DEVOTED STUDIOS BLOG

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.

When it comes to creating high-quality, polished games, game co-development is becoming the industry standard. Games today are bigger, more detailed, and more ambitious. Because of this, many studios work together to get the job done.

If you’ve played any big game or AAA title in the last few years, you’ve played a game that was built through co-development. Teams from different studios often combine their skills to create a game that’s polished, fun, and ready on time.

With players expecting bigger worlds and better gameplay, co-development helps studios keep up. It’s not just about speed—it’s about creating games that feel exciting and meet the high standards players have today.

In this article, we’ll explain what co-development is, how it works, and why it’s becoming the future of game development.

Understanding Co-Development

Game co-development is a collaborative process where multiple studios join forces to develop either an entire game or specific components of it. Unlike outsourcing, co-development involves deep, ongoing collaboration between teams, shared ownership of creative vision, and daily synchronization.

Co-development spans all aspects of game production

At Devoted Studios, we worked with The Sandbox to create Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen experience. Our team designed the characters, animations, and levels to bring the game to life. This partnership made the process faster and more creative than working alone.

How Co-Development Differs from Outsourcing

Though co-development and outsourcing are often used interchangeably, they are distinct processes. Understanding the difference is crucial for studios and developers looking to build strong partnerships.

Outsourcing Example

When we worked on Spellbreak for the Nintendo Switch, our role was to handle everything related to porting. This included the concept work, animation, and development. The project was given to us with clear tasks, and we delivered the results independently.

Co-Development Example

For the MMORPG Palia, we partnered with Singularity 6 and Epic Games. In this case, both our teams collaborated daily. We attended meetings, shared updates, and worked together on game art, world-building, and technical features. Co-development made sure we aligned on the vision and stayed on schedule.

For those aspiring to create a group with thousands of positive reviews on Steam and similar platforms, you must choose co-development partners judiciously. 

• Seek a team with a spectrum of skills, from Game Designers to Blockchain Developers 
• A collaboration that translates to savings exceeding $5,000 in your budget
• A team of specialists committed to meeting deadlines
• Devoted Studios stands out as the ideal partner meeting these criteria. For those searching for a reliable partner, feel free to contact us via email

The Importance of Effective Co-Development in Making Games

The way games are made has changed a lot. Today, studios don’t need massive in-house teams of 200 people to create great games. Tools like Jira for project tracking, Git for development, and platforms like Slack or Zoom make it easy for teams to collaborate remotely.

Here’s why co-development is so important now:

Co-development is changing the way games are made, allowing teams from around the world to work together and deliver projects in as little as two months. This approach has become a key driver in the gaming industry, where speed, creativity, and collaboration are more important than ever. 

Platforms like Sandbox and Roblox are leading the charge, attracting talented freelancers, studios, and individual teams who are eager to collaborate and push

By working with other studios, you can access new skill sets, expand your capabilities, and tackle larger, more complex projects without overwhelming your in-house team. Co-development allows you to bring in the right talent exactly when you need it. The result? Games that are polished, engaging, and ready for players faster than ever.

Contemporary Game Development is an intricate process demanding a precise comprehension of the sequential steps and establishing transparent yet adaptable procedures. Whether you are embarking on developing your inaugural game or seeking to refine your existing approach, this article shall serve as your comprehensive playbook.

The primary objective of the subsequent text is to facilitate your mastery of the intricacies inherent in game development stages. By doing so, you, as the orchestrator of this process, will adeptly navigate the expansive terrain of game creation, effectively assemble a team, and appropriately allocate responsibilities. Continue reading, and you will not only acquaint yourself with the fundamental developmental stages of a game but also scrutinize them through the lens of exemplary works produced by Devoted Studios.

1. Pre-Production: Laying the Foundation

Cliff Bleszinski, Epic Games’ former developer, once said, “Nobody in Game Dev knows what they’re doing; we just have a gut assumption.” On the one hand, it seems true because you don’t make the game successful, but it becomes successful because of a positive gaming experience. But we’re talking about processes here.

To give maximum freedom of action and allow each team member to show creativity, it is at this stage that you, as the main center, need:

• Assemble the whole team with a single goal – create a game with a unique and exciting gaming experience; 
• Conduct exhaustive research and analysis to gain insights into market trends and identify potential competitors.
• To create a clear game concept for the team that will help make informed decisions throughout the development process; 
• Create concept art to visualize the game’s aesthetics and develop a Game Design Document (GDD), which describes the game’s essential elements, mechanics, and monetization strategies. 

