DEVOTED STUDIOS BLOG

Even if you don’t play Fortnite or like the same shooters, you can’t argue with the company’s success. We will now discuss how collaboration is essential to Epic Games’ success. The key to significantly increasing the revenue of your gaming business is forming the Right Partners.

However, only some partnerships are as advantageous to the brand as others. Lord of the Rings: Gollum` case has shown how even massive licenses may let consumers and STEAM communities down. As a result, Devoted Studios will discuss the significant partnerships and missteps that Fortnite has made that have kept the game from being even more popular.

Fortnite Success: From 2018 to 2024

Fortnight is a brand, like the Marvel or Lego licenses. Its main goal is to maximize profit and regularly increase the number of active users in the game. Thanks to collaboration, the game breaks records and goals.

For example, in 2018-2019, even before COVID-19, thanks to the active Fortnite policy, the company attracted 350 million unique players. Thanks to these players and the introduction of purchases of collectible items, the game received more than $9 million.

The collaboration between Fortnite and the NFL (2021) brought the game $50 million in just a few hours. Through such partnerships, brands come out to meet goals and grow. Do you think it’s worth it or not? Let’s compare it to Marvel’s income. According to official records, Marvel earned $25 billion between 2008 and 2022. Compare these numbers and be sure that collaborations do help significantly increase profits.

Fortnite and Artists’ Collaborations

Fortnite has embraced the transmedia strategy, and each collaboration has a history. One of Fortnite’s most extensive collaborations was with Travis Scott. Here’s what Epic Games got from this collaboration:

• In total, the partnership gathered about 46 million players.
• About 28 million players joined the live in-game event.

The collaboration with Travis Scott made Fortnite one of the most discussed games on the planet.

The collaboration with Eminem became another legendary partnership. In addition to an exciting performance, Epic Games attracted millions of players in a limited time by introducing a limited series of skins.

Fortnite: Collaboration Fails

Sometimes, you must make a mistake to get the best collaboration for $20+ million. And Fortnite is no exception. Let us remember the brightest of them:

• Despite their popularity, the Ghostbusters’ skins have yet to yield the expected results.
• The same unexpected result was obtained after cooperation with Matrix licenses.
• Players were very eager to have Pennywise in the game, but the game did not attract enough players.

As you can see, even the best licenses sometimes fulfill expectations. However, such mistakes can also be a springboard to future great results.

Conclusion

GameDev collaborations can make your company an authentic brand but can also disappoint fans. Unfortunately, there is no secret strategy for always choosing the best partners.

But to increase your chance of getting the best collaboration, you can do it on Devoted Studios’ YouTube channel. Be sure to check out the Fortnite collaboration issue described in the text above.

The ongoing game development in 2024 persists, yet every owner of a GameDev startup must grasp a critical point: merely producing more games does not guarantee that your startup will ascend to the ranks of the most robust gaming companies within a year or even five years.

Consider, for instance, Lionshead Studios, which significantly impacted the PC gaming market in 2004 with the release of Fable: The Lost Chapters. Despite announcing a sequel titled Fable Legends in 2013, the developers were compelled to shut down operations despite receiving support from Microsoft.

This situation raises the question: How can one expedite game development and circumvent critical challenges? Below, we will delve into this question comprehensively.

Understanding the Concept of Game Development Outsourcing

Comparison is often the key to understanding, especially when it comes to the main stages of game development, whether pursued independently or with the assistance of a professional studio.

Outsourcing game development involves entrusting specific tasks or the entire game development process to a third-party company. Consider the many preparatory steps and organizational tasks you can bypass through this approach.

Devoted Studios and other reputable studios already possess access to a complete range of skilled professionals and teams essential for game development. By this co-development, you can receive assistance at any stage of the game development cycle, including game design, programming, animation, testing, and other critical phases.

The Role of a Game Development Outsourcing Company

Outsourcing studios to Game Dev offers advantages beyond saving time and budget. Let’s consider the additional benefits for your future game.

• Game Conceptualization and Design: From brainstorming ideas to designing game mechanics, studios can provide you with a comprehensive game design document.
• Technical Implementation: They handle all the coding requirements, including game mechanics, AI functionality, and user interface.
• Art and Animation: These companies have a team of skilled artists and animators to create engaging visuals and characters for your game.
• Sound Design and Music: They also work on the audio aspect of the game, creating sound effects and music to enhance gameplay.
• Quality Assurance and Testing: They ensure the game is bug-free and provides a smooth gaming experience.
• Project Management: They handle all aspects of project management, ensuring that the game development process stays on track.
• Marketing and Distribution: Some companies also offer marketing and distribution services, helping you reach your target audience effectively.
• Porting: Third-party GameDev studios can help your PC game run on Nintendo Switch and other Game platforms. Please look at how we successfully ported Five Nights at Freddy’s. The involvement of top specialists in the project made this exciting and successful process possible.

