, outsourcing lets you access a broader range of expertise.

Cost Savings

Building and maintaining a full-time game development team can be expensive. especially when building an in-house team. You’re not only paying for salaries but also for benefits, office space, equipment, and ongoing training. These costs add up fast!

However, by outsourcing to a game development studio, you can manage your budget much more effectively. You only pay for the services you need, when you need them. This flexibility ensures you don’t overspend on resources that may not be required at every stage of development, making it a more cost-efficient option for many companies. Below is a table of how much it costs to build a game.

Below is an estimation of how much it costs to build a game.

S. No.	Type of Mobile Game	Development Cost
1	Mini-Game	$2,000 to $10,000
2	Simple 2D Game	$10,000 to $20,000
3	Social Game App	$18,000 to $30,000
4	Mid Level Mobile Game	$10,000 to $50,000
5	Business Mobile Game	$5,000 to $1,00,000
6	3D Game	$30,000 to $60,000
7	AAA Game	$300,000 to $500,000
8	Real Money Game	$10,000 to $100,000

Source: appstudio.ca

Outsourcing your game development is a smart way to keep these costs under control, no matter the type of game you’re building. By partnering with a game outsourcing studio, you can access global talent without the high overhead of maintaining an in-house team. Need a simple mini-game for $2,000? Outsourcing can connect you with the right developers quickly and efficiently. Developing a more complex 3D or AAA game? Outsourcing gives you the flexibility to scale your team without long-term commitments, allowing you to adjust based on your project’s needs.

Scalability and Flexibility

Every game is different, and each project comes with its own set of challenges. Some games require large teams, while others might only need a small group of developers. When you work with a game outsourcing studio, you get the flexibility to scale your team up or down based on the needs of the project.

Let’s say you are building a game for a major console launch. You might need a large team to work on complex elements like animation, level design, or multiplayer features. An outsource video game development studio can quickly gather a team of experts who know how to handle large-scale projects. On the other hand, if you are just developing a simple mobile game, you might only need a small group of developers.

Outsourcing game development gives you the freedom to adjust your team size without the long-term commitments that come with hiring in-house employees.

Faster Time to Market

In the gaming world, timing is everything. Whether you are creating a mobile game or a large console project, getting your game to market quickly can make all the difference. By working with an experienced game development studio like Devoted Studios, you can speed up your development process.

Outsourcing means you can bring in extra hands whenever you need them, which helps prevent bottlenecks and keeps your project on track. If you try to do everything in-house, you might find that you need to hire more people or wait for your current team to complete other projects before they can work on your game. That slows everything down. But when you outsource mobile game development, you can have multiple teams working at once, which gets your game out the door faster.

Focus on What You Do Best

Developing a game requires a lot of focus and time. If your team is tied up with coding, art creation, and testing, they might not have the bandwidth to work on other important areas of your business. By outsourcing to a game development company, you free up your internal team to focus on what they do best, whether that’s marketing, business development, or managing other key projects.

For example, if you specialize in mobile app development, it might make more sense to hire a game outsourcing studio to handle the game development side of things. That way, you can focus on growing your mobile apps while letting the experts create your game.

Mitigated Risks

When you outsource game development, one of the key benefits is mitigated risks. Game development is a complex process that comes with many potential challenges, like budget overruns, missed deadlines, or technical issues. By partnering with a game outsourcing studio, you reduce these risks because you’re working with experts who have the experience and processes in place to handle such challenges.

Outsourcing teams are skilled at managing unexpected hurdles, such as staffing changes or technical bugs, without affecting the overall project timeline. They typically use proven workflows and risk management strategies to ensure that problems are identified early and addressed quickly. This reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes and helps keep your game on track.

Ready to Outsource Your Game?

Outsourcing your game development can be a game-changer, but how do you know if you’re ready? First, consider what parts of the project you need help with—whether it’s coding, art, animation, or the entire game. Make sure you have a clear vision and scope for your game. Once you know the skills and resources you need, it’s time to start looking for the right game development studio. You will want to partner with a team that understands your goals and can deliver on time and within budget.

Ready to get started? Let Devoted Studios turn your game idea into reality, faster and more efficiently!

Gamedev

28.10.2024

Can You Make AAA Games with Unity?

8 months

more

When we think of AAA games, titles like The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption 2, or The Witcher 3 often come to mind. These are massive productions with incredibly detailed graphics, complex mechanics, and long, incredible narrative.

But can Unity, a game engine historically associated with mobile games and indie developers, handle AAA game development? The answer might surprise you.

What Defines a AAA Game?

Before exploring Unity’s potential for AAA game development, let’s clarify what a AAA game actually is. The term ‘AAA game’ typically refers to titles created by large studios with extensive budgets, big teams, and high production values. These games are considered flagship products for companies, often taking years to complete and requiring millions of dollars. In short, AAA games represent the best that the industry has to offer in terms of visual quality, gameplay, and storytelling.

The cost of AAA game development, according to the CMA report, can go up to $1 billion, depending on the game’s complexity. Take for example, Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto, they required over $250 million in development costs.

