Outsourcing Game Art: A Practical Guide

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re exploring outsourcing some assets or operations in your business. Smart move! Done right, outsourcing can be a total game changer in reducing costs, improving efficiencies, and letting you focus on the things you do best.

But outsourcing isn’t as simple as just handing over the keys and calling it a day. To make outsourcing really pay off, you’ve got to approach it thoughtfully and strategically.

After helping dozens of clients through successful outsourcing initiatives, I’ve picked up some hard-won tips and tricks. So consider this your playbook of insider advice on how to crush it with outsourcing. Let’s dive in!

Know Yourself and Your Goals

First things first—before even thinking about potential partners, get crystal clear on why you’re outsourcing in the first place. Are you looking to slash costs? Improve quality? Free up internal resources? Any and all of the above?  

Define your goals, write them down, and make sure your entire leadership team aligns with those objectives. That clarity of purpose will anchor every decision that follows.

Asset Check: What Should You Outsource?

Outsourcing works best for assets and operations that aren’t central to your competitive advantage. Great candidates for outsourcing typically have these qualities:

• Easy to specify and measure (clear requirements and metrics)
• Self-contained (minimal dependencies on other business processes)
• Non-core functions (the asset isn’t a crown jewel of your business)
• Commoditized activities (easier to find qualified vendors)

On the flip side, strategic assets that give you a unique edge are better kept in-house. And anything heavily interconnected with other proprietary processes? Proceed cautiously, as outsourcing could cause headaches. In short, focus on outsourcing “commodity” assets while keeping any proprietary special sauce internal.

For a game development studio, some specific functions that may be good outsourcing candidates for outsourcing to a game art studio include:

• Concept art and asset production. Lots of qualified vendors can produce quality models, textures, environments, etc. to your specifications, freeing up your team.
• Quality assurance testing. Reduces bugs by leveraging external QA capacity from specialists.
• Porting games to new platforms. Complex and time consuming, so an expert porting partner helps.
• Player community management. Connecting with fans across channels like social media, forums, and events.
• Localization and translation. Enables releasing your game globally by outsourcing linguistic skills.

The Care and Feeding of Vendors: Ongoing Management

Okay, you signed a deal- but the real work starts now. Setting your partner up for success requires active management and governance to ensure a smooth transition and lasting performance.

Here are some best practices for overseeing outsourcing engagements:

1. Designate relationship managers to coordinate with the vendor and address issues promptly.
2. Monitor progress against SLAs and take corrective action if needed.
3. Develop processes for gathering customer and stakeholder feedback.
4. Meet regularly to share plans, discuss improvements, and align efforts.  
5. Share data, analytics, and insights to help the vendor optimize their services.
6. Show appreciation and recognize outstanding work!

By collaborating closely and proactively identifying opportunities, you become true partners reaping maximum value.

Maintaining clear communication and setting expectations upfront helps avoid roadblocks down the line. Be transparent about priorities, deadlines, and creative vision. Providing assets early, like concept art, style guides, and technical requirements enables efficiency. Stay engaged throughout production with milestone reviews.

Now What? Adjusting to Life Post-Outsourcing

Congratulations—you’ve successfully handed over an asset to a proven partner. But the real payoff comes from what happens next with your freed-up time and resources.

To Fully Capitalize on Outsourcing:

• Reinvest savings and capacity into innovation and new capabilities.
• Provide stellar service by focusing more attention on customers.
• Pursue expansion into new geographies, products, or segments.
• Double down on what makes you uniquely awesome.

Outsourcing relieves you of “necessary but not sufficient” activities so you can focus on growth. Squeeze every ounce of strategic benefit from your newly lean and mean operating model!  

For a game studio, effective outsourcing grants freedom to concentrate on your core competencies – the creative magic that makes your games special. Refocus energy into enhancing gameplay, storytelling, and innovation that delights players. Invest in tools and tech to increase productivity. Hire top artistic talent in key areas. Support their creativity with less bureaucracy.

Final Words

Okay, we’ve covered a ton of ground here. The key takeaway is that outsourcing works when done right—which means choosing activities that aren’t central to your differentiation, picking partners carefully, defining the engagement thoroughly, and collaborating closely through the transition and relationship. Do all that, and outsourcing can transform your business in incredible ways. Now get out there and find the perfect partners to propel your organization forward! Wishing you massive success.