From words to practice: How to Choose a Game Development Outsourcing Company

Let’s look at the five main points you must consider when choosing a company.

1. Marketing and Distribution: Some companies also offer marketing and distribution services, helping you reach your target audience effectively.

2. Skill Set and Team Composition: The studio must have a team of highly skilled professionals who can immediately participate in the development process.

3. Technical Skills: It’s crucial to review the studio’s website for evidence of exceptional technical skills through their showcased projects.

4. Creative Vision and Innovation: The studio should meet your requirements and offer imaginative ideas and innovative technologies to enhance the project.

5. Budget and Cost: It is recommended that you communicate with the studio managers to review their previous projects, comprehend their pricing method, and evaluate it with your budget to guarantee compatibility.

It’s crucial to recognize that before selecting the proper studio, you must clearly understand the type of game you want to create. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to figure every detail out from the start, but you should have a conceptual framework.

Conclusion

We’ve established that selecting the proper studio is a crucial step in shaping the final version of your game. This decision significantly impacts the speed of game development and the quality of the final product. Let’s summarize how you can choose a suitable game studio:

• Have a clear vision of your future game. This will enable you to better understand the expertise required for development.
• Select a GameDev studio with impressive projects in their portfolio: This indicates their capability and experience in delivering quality games.
• Choose a studio that aligns with your budget: Ensure that their pricing structure fits within your financial constraints.

Following these guidelines will help you choose the proper studio for your future game, setting a solid foundation for a successful development journey.

There are no professionals in gaming who do not aspire to work on AAA projects. Instead, some 2D/3D artists or illustrators may need confidence. If you want to bolster your confidence by earning +100 Confidence Points, explore our YouTube “Get Hired” series. 

Additionally, the insights shared in these episodes will prove valuable to seasoned professionals and startup owners searching for suitable artists, offering a clearer understanding of the criteria for identifying the ideal candidate.

Ninel Anderson (CEO at Devoted Studios) recently hosted an interview with Artem Volchik (Art Director at Raid Base Inc), where they delved into suggestions for enhancing portfolios to maximize the chances of landing exciting positions at AAA companies. We’re eagerly anticipating practical reviews of actual portfolios, which can serve as invaluable resources for presenting one’s work more effectively.

A Brief About Artem Volchik

Artem’s journey began as an ordinary teenager with a penchant for watching cartoons, playing computer games, and indulging in imaginative musings. Little did he know that his initial foray into drawing mods and characters from Half-Life and Quake would be the stepping stones to his career in the GameDev industry. Through these pursuits, he honed his skills and cultivated valuable connections within the industry.

Having already contributed to renowned companies like Riot Games, known for their popular titles Valorant and League of Legends, Artem understands that the key ingredient to success in an artistic endeavor is an unwavering passion for the craft. This enthusiasm propels professionals like him to strive for daily improvement, ultimately creating exceptional games that epitomize effective advertising.

However, the revelations in the text and video are just the beginning. Stay tuned for more invaluable insights awaiting you.

3 Key Elements of the Best Artist in GameDev

Every illustrator and artist is a unique specialist despite working with similar tools. Therefore, each project requires a suitable professional. Here are the three main qualities to look for in applicants:

• Personal involvement in the project: Don’t prioritize ranks or statuses; focus on the candidate’s enthusiasm and dedication. If a candidate passionately discusses their role and shares exciting experiences during the interview, note it.
• Utilization of new technologies and methods: Beware of candidates who claim to be a “3D Generalist” and insist they can handle any task. If you seek a Strong Environment Artist, ensure the candidate meets your requirements.
• Relevant experience: Verifying that the candidate possesses sufficient attention to detail and relevant experience in your field is crucial.

As previously mentioned in our Blog articles, hiring actively engaged professionals is the most effective way to accelerate game production. Also, this advice will be good for artists and illustrators who want to participate in AAA Studio.

We need more insights

An interview with an engaging and experienced Art Director like Artem always yields valuable insights. Every word he shares is laden with information that can enlighten and inspire. We highly encourage you to watch the full “Get Hired” video on YouTube to gain access to this wealth of knowledge.