Why are AAA games so expensive to make? The simple answer is because these projects involve multiple teams working across various areas such as art design, coding, voice acting, and marketing.

Unity Game Development: A Brief Overview

Unity is one of the most widely used game development engines globally, known for its flexibility, ease of use, and strong community support. Developers use it to build everything from simple 2D mobile games to complex 3D environments and VR experiences. Over the years, Unity game development has advanced significantly, with the engine becoming increasingly capable of handling more sophisticated projects.

Unity offers an intuitive interface and a vast library of assets, which makes it popular among small studios and indie developers. Its cross-platform compatibility and relatively accessible pricing model make it a go-to for developers of all sizes.

However, when it comes to AAA game development, Unity isn’t always the first engine that comes to mind. But that does not mean it can’t. Unity is fully capable of developing AAA-quality games. Games like The Heretic and Cities: Skylines are examples of AAA games made with Unity.

Unity’s Growing Capability for AAA Games

While Unity originally catered to smaller projects, its capabilities have expanded significantly. The most recent versions of Unity offer tools like the High-Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP) and real-time ray tracing, which allow for lifelike lighting, shadows, and detailed environments. These features have brought Unity much closer to the visual quality often associated with AAA games.

For instance, Unity’s HDRP allows for advanced rendering techniques, making it easier to produce visually stunning games. Additionally, Unity’s Visual Effect Graph gives developers the ability to create complex particle systems, contributing to the immersive experiences typically found in AAA titles. Unity’s Data-Oriented Technology Stack (DOTS) also allows for more efficient game performance, which is crucial for large, complex games.

Another major advantage for Unity developers is its Asset Store, which provides pre-made models, textures, animations, and other resources that can drastically speed up game development.

Top 3 AAA Games Built with Unity Engine

While Unity is not yet the industry standard for AAA games, there have been several notable titles that highlight the engine’s capabilities. These examples demonstrate that Unity is more than capable of handling complex game mechanics, stunning visuals, and immersive gameplay experiences typically expected from AAA games. Here are some examples of AAA games built with Unity engine:

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, released in August 2020, is a colorful, battle royale game built with Unity, where players compete in fun, chaotic obstacle courses. Developers used Unity’s built-in physics engine to create dynamic and unpredictable interactions between the jellybean-like characters as they navigate these wacky challenges.

Unity’s asset store was essential for sourcing 3D models, animations, and other elements, saving time and resources during development. The game’s real-time physics and seamless multiplayer functionality were made possible by Unity, allowing for smooth gameplay and a fun, engaging experience. Unity helped deliver the charm and unpredictability that makes Fall Guys so beloved.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is not only visually stunning, but it also delivers highly engaging and challenging gameplay. As a 2D platformer with ‘Metroidvania’ elements, the game offers tight, responsive controls that allow players to execute precise movements, which are critical for navigating its beautifully designed environments. Unity’s capabilities shine through in the fluidity of Ori’s movements, from double jumps and dashes to gliding through the air with a graceful fluidity that feels natural and responsive.

The gameplay centers around exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Players control Ori, a small spirit creature, as they traverse a sprawling interconnected world filled with hidden paths, dangerous enemies, and cleverly designed puzzles. The game encourages players to revisit areas with new abilities, making exploration feel rewarding.

Subway Surfers

Who doesn’t know Subway Surfers? It’s one of the most popular and addictive endless runner games developed by KiLoo and SYBO, and believe it or not, it’s made with Unity! The game’s vibrant graphics, smooth controls, and fast-paced action are all powered by Unity’s flexible game engine, which makes the gameplay experience feel seamless.

In Subway Surfers, players take on the role of a character running through subway tracks, trying to outrun the inspector and his dog. With simple swipe controls, they dodge oncoming trains, jump over barriers, and collect coins along the way. Power-ups like jetpacks and coin magnets add to the fun, making each run feel fresh and exciting.

The Future of Unity in AAA Game Development

Unity is gradually becoming a viable option for AAA developers. The constant updates to the engine and the introduction of advanced tools like HDRP and DOTS make it more competitive with other AAA game engines. Unity also offers greater flexibility and faster iteration times, making it appealing to game studios looking to innovate in their development process.

As more studios explore Unity’s potential, it is likely that we will see more AAA games developed with Unity in the coming years.

So, can you make AAA games with Unity?

Absolutely, though it requires some additional effort and know-how. Unity has proven itself as a powerful tool capable of producing complex, visually stunning games. However, making a AAA game with Unity may require more customization and optimization compared to other engines.

Unity’s recent advancements have positioned it as a strong contender for large-scale projects, and as more developers look for ways to streamline the development process, Unity offers an attractive combination of flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

For studios interested in exploring Unity for their next game, whether it’s a mobile title or a full-scale AAA project, Devoted Studios can help. Learn more about our Unity game development services on our Unity Games Service Page.

