In game development, there’s a role that not everyone talks about, but it’s super important to the success of a game: Art QA. Art QA’s job is to make sure everything in the game looks and works just as it should. This includes checking 3D models, textures, animations, and special effects to ensure they meet both the technical requirements and the creative goals of the game.
At Devoted Studios, we know how important quality is. As a co-development, full-cycle development, and game porting company, we work hard to make sure every asset (the visual elements like models and textures) is in a class all by itself. And that’s why never skip the step of testing the art to make sure every detail is flawless.
So we want to walk you through what our Art QA does, why it’s important, and how it helps us create better games.
Art QA specialists are the bridge between the artistic and technical sides of game development. They focus on checking the quality of a game’s visual elements. Their job is to make sure these elements meet the game’s technical needs and fit the artistic vision.
As Vladyslav Neskhozievsky, 3D Delivery Manager with 3D Art Direction and Tech Art Experience at Devoted Studios, explains,
I would define Art QA as a discipline that focuses on reviewing and ensuring the quality of a game's artistic content.
| Checking Visuals | Art QA looks at 3D models, textures, animations, and special effects to make sure they meet the game’s standards. If something is off, they catch it and help fix it. |
| Ensuring Technical Quality | Art QA also checks the technical side of visual assets. This means ensuring they follow the right naming rules, fit technical budgets, work within the game’s technical guidelines, and perform well in the game engine. |
| Giving Feedback | Art QA specialists give helpful feedback to the artists and developers. If something needs to be changed, they make suggestions on how to improve it. |
| Bug Checking | Art QA finds and fixes bugs that might affect how visual assets work in the game. They check for issues like wrong lighting, missing textures, broken geometry, or problems with the game’s effects. |
| Clear Communication | Art QA specialists talk with artists, developers, and producers. This makes sure that everyone is on the same page about the game’s look and feel. |
| Documentation | Art QA creates documentation and checklists and keeps track of the work done, including checking previous assets and making sure everything is up to date. |
Art QA is more than just a role—it's a specialized discipline that requires a combination of technical knowledge, artistic sensibility, and strong communication skills. While each studio may have its unique expectations for the role, there are a few essential skills that every Art QA specialist should possess:
Proficiency in 3D software is a must for Art QA specialists. Whether it’s Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, or another tool, being familiar with 3D creation packages ensures they can properly assess models and textures.
Art QA specialists need to understand how textures are created, how they’re used in the game engine, and what common issues might arise. Adobe Photoshop, Substance Painter, and other tools are important for this.
Art QA specialists should have a solid understanding of game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity. This knowledge helps them assess how assets will perform in the engine and spot potential issues early on.
Quality assurance is all about the details. Art QA specialists need to be meticulous and able to catch even the smallest of errors, whether it’s a wrong texture resolution, incorrect asset scale, or a performance issue caused by an asset.
Art QA specialists must effectively communicate feedback to artists, developers, and producers. Their role isn’t just about finding problems; it’s also about collaborating and ensuring that everyone on the team understands the feedback and how to act on it.
Art QA specialists should be able to think on their feet. Whether they need to suggest ways to fix a visual error or offer an alternative solution, problem-solving is a big part of their role.
Art QA isn’t a one-off task in the game development process—it’s an ongoing responsibility that spans the entire production cycle. At Devoted Studios, we integrate Art QA into every phase of development, from initial concept art through to the final stages of production.
During the early stages of the game development cycle, Art QA ensures that the assets created by the art team are aligned with the project’s technical and artistic requirements. This may include checking reference materials, initial concept art, and even early prototypes.
As the project moves into full production, Art QA specialists review the assets and ensure they meet the required standards. They work closely with the art team, providing feedback and tracking changes to make sure that everything stays on track.
During the final stages of game development, Art QA is responsible for running through the final checklists. They check that everything is polished and ready for release, from ensuring the game runs smoothly on all platforms to making sure the art looks flawless.
At Devoted Studios, we know that Art QA is an important part of creating great games. As Volodymyr Chuyenko, 3D Delivery Manager with 3D Art Direction and Tech Art Experience at Devoted Studios, says,
Art QA is a technical specialist who works closely with the team of artists and the client. He monitors the quality of the content in technical terms, but can often provide artistic feedback from his side.
This means Art QA isn’t just about making sure the technical side of the game is perfect. It’s also about making sure the game’s visuals match the artistic vision. Art QA helps keep both the technical and artistic parts of the game in balance, which is key to creating a high-quality game.
At Devoted Studios, we believe this balance is crucial. Our Art QA specialists make sure that all the visual elements of the game meet both the technical requirements and the creative direction. This helps us deliver a game that looks amazing and works smoothly, meeting the high standards of our clients.
If you're looking for a co-development partner, full-cycle game development, or game porting services, Devoted Studios is here to help. Our Art QA specialists, along with our skilled teams in co-development, full-cycle development, and porting, guarantee that every project meets the highest standards of quality.
We understand the importance of quality assurance and the value of having experts on your team who can verify that your assets and visual elements are flawless. With our Art QA specialists and dedicated development teams, we bring your vision to life—without compromise.
If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, contact Devoted Studios today. Let’s make something amazing together!
