Each year, more companies are looking for different outsource solutions, and gaming studios aren’t an exception.
By collaborating with specialized service providers, gaming companies can streamline operations, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top 15 outsourcing solutions that gaming companies should consider. Whether you’re a mobile game developer, a PC game studio, or a console game publisher, outsourcing offers a myriad of benefits which is why you should stick with us.
Outsource Solutions: Enhancing Your Gaming Business
Before we explore the specific outsource solutions available to gaming companies, let’s highlight why outsourcing has become a game-changer for the industry.
Outsourcing empowers gaming companies to tap into specialized skills, trim operational expenses, and concentrate on their core competencies. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also accelerates growth.
Now, join us as we delve into the key areas:
1. Game Development
Outsourcing game development is a strategic move for gaming companies because it taps into the expertise of specialized studios. You can outsource game development to studios that have experience in various aspects of game-making, such as coding, artwork, and level design. By outsourcing game development, gaming companies can:
- Access Specialized Skills: Game development studios often have teams of professionals with expertise in specific areas, allowing for the creation of complex and feature-rich games.
- Reduce Costs: Outsourcing can be cost-effective, as it eliminates the need to hire and maintain an extensive in-house development team, reducing payroll and infrastructure expenses.
- Accelerate Development: With a dedicated team focused solely on game development, projects can progress more quickly, meeting deadlines and getting games to market faster.
- Focus on Core Competencies: Gaming companies can channel their internal resources into core activities such as game concept development, business strategy, and marketing.
2. Quality Assurance and Testing
Quality assurance and testing are integral components of game development. Outsourcing testing teams for these critical functions is essential because:
- Expert Testing: Outsourced teams are skilled in conducting comprehensive QA checks, systematically identifying bugs and inconsistencies in gameplay, ensuring the highest level of quality.
- Objective Evaluation: External testers provide an objective perspective, helping identify issues that internal teams might overlook due to familiarity with the game.
- Time and Resource Efficiency: Outsourcing testing frees up internal resources that can be better utilized for game design, development, and marketing.
- Enhanced Reputation: Delivering a polished, bug-free game enhances the reputation of gaming companies, leading to higher player satisfaction and better reviews.
3. Game Design
Outsourcing game design brings fresh creativity and innovation to gaming projects. And it can even help you overcome obstacles you thought will be too challenging for you.
- Fresh Perspectives: External designers can provide new and innovative ideas, pushing the boundaries of game design and keeping gaming experiences exciting for players.
- Specialized Skills: Game design experts excel in creating captivating characters, immersive environments, and user-friendly interfaces, enhancing the visual and interactive aspects of games.
- Efficiency: Outsourcing design tasks allows gaming companies to benefit from expert input while saving time and resources.
- Focus on Core Development: Internal teams can concentrate on coding and development, knowing that design elements are in capable hands.
4. Customer Services
Exceptional customer support is key for player retention and brand reputation. Morph Networks has a track record of delivering high-quality outsourcing solutions across various industries, including gaming, so we know first-hand what we are talking about. These are just some of numerous numerous advantages:
- Round-the-Clock Support: Outsourced teams can provide 24/7 support, ensuring players receive timely assistance regardless of their time zone.
- Professional Handling: Trained customer service agents can effectively address inquiries, resolve issues, and manage online communities, maintaining high player satisfaction.
- Scalability: Outsourcing allows for flexible scaling of support services to match player demand, without the need for internal staffing fluctuations.
- Cost Savings: Outsourcing can be a cost-effective alternative to maintaining a full in-house support team.
5. Sales and Marketing
Outsourcing sales and marketing functions can significantly impact a gaming company’s reach and revenue by:
- Expert Strategy: Specialized marketing teams excel in creating effective strategies, managing advertising campaigns, and optimizing sales channels, leading to increased profits.
- Market Insights: Outsourced experts bring market insights and trends that can guide gaming companies in making data-driven decisions.
- Global Expansion: Outsourcing can help gaming companies expand their reach to international markets, reaching a broader and more diverse player base.
6. Game Localization
Expanding globally? That’s the dream of every company, but it is not easy, we can tell you that. Outsourcing game localization ensures accurate translations and cultural adaptations, making your games more appealing to diverse audiences.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Local experts understand cultural nuances, ensuring that in-game content resonates with players from different regions.
- Language Expertise: Skilled translators provide accurate translations, minimizing misunderstandings and enhancing player experience.
- Market Expansion: Effective localization can open doors to new markets, increasing a game’s global appeal and revenue potential.
7. Live Operations and Community Management
Managing in-game events, player communities, and updates can be resource-intensive. Outsourcing live operations and community management ensures active engagement and a thriving player base.
- Player Engagement: Outsourced teams can create and manage engaging in-game events, fostering a sense of community and player loyalty.
- Constant Updates: Regular content updates keep players engaged and excited about the game, improving retention rates.
- Scalability: Outsourcing allows gaming companies to adapt resources based on player demand, especially during peak times.
8. Data Analytics and Player Insights
Understanding player behavior is critical for optimizing games and strategies. Outsourcing data analytics can help you gain valuable insights into player preferences, enabling data-driven decisions.
- Informed Decision-Making: Data analytics uncovers player trends and behaviors, guiding game design, monetization, and marketing strategies.
- Personalization: Data-driven insights enable personalized player experiences, increasing player satisfaction and engagement.
- Competitive Advantage: Gaming companies can stay ahead of the competition by using analytics to continuously refine their games and services.