At Devoted Studios, we’ve been part of developing cutting-edge games in Unity, delivering polished experiences across genres. We’ve demonstrated that Unity can meet the demands of high-quality production. Our work includes collaborations on games like The Sandbox: Hell’s Kitchen and Coin Hunt World, showcasing Unity’s capabilities in handling complex mechanics, beautiful visuals, and smooth gameplay across devices.

Power Up Your Game Development with Devoted Studios

At Devoted Studios, we bring your vision to life by offering top-tier Unity game development services tailored to your needs, our team of experts is here to deliver exceptional results. With a proven track record of successful projects across platforms, we know how to make engaging experiences that keep players hooked. From stunning visuals and smooth gameplay to making sure your game works across multiple devices, Devoted Studios is your partner in game development. Ready to get started? Learn more about our services and how we can help you on our Unity Games Service Page.

Learn More

Collaborations

28.10.2024

Meet Igor Kovalov, The Visionary Behind Devoted Studios X Nike’s Airphoria in Fortnite

8 months

more

What started as a shooter game has blossomed into a sprawling service-based universe where creativity knows no bounds!

Meet, Igor Kovalov, contracted as Art Director at Devoted Studios, discusses the unique collaboration between Nike and Fortnite through the Airphoria project. Kovalov shares that Fortnite continually evolves, offering fresh content to keep players coming back for more. Think of it as a playground where anything is possible.

Igor spills the beans on the exciting collaboration between Nike and Fortnite through the vibrant Airphoria project.

Project Challenges and Workflow

Igor describes working on Airphoria as a big challenge but also exciting. The team kicked things off by building prototypes and testing different levels to make sure the game was fun for everyone, from casual players to those who play a lot. They also focused on designing 3D assets and lighting, using early concepts to shape the game’s look and feel.

Art Direction Role

Igor made sure that everything in the game met Nike’s standards. This meant staying in close touch with Nike’s team to make sure their vision was clear and that the Nike brand was visible throughout the game.

Development Challenges

The project had five different gameplay segments, including one that played with perspective in a wild, cyberpunk world. The team worked hard to design this level so players could easily understand where to go, even in a chaotic environment. They ended up creating a design that felt like an open corridor, guiding players through the experience.

Igor encourages everyone to jump into Airphoria in Fortnite. He and his team at Devoted Studios are proud of what they’ve created and believe it’s a really unique project.

The article was previously published on uainfo.org.

DEVOTED STUDIOS BLOG

What Is Game Porting, Really?

Understanding the Game Porting Process

Step One, Assessing Compatibility

Then, Start With Planning and Setting Expectations

Next, Dive Into Code Adaptation and Optimization

After That Is to Test Things Out and Fix Any Bugs That Come Across

Once That’s Done, Polish Things up for a Smoother Experience

Finally, Wrap It up With Some Final Testing and Quality Assurance

What Are the Challenges in Porting Games?

What is PlayVS Zone Wars UEFN?

Our Role at Devoted Studios

The Challenges We Face

What Working With a Very Tight Timeline Looked Like

Despite the Challenges, We Are Proud of What We’ve Achieved

A Custom 2v2 Team Deathmatch Island

25 Unique Arenas

Rapid Development & Iteration

Final Words From Us at Devoted

Understanding In-House Game Development

Some of the key benefits of in-house game development include:

However, there are also some drawbacks:

Outsourced Game Development Means Getting Global Talent

Here are some reasons why you might consider outsourcing game development

But, outsourcing also has its challenges

If You’re Still Wondering Which Is Right for You…

Your Budget

The Scope of the Project

Time Constraints

Level of Control

Long-Term Goals

Conclusion: In-House or Outsourced Game Development?

UEFN Is a Powerful Tool for Fortnite Game Development

Why Are Developers Choosing UEFN?

Our Experience at Devoted Studios with UEFN

The Future of Game Development on UEFN

Why Outsource Game Porting?

Top 10 Video Game Porting Companies

Devoted Studios

Virtuos

Room 8 Studio

Keywords Studios

QLOC

Sperasoft

Abstraction

Independent Arts

Puny Human

Pingle Studio

Why Devoted Studios is Your Best Porting Studio Partner

About Igor

The Biggest Challenge During the Open Road Project

Solving Unexpected Issues

Iterations and Finding New Solutions

Making the Game Work for the Nintendo Switch

Important Lessons Learned

Advice for Future Projects

Creative Graphic Designer

Position Overview:

Qualifications:

We offer:

Making Life Easier for Your Team

Why Do Companies Start Outsourcing Game Developers?

Access to Top Global Talent

Cost Savings

Scalability and Flexibility

Faster Time to Market

Focus on What You Do Best

Mitigated Risks

Ready to Outsource Your Game?

What Defines a AAA Game?

Unity Game Development: A Brief Overview

Unity’s Growing Capability for AAA Games

Top 3 AAA Games Built with Unity Engine

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Subway Surfers

The Future of Unity in AAA Game Development

So, can you make AAA games with Unity?

Project Challenges and Workflow

Art Direction Role