At this stage, you need to define the platform for your game and allocate the necessary resources to realize your vision. The result of this stage will be a clear vision of the game, including mechanics, gameplay, and the main plot.

2. Production: Transforming Ideas into Reality

Once you can clearly and comprehensively answer the question, “What kind of game do I want to create?” it is time to transition to the production stage. During this phase, tasks can be efficiently decompressed, and all processes tailored to the needs of designers, developers, 2D and 3D artists, audio specialists, and other professionals can be effectively customized.

The production stage is both a creative and technical endeavor. Artists engage in the creation of visually stunning assets, encompassing characters, environments, and props. Programmers breathe life into the game mechanics, encoding the interactions and functions that render the game playable. Simultaneously, game designers focus on level design, balancing gameplay elements, and crafting captivating experiences for players. This phase mandates collaborative efforts, necessitating effective communication and coordination among diverse development teams.

The quality of the work produced by the Devoted Studios team can be assessed on ArtStation, providing a glimpse into only a fraction of the activities transpiring during this pivotal stage of game development.

During this phase, the work of Quality Assurance (QA) engineers commences. These professionals generate test documentation based on the Game Design Document (GDD) and refine overarching ideas and concepts. Subsequently, this data becomes integral in the subsequent phase.

3. Polishing: Ensuring a Seamless Experience

The QA department commences meticulous work once the core game mechanics are in place. Engineers conduct thorough tests to identify and rectify bugs, errors, and performance issues.

This phase extends beyond problem detection, refining gameplay mechanics, enhancing graphics, and ensuring an uninterrupted user experience. During this stage, QA scrutinizes various facets of the game, such as dependable environments, rendering and performance issues, exploits, and difficulty levels.

Occasionally, non-technical beta testers are enlisted at this juncture. They evaluate the game’s “fun factor” to guarantee its allure and entertainment value for players. Tester feedback and user experience research are pivotal in refining the game and making necessary adjustments to elevate its overall quality.

As an illustrative example, we have successfully concluded the entire development cycle of Palia Game, slated for release in 2024, and is already available on Steam. Soon, you will have the opportunity to evaluate the proficiency of the Devoted Studios development team independently.

Subsequently, the game undergoes a polishing phase by returning to the developers. The iterative process of transferring individual features and game mechanics between developers and QA engineers may be repeated multiple times until all impediments to the release are addressed.

4. Launch: Introducing the Game to the World

The launch phase represents a pivotal moment for game developers, as it determines whether the game will fulfill the expectations and anticipation of the community. Frequently, developers receive direct feedback from players during this stage, prompting them to make final adjustments to the game and address any lingering bugs.

The involvement of the marketing department becomes crucial at this juncture. Designers and artists collaborate to craft the trailer and actively participate in game events to heighten interest and attract players. Throughout the launch phase, careful consideration must be given to various factors, including selecting an optimal release date, optimizing the game for different platforms, and implementing effective marketing strategies. This period is both exhilarating and highly anticipated, as the entire team eagerly awaits the players’ acknowledgment of their hard work.

5. Post-Production Maintenance: Continued Support and Improvement

Naturally, the development process doesn’t culminate with the game’s launch; it persists because continual support to players is imperative. It involves resolving emerging issues and dedicating time to enhance the game based on user feedback.

Post-production services encompass the following:

• Updates and patches for bug fixes.
• Incorporating new features to enhance the overall gaming experience.
• Porting game for any game platform.
• Development of additional content (DLC) to extend the game’s lifespan.

As an illustrative example, Devoted Studios played a pivotal role in porting Five Nights at Freddy’s to the Nintendo Switch after its release on PC and other consoles. This strategic move expanded the player base and, more significantly, heightened player loyalty.

This phase ensures that players continue to derive enjoyment and engagement from the game long after its initial release.

Conclusion

The stages of game development collectively form a comprehensive roadmap for crafting captivating and successful games. Each phase plays a pivotal role in shaping the final product, from laying the foundation to transforming ideas into reality, ensuring quality, and launching the game into the world.