In the interview with Ninel and Artem, you can expect:

• Detailed insights into the interview and onboarding processes for the Art Team at AAA studios.
• A comprehensive overview of successful and unsuccessful cases within portfolios provides invaluable learning opportunities.
• An intriguing discussion on AI versus Human creativity, where the guest from the studio will attempt to discern between works produced by AI platforms and those crafted by human artists.

This episode will provide you with an in-depth comprehension of the internal mechanisms of AAA studios, as well as their contribution to contemporary top-notch projects.

Have you ever wondered whether inviting luminaries such as Shigeru Miyamoto (Donkey Kong), Sid Meier (Civilization, The Sims), or Will Wright (Spore) would significantly enhance your game development process? Undoubtedly, their expertise could offer valuable insights. However, the valid key to success lies in the individuals involved and the meticulous configuration of team dynamics and processes spanning all departments, from development to marketing. Hence, in GameDev, processes hold far greater significance than individual personalities.

Let us now identify the essential components necessary for successful game development endeavors. These components are designed to empower you in effectively managing your team, enabling you to navigate through project sprints, meet deadlines, and remain within budget constraints.

Technical Brief: Understanding the Concept and Its Key Elements

Embarking on the construction of processes may be manageable if one understands the technology involved and adheres to it diligently while also infusing a touch of creativity. Below, we delineate the primary elements crucial in the Game Dev industry’s process architecture.

Therefore, your technical assignment should contain:

• Title: optimal documentation practices for game development projects.
• Introduction: setting the stage for adequate documentation.
• Objectives: defining clear goals for documentation excellence.
• Background: understanding the importance of documentation in game development.
• Technical Details: delving into the technical aspects of documentation processes.
• Methodology: exploring effective methods for documenting game development projects.
• Results: unveiling insights and outcomes from documented processes.
• Discussion: analyzing results and offering solutions for enhanced documentation practices.
• Recommendations: propose actionable steps to improve documentation efficiency.
• Conclusion: summarizing key findings and implications for game development teams.
• References: citing sources supporting documentation best practices.
• Appendices: supplementary materials enhancing understanding of documentation methods.

If you’ve already established processes but sense that something vital may be overlooked, take a moment to identify the potential gaps. Feel free to pause your reading and evaluate your processes using the above-created checklist.

Tips for Advanced Making Manage Game Development Team

Now, if you want to configure processes from scratch, let’s define your path step-by-step.

Tip 0. Define Clear Goals and Requirements

To ensure accurate and effective implementation, it is imperative to determine the scope of work, clear objectives, and technical requirements. This foundational step is crucial for better preparation for future trials. Delegating and distributing tasks to the team becomes challenging without clearly defined tasks. Once the scope of work is established, assembling all necessary specialists becomes feasible.

Tip 1. Providing References and Artistic Direction

Following the initial step, preparing recommendations and establishing a clear artistic direction is essential. It ensures a cohesive vision and understanding of the desired artistic style for the project. References serve as illustrative examples, aiding in conveying the desired look and feel of the game. These may include images, videos, or games that capture the desired artistic style, mood, or atmosphere. By offering recommendations, team members receive visual guidance to recreate the desired visual effects accurately.

Tip 2. Taking into Technical and Creative Requirements

While references and creativity are essential, balancing technical requirements and creative freedom is paramount in game development. This equilibrium ensures that the game’s functionality remains unencumbered by unnecessary elements, maintaining optimal performance and user experience.

Tip 3. Managing the Project Pipeline

Streamlining the development process necessitates a clear understanding of future sprints and project stages. Typical stages include pre-production, production, testing, and release. By comprehensively managing the project pipeline, tasks, and resources can be allocated effectively, fostering smooth project progression.

Transparent communication is indispensable for effective portfolio management. Foster a culture where the team feels comfortable sharing updates, obstacles, and suggestions. Regular feedback and guidance ensure alignment with project objectives while promoting collaboration and fostering creativity and innovation.

Tip 4. Involving Only the Truly Engaged Experts

You will create the game you want only if the right experts work on it. They should not only have the necessary skills and relevant experience, but they should also enjoy working on your game. If you have to choose “an experienced developer who is not a gravity genre or developer without much experience who likes such projects” it is best to select the second option.

Tip 5. Delegating Tasks Effectively

Delegating tasks is a critical aspect of task management in game development. By employing effective delegation techniques, you can ensure tasks are assigned and executed efficiently.