9. Art and Animation
High-quality art and animations are crucial for visually appealing games. Outsourcing art and animation tasks can save time and enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Visual Impact: Exceptional art and animations enhance immersion and player enjoyment, increasing a game’s appeal.
- Efficiency: Outsourcing allows gaming companies to access a talent pool of skilled artists and animators, ensuring top-notch visuals.
- Resource Allocation: Internal teams can focus on core game development while external experts handle visual elements.
10. Sound and Music Production
Captivating soundtracks and sound effects elevate immersion. Outsourcing sound and music production ensures top-notch audio experiences.
- Emotional Impact: High-quality audio enhances storytelling and player immersion, leading to more memorable gaming experiences.
- Expertise: Outsourced sound professionals have the technical know-how to create immersive audio environments and memorable soundtracks.
- Resource Optimization: Gaming companies can allocate resources more efficiently, focusing on gameplay and story development.
11. Legal and Compliance Support
Navigating legal and compliance matters can be complex and every mistake is very expansive. Outsourcing legal and compliance support ensures adherence to regulations and minimizes legal risks.
- Risk Mitigation: Legal experts help gaming companies navigate regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of legal issues.
- Data Protection: Compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR, is crucial to safeguard player data and avoid fines.
- Contractual Agreements: Outsourced legal support can assist in drafting contracts with partners, protecting intellectual property rights, and ensuring fair agreements.
12. Monetization Strategy Consulting
Optimizing in-game monetization is critical. Outsourcing monetization strategy consulting can help maximize revenue while keeping players satisfied.
- Revenue Maximization: Monetization experts can recommend effective strategies to increase revenue while maintaining a positive player experience.
- Player Retention: Balancing monetization with player satisfaction is key to long-term success, and consultants can help strike that balance.
- Adapting to Trends: Outsourced experts stay updated with industry trends, ensuring gaming companies remain competitive in the evolving gaming landscape.
13. IT Infrastructure Management
Maintaining robust IT infrastructure is crucial for online gaming. Outsourcing IT infrastructure management ensures optimal performance and security. This is essential because:
- Uninterrupted Gameplay: A well-managed IT infrastructure minimizes downtime and ensures seamless online gameplay experiences for players.
- Security: IT experts implement robust security measures, protecting player data from potential threats and breaches.
- Scalability: Outsourcing allows for flexible scaling of infrastructure resources, adapting to player demand.
14. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Development
In 5 years, VR and AR will probably take over the market, so now is the right time to think about it. For companies venturing into VR and AR gaming, outsourcing specialized development can bring immersive experiences to life.
- Expertise: VR and AR require specialized skills in immersive technology development, which outsourced teams possess.
- Innovation: Outsourcing encourages innovation in creating immersive gaming experiences that captivate players.
- Cost-Effective Entry: Outsourcing VR and AR development can be more cost-effective than building an in-house team from scratch.
15. Esports Management
Esports is booming. Players are making similar money as world class soccer and NFL players. Outsourcing esports management can help gaming companies navigate the esports landscape effectively.
- Esports Expertise: Esports experts can guide gaming companies in organizing tournaments, managing teams, and building esports communities.
- Visibility: Esports events and competitions can increase a game’s visibility and attract a dedicated player base.
- Monetization Opportunities: Outsourcing can help gaming companies leverage esports for additional revenue streams, such as sponsorships and advertising.
Questions Gaming Companies Often Ask About Outsourcing
Although we’ve covered a lot of ground, there’s a lot of questions companies have for outsourcing partners and we’ve selected some of the most common:
Why Should Gaming Companies Consider Outsourcing These Services?
Outsourcing offers gaming companies access to specialized skills, cost-effective solutions, and the ability to focus on core competencies. It allows them to streamline operations, enhance game quality, and expand their reach without the burden of managing every aspect in-house.
How Can Gaming Companies Ensure the Quality of Outsourced Work?
Quality assurance in outsourced work is crucial. To ensure quality, gaming companies should carefully select outsourcing partners with a proven track record, review portfolios, conduct interviews, and establish clear communication channels and quality standards in contracts. Regular updates and feedback mechanisms also play a significant role in maintaining quality.
What Are the Potential Risks Associated With Outsourcing in the Gaming Industry?
Outsourcing in gaming can pose risks such as data security breaches, communication challenges due to language barriers or time zone differences, and the potential for delays or misunderstandings. To mitigate these risks, gaming companies should prioritize selecting reputable outsourcing partners, clarify expectations, and implement robust data security measures.
Is Outsourcing Suitable for Small Gaming Startups or Indie Developers?
As you know, outsourcing can benefit startups and indie developers by providing access to specialized talent without the overhead of hiring full-time employees. It allows smaller entities to scale resources as needed, reduce costs, and compete effectively in the market.
How Can Gaming Companies Decide Which Aspects to Outsource and Which to Keep In-House?
The decision on what to outsource and what to keep in-house should align with a gaming company’s strategic goals. Therefore, companies should consider their strengths, weaknesses, and resource availability. Generally, non-core functions like customer support, localization, and testing are suitable for outsourcing, while core activities like game concept development and strategic decision-making are typically retained in-house.
Conclusion
At Morph Networks, we recognize the uniqueness of every client’s needs. We pride ourselves on providing tailor-made outsourcing solutions that align precisely with the individual requirements and objectives of each client. This commitment ensures that our clients receive services that perfectly align with their vision.
Although we can’t help with all of the aspects mentioned here, our knowledge of games make us the perfect candidate for customer service, support, sales and lead generation.
If you have any questions about gaming outsourcing, contact us and our agents will get to you soon.
