Choosing the right game art outsourcing company can be a make-or-break decision for your game development project. You want to work with a company that not only provides high-quality art but also understands your vision and can deliver on time and within budget. In this quick guide, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing game art outsourcing companies, to help you make an informed decision that will set your game up for success.
Defining Your Game Art Requirements
But how do you choose the right game art outsourcing company for your project? In this chapter, we'll share some tips on defining your game art requirements to help you make an informed decision.
Determining the Scope of Art Assets Needed
An important step in defining your game art requirements is determining the scope of art assets needed. Making a comprehensive list of required assets can help you avoid any last-minute surprises or delays. Start by listing all the art assets that your game requires, such as characters, environments, props, user interface, and animations.
You can categorize assets based on priority and complexity. High-priority assets are those that are critical to the game's functionality, such as the player's character. Low-priority assets are those that are not central to the game's functionality but enhance the player's experience, such as decorative elements.
Complex assets are those that require specialized skills and expertise, such as 3D modeling and animation. Simple assets are those that can be created quickly and efficiently, such as textures and icons.
Understanding Technical Specifications
Understanding technical specifications is essential to ensure that your game art is optimized for the target platform and game engine. Technical specifications include platform-specific considerations such as resolution, aspect ratio, and color space. For example, if you're developing a mobile game, you may need to optimize your art assets for different screen sizes and resolutions.
File formats are another important consideration. Different game engines and platforms have different file format requirements. For example, Unity supports FBX, OBJ, and 3DS file formats, while Unreal Engine supports FBX and OBJ file formats. It's essential to ensure that your outsourcing partner can deliver art assets in the required file formats.
Optimization for game engines is also critical to ensure that your game runs smoothly and efficiently. Game engines have specific requirements for texture sizes, polygon counts, and shader complexity. It's essential to communicate these requirements to your outsourcing partner to avoid any performance issues.
Researching and Evaluating Outsourcing Companies
Outsourcing companies can provide game development studios with top-notch art assets that meet their specific requirements. But how do you choose the right game outsourcing company for your project?
Reviewing Portfolios and Case Studies
The first step in evaluating an outsourcing company is to review the portfolio and case studies. This will give you a good sense of their art style, quality, and variety. It's important to analyze the consistency of artwork throughout their portfolio, as well as assess their compatibility with your project's specific requirements.
When reviewing portfolios, look for companies that have experience in your specific game genre or art style. For example, if you're developing a 2D platformer, you'll want to find a company that has experience in creating 2D art assets. Additionally, look for companies that have experience working with game development studios of a similar size and budget to your own.
It's also important to assess the variety of artwork in their portfolio. A company that has experience creating a wide range of art assets, such as characters, environments, and UI elements, will be better equipped to handle a variety of art needs for your game.
Evaluating Reputation and Reliability
Another important factor to consider when evaluating an outsourcing company is its reputation and reliability. This can be assessed by checking online reviews and ratings, as well as inquiring about their experience and track record.
When checking online reviews and ratings, look for patterns of positive or negative feedback. If an outsourcing company has consistently positive reviews, it's a good indication that they're reliable and produce high-quality work. On the other hand, if they have consistently negative reviews, it's a warning sign to proceed with caution.
Inquiring about their experience and track record can also provide valuable insight into their reliability. Ask about their experience working on similar projects, their success rate in meeting deadlines, and their approach to handling issues or conflicts that may arise during the project.
Communication and Project Management Capabilities
Finally, it's important to assess an outsourcing company's communication and project management capabilities. Clear and effective communication is crucial to ensuring that your vision is accurately translated into art assets. Additionally, a well-defined project management process can help ensure that deadlines are met and issues are addressed in a timely manner.
When evaluating communication capabilities, assess their responsiveness and communication channels. Do they respond promptly to emails or phone calls? Do they have a dedicated project manager that you can communicate with throughout the project? It's important to ensure that communication is clear and consistent throughout the project.
Understanding their workflow and project management processes is also important. Ask about their approach to project planning, how they handle revisions or changes, and their process for delivering final art assets. A well-defined process can help ensure that the project stays on track and that you receive high-quality art assets on time.
Requesting and Assessing Proposals
Choosing the right outsourcing company can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the process. In this post, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing game art outsourcing companies, with a focus on requesting and assessing proposals.
Crafting a Detailed Request for Proposal (RFP)
Before you start searching for game art outsourcing companies, you need to define your project specifications, deadlines, and budget constraints. This information will help you narrow down your search and ensure that you receive accurate proposals from potential vendors.
When crafting your request for proposal (RFP), be as detailed and specific as possible. Include information about the game's genre, platform, target audience, and art style. Provide examples of other games that have a similar art style or aesthetic to what you're looking for.
Additionally, provide clear guidelines for the proposal submission, including the format, due date, and required elements. For example, you may want to request a specific number of art samples, a detailed breakdown of the pricing structure, and a timeline for the project.
Evaluating Proposal Submissions
Once you've received proposals from potential game art outsourcing companies, it's time to evaluate them. The first thing to look for is the proposed art style and samples. Do they match the aesthetic you're looking for? Do they demonstrate a high level of skill and attention to detail?
