What is Game Co-Development
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 | Co-Development |
You hire another team to complete specific tasks. | Both teams work together daily on shared goals. |
Limited communication. | Teams meet regularly to share progress and ideas. |
Tasks are simple and independent (like 3D modeling). | Projects involve shared creativity and problem-solving. |
Example:"Here’s a task. Finish it and send it back." | Example:"Let’s work together to build this system." |
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:
Access to Specialized Talent | Modern games are complex and need experts in many areas, like AI programming, multiplayer systems, or high-quality art. Co-development lets studios bring in top specialists when they need them. |
Faster Development | Sharing the workload means projects can move forward much faster. Instead of one team doing everything, multiple teams work on different parts of the game at the same time. |
Cost-Effective | Hiring full-time employees for short-term projects can be expensive. Co-development allows studios to bring in experts only when needed, saving money while still delivering high-quality work. |
Creative Synergy | When teams work together, they can bring new ideas and solutions to the table. This leads to games that are more unique, engaging, and fun for players. |
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.