• Use Sam Walton’s “Over-the-Shoulder method.” This approach entails gaining a comprehensive understanding of the task to be delegated, working closely with the individual step by step, and having them demonstrate proficiency. Regularly monitor their progress to confirm proper execution.
• Providing Step-by-Step Guidance. When delegating tasks, offer step-by-step guidance to ensure clarity and minimize confusion. Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps and communicate expectations for each stage. This approach enables team members to grasp task requirements and provides a clear roadmap for execution.
• Regularly Checking Progress. Maintain regular check-ins with team members to monitor task progress. By fostering open communication, you can address challenges or obstacles promptly and offer necessary support and guidance. Regular progress updates also facilitate informed decision-making regarding resource allocation and project timelines.

By implementing these techniques, you can maintain constant process oversight while granting specialists maximum freedom.

Conclusion

Effective task management is paramount for the success of any game development project. By comprehending the significance of clear objectives, technical requirements, and collaboration, you can enhance task management effectiveness and guarantee the successful completion of your projects. Remember to communicate clearly, delegate tasks efficiently, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. Applying these tactics can enhance your team’s productivity, creativity, and overall success in the game development industry.

In a recent installment of our blog, we had the pleasure of encountering Emmanuel Valdez, a “veteran” of the GameDev realm. Over three decades, he has amassed a wealth of expertise in navigating the intricacies of brand licenses and fostering deep connections with ART departments.

The conversation between Ninel Anderson (CEO of Devoted Studios) and Emmanuel Valdez (Art Director at Visual Concepts), drawing from their collective experiences at 2K, Midway, Sony, and Marvel, was an attempt to distill decades of insights into a mere 30 minutes. In light of this, we’ve curated the top five insights from the YouTube video for your convenience, ensuring they are readily accessible whenever you need them.

Tip 1. Research Brand Licenses Thoroughly

If you harbor ambitions of orchestrating the revival of a renowned franchise, meticulous scrutiny of brands and their licenses is imperative. Your narrative must seamlessly align with the essence of the license, embodying a logical extension thereof.

Consider, for instance, the iconic Lego toys, which steadfastly retain their immobility at the elbow joint. Hence, in a hypothetical Lego 2K Drive venture, such mechanical intricacies would not manifest. Similarly, the paradox of envisioning Jason Bourne brandishing a medieval weapon is a stark reminder. We advocate for unwavering adherence to the established parameters of the brand, ensuring each novel concept harmonizes seamlessly. This proactive approach mitigates the risk of unwarranted legal entanglements.

Tip 2. Dedicated Professional Artist Commits Himself to Each Project

To derive genuine enjoyment from the process, one must wholeheartedly immerse oneself in the project’s creation. It entails more than daily toil; it necessitates living and breathing each element, cultivating a profound connection.

In the case of Lego 2k Drive, the mission revolves around players constructing their personalized racing cars before engaging in adrenaline-fueled races. Emmanuel and his team meticulously refined this mission to a point where the entire squad derived palpable satisfaction from witnessing the fruits of their labor materialize in the exhilarating competition.

Tip 3. Ensure Full Team Involvement Prior to Commencing Building Processes

Thanks to the Internet and platforms like Flickr, one can swiftly locate suitable professionals for their team. However, such avenues may only yield a pair of hands devoid of the soul that imbues true passion and creativity. The essence of a project flourishes when the team is fully engaged and derives genuine exhilaration from the creative process.

For instance, if one lacks a genuine affinity for building with Lego bricks in real life, they may find it challenging to authentically channel that enthusiasm into developing a game under the Lego license.

Tip 4. Transmedia helps not only create games, but also configure the work of all departments

It’s crucial to deconstruct large tasks into their most minor components when tasked with game creation. The Transmedia approach facilitates this by transforming tedious and repetitive processes into a comprehensive roadmap of the project. For a deeper understanding of the Transmedia effect, delve into the article and view the SpeakEasy#22 episode.

It was through the application of the Transmedia approach that the Marvel game was brought to fruition. One can truly appreciate the outcome simply by experiencing the game firsthand.

Tip 5. Maximize Your Freedom: The Essence of Brand License Collaboration

The cornerstone of effective brand license collaboration lies in clearly defining boundaries. Once established, one can fully exploit the freedom of action within those parameters. It’s essential to recognize that licenses inherently impose constraints, yet these limitations can be improved. Instead, view each restriction as an opportunity to excel within the framework.