You should also assess the understanding of your project requirements. Does the proposal demonstrate that the outsourcing company has a deep understanding of your game's genre, audience, and platform? Do they provide suggestions or insights that show they've thought deeply about your project?
Analyzing cost and budget considerations
Cost is, of course, a critical consideration when choosing a game art outsourcing company. However, it's important to look beyond the initial price tag and consider the overall value offered by each vendor.
When analyzing cost and budget considerations, compare pricing structures and payment terms. Some outsourcing companies may charge by the hour, while others may offer a fixed price for the entire project. Additionally, some vendors may require a deposit upfront, while others may offer more flexible payment options.
Assessing the overall value offered by each outsourcing company is also crucial. Consider factors such as the quality of the work, the vendor's reputation and track record, and their level of customer service. It's also a good idea to request references from previous clients and read reviews online to get a sense of each vendor's strengths and weaknesses.
Making the Final Decision
There are many outsourcing companies to choose from, and the selection process can be overwhelming. In this chapter, we will discuss the key factors to consider when selecting an outsourcing company and how to make the final decision.
Considering the overall fit
Before selecting an outsourcing partner, it is essential to consider the overall fit. You want to find a company that has a compatible working culture and shares your values. When evaluating potential outsourcing companies, look for those that have a similar approach to work as your team. It is also important to choose a company that has the potential for a long-term partnership. This will save you time and effort in the long run, and you can benefit from a consistent working relationship.
Another important factor to consider is the company's experience in your specific game genre. For example, if you are developing a fantasy game, look for an outsourcing company that has experience in creating fantasy art assets. Companies with relevant experience can bring valuable insights and expertise to your project.
Finally, consider the company's location. If you prefer face-to-face communication, choose a company that is located in your region. However, if you are comfortable with remote communication, you can choose a company from anywhere in the world.
Negotiating the contract
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential outsourcing companies, it is time to negotiate a contract. The contract should clearly outline project deliverables, timelines, and milestones. It should also address legal aspects and intellectual property rights.
When negotiating the contract, be specific about the project scope and requirements. Outline the number of art assets needed, the art style, and any technical specifications. This will help the outsourcing company understand your needs and deliver the desired results. It is also important to agree on a timeline for project completion and milestone deadlines. This will ensure that the project stays on track and is completed within the desired timeframe.
Additionally, it is crucial to address legal aspects and intellectual property rights in the contract. Ensure that the outsourcing company understands who owns the final art assets and any associated copyrights. This will prevent any legal disputes down the line and protect your intellectual property.
Finalizing the partnership
After negotiating the contract, it is time to finalize the partnership with the selected outsourcing company. Communicate your decision to the company and ensure that they understand the project scope and requirements. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications that could derail the project.
Once the partnership is established, initiate the onboarding process. This involves providing the outsourcing company with all the necessary assets, including source code, design documents, and technical specifications. Establish regular communication channels, such as weekly check-ins, to ensure that the project is progressing according to plan. This will also allow you to address any issues or concerns early on and make necessary adjustments.
Finally, it is crucial to maintain a positive working relationship with the outsourcing company. Provide regular feedback and communicate any changes or updates to the project scope. This will help the outsourcing company deliver the desired results and ensure a successful partnership.
Why you should choose iLogos for game art outsourcing
Expertise: iLogos Game Studios has over 16 years of experience in game development, making them a reliable partner for creating high-quality game art.
Customization: We work with you to define your game art requirements, ensuring that the end product meets your specific needs and vision.
Efficient Process: Our streamlined process ensures that your project is completed on time and within your budget, without sacrificing quality.
Professional Team: iLogos has a team of skilled professionals who are passionate about their work and dedicated to delivering results that exceed your expectations.
Flexibility: Whether you need a full team to handle your game art development or just a few experts to fill in the gaps, iLogos Game Studios can provide the support you need.
Proven Track Record: We have worked with top game companies, such as Rovio, Electronic Arts, WB and Ubisoft, and have a proven track record of success in the industry.
If you're searching for a reliable and skilled game art outsourcing company, look no further than iLogos. Our expertise in delivering high-quality artwork sets us apart from other competitors in the industry. Explore our comprehensive range of services and make an informed decision for your game project.
FAQ
Where are most art outsourcing gaming companies located?
Most art outsourcing gaming companies are located in regions with a strong presence in the gaming industry. These regions include Eastern Europe (such as Ukraine and Poland), Southeast Asia (like India, China, and the Philippines), and North America (particularly the United States and Canada).
What factors should I consider when choosing a game art outsourcing company?
Assess the company's portfolio and expertise to ensure they align with your artistic vision and requirements. Look for their experience in the gaming industry and the quality of their previous work.
How do I evaluate the quality of artwork produced by game art outsourcing companies?
Evaluating the quality of artwork produced by game art outsourcing companies requires a systematic approach. Look for attention to detail, technical proficiency, and artistic style that aligns with your project's requirements.
What are the benefits of outsourcing game art instead of hiring an in-house art team?
Outsourcing game art offers several benefits compared to hiring an in-house art team. Firstly, outsourcing provides access to a global talent pool, allowing you to choose from a diverse range of skilled artists with specialized expertise. It offers flexibility, enabling you to scale resources based on project requirements.