By comprehending and precisely targeting the game development process, developers can forge exceptional gaming experiences that resonate with players, leaving a lasting impact. Understanding the plan and adeptly decomposing the team’s tasks is imperative. This article is designed to assist you in expediting your game creation process and optimizing your budget effectively.

When “Roblox” comes to mind, you might envision children immersed in entertaining game processes or various gaming streams within the platform. While this perception holds, we aim to delve into Roblox’s primary advantages for brands. It extends beyond significant brands, creating virtual realms within the platform.

Possessing a million-dollar idea is one thing, but translating it through an engaging Roblox game development experience requires expertise. If you lack the necessary experience, fear not. In the following text, you’ll discover all you need with Devoted Studios, where professionals stand ready to bring your Roblox vision to life.

Essential TOP-3 Insights into Roblox

Roblox, often underestimated in its functionality, is a potent game designer with capabilities far exceeding initial impressions. Let’s explore the reasons behind its prowess and how it can be a valuable asset for you.

1. Roblox: Beyond Gaming – Unveiling a Metaverse Experience

Don’t let Roblox’s apparent simplicity and “childfulness” deceive you. It constitutes a metaverse that brings together:

Source: Roblox Statistics 2023

• Over 70 Million Unique Users Worldwide Daily.
• Across leading platforms, utilizing the LUA programming language, Unlocks has the potential to craft thrilling game worlds playable on computers, game consoles, and smartphones.
• Drawing in both Business Representatives and Brand Enthusiasts.

It signifies that developing games on the Roblox platform establish supplementary gaming interactions that prove mutually advantageous for players, developers, and brands.

NikeLand on Roblox serves as an exemplary instance of integrating metaverses into marketing. As reported by The Drum, the Nike metaverse attracted a staggering 21 million users in 2022. These users engaged in captivating games, explored the Nike virtual world, and made virtual purchases. This practical illustration underscores the significance of Roblox as a platform for businesses.

2. Roblox: A Gateway to Enhanced Earnings

Crafting a distinctive gaming universe unlocks profitable opportunities for both businesses and players. It is attained through:

• Business Prospects: Leveraging opportunities to trade electronic assets for Robux, the platform’s in-game currency.
• Player Engagement: Offering users a captivating gaming experience, introducing them to renowned brands, and providing access to exclusive assets.
• Developer Collaboration: Fostering collaboration among developers and teams to create sophisticated gameplay and engage in profitable ventures.

The Roblox platform offers boundless potential for earnings, with profits hinging on the expertise of Roblox developers and the overarching concept of the final product.

3. Roblox: Unlocking Diverse Opportunities in the Short and Long Term

As evident from the statistics provided, it’s not just adolescents under the age of 13 who dedicate their time to the Roblox platform. Remarkably, the user base under 13 has surged by almost 50% in the last three years, with those beyond the age of 13 witnessing an astounding increase of over 130%. It signifies that you have the potential to be the architect of a unique game, catering to a user base that spans all age groups without constraints.

For a deeper understanding of Roblox and insights that will prove instrumental for your 2024 project, we invite you to explore our video content on the Devoted Studios YouTube Channel. Who actually makes money in Roblox? How to create the most successful metaverse?

What You Need to Create Your First Roblox Game

The initial and pivotal step in your journey is to ensure access to top-tier developers. If that’s not already in place, understanding where to find skilled Roblox game developers to hire becomes paramount.

Roblox Game Development demands specialized knowledge due to its unique nature, requiring a distinct approach. While many aspiring young players may wish to contribute to game development on their beloved platform, the question remains: Are you prepared to jeopardize your company’s reputation? At Devoted Studios, we uphold the sanctity of our reputation, assembling a team of premier Roblox developers who have actively contributed to the successful launch of games.

If you’re keen on avoiding the hassle of scouring for the right developers, consider these three compelling reasons to engage with Devoted Studios:

✓ Efficient Time and Cost Management: By gaining access to seasoned professionals, you sidestep the need for a hiring team and witness tangible results.

✓ Legal Safeguards for Your Interests: Clear the uncertainty associated with a ‘luck of the draw’ hiring process. With us, you secure the services of the finest professionals for your tasks.

✓ Outcome-Focused Collaboration: With Devoted Studios, your focus remains on the result while we manage the intricate processes.