Afterword

If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch SpeakEasy, we wholeheartedly encourage you to subscribe to the channel and enable notifications. In the preceding text, we compiled the primary insights from Emmanuel Valdez. However, should you discover additional pivotal ideas, please share your thoughts or pose questions in the comments section below the video.

The game development landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade. While a decade ago, the primary focus might have been on assembling a team of top-notch experts to craft a cutting-edge game, today’s gaming terrain emphasizes the importance of having reliable partners. In game development, establishing connections with dependable partners like DameDev is crucial. These partners play a pivotal role in creating gaming assets that capture players’ attention and elevate their gaming experience.

In the following text, you’ll discover valuable insights on acquiring exceptional gaming assets, even if you need readily available experts. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into cultivating profitable business communications, ensuring that specialists are just a message away via messenger or email.

The Importance of Game Art Outsourcing and Asset Management

Mastering the skills of game outsourcing and asset management is crucial for game developers. By strategically implementing these approaches, you can achieve top-tier visual effects while optimizing your time use, reducing costs, and efficiently managing resources. Opting for outsourcing enables you to concentrate on pivotal aspects of game development, such as refining gameplay mechanics and crafting compelling narratives, while entrusting the visual elements to seasoned professionals.

Nevertheless, exercising diligence in gaming outsourcing and asset management is paramount. Selecting the right partner is pivotal, as failure to do so can lead to communication, quality control, and seamless integration challenges. Therefore, we urge you to delve into the following best practices and insights from industry experts. These guidelines are designed to empower you to execute tasks with precision, ensuring a 100% accurate and effective outcome.Assess the gaming assets the Devoted Studios team has received and completed precise tasks to achieve great results. More information can be found in the Blog article.

Define objectives, tasks and specifications

Before selecting a partner for gaming asset creation, it is imperative to articulate clear goals, tasks, and specifications to guide the outsourcing process. This initial step elucidates the roster of necessary professionals and establishes well-defined objectives.

Construct a comprehensive roadmap, aiming for as much detail as possible, and segment large tasks into smaller, more manageable components. This meticulous approach aids in precisely identifying the gaming assets required for creation. Subsequently, search for outsourcing partners who can adeptly fulfill the designated tasks.

Choose the Suitable Game Art Outsourcing Partner: 5 steps

We highly recommend adhering to a 5-step checklist when selecting a partner for game asset creation:

1. Experience in Game Development: Prioritize studios with a proven track record in creating games, particularly those aligned with your project specifics. It enhances confidence in the potential success of your collaboration.

2. Reviews and Skills: Scrutinize reviews and exceptional skills of potential game developers, which can be found on social networks, the studio’s website, and platforms like Steam and Epic Games. This thorough examination offers valuable insights into their capabilities.

3. Available Services: Ensure that the studio has the specialists to meet your requirements and that their workforce is sufficient to handle your tasks effectively.

4. Response Time: Given the importance of timely communication, assess the responsiveness of the studio. Practical, timely, and prompt communication plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless collaboration.

5. Guarantees and Contract Adherence: Ensure that the company abides by the contract terms and offers guarantees to deliver a game that meets your requirements within the agreed timeframe.

By diligently following these 5 steps, you will undoubtedly identify one or more studios capable of creating the gaming assets you need.

Optimizing Communication Strategies for Maximum Effectiveness

Good organization is vital to successful game art outsourcing and asset management. Because setting up and maintaining effective communication and cooperation with your outsourcing partner is crucial for a successful gaming outsourcing project. It will help fill gaps, ensure coherence among all parties, and promptly consider any changes or feedback.

David Ronnes (Head of 3D & Animation at Blankhans) emphasized the critical significance of refining qualitative feedback in collaborative partnerships.

Establishing robust relationships and cultivating mutual respect are imperative aspects of gaming outsourcing. The development of a culture characterized by respect and inclusivity stands as a foundational element for fostering a prosperous partnership in the realm of gaming outsourcing.

Conclusion

Game art outsourcing and asset management represent indispensable skills for game developers striving to craft visually captivating and immersive gaming experiences. Key strategies include:

• Opting for a proficient outsourcing partner.
• Defining precise guidelines and specifications.
• Fostering effective communication.
• Optimizing art assets. 

Through these measures, developers can streamline their processes, conserve valuable time, cut costs, and allocate resources efficiently—all while attaining top-tier visual aesthetics. For those seeking a tailored touch, the option to order custom game assets further enhances the ability to shape a unique and engaging gaming environment.