THE IMPORTANCE OF EXTERNAL ART SUPPORT IN GAME-AS-A-SERVICE (GAAS)
26 Dec 2024
THE IMPORTANCE OF EXTERNAL ART SUPPORT IN GAME-AS-A-SERVICE (GAAS)
The live service gaming model continues to thrive, even amid recent challenges. Game-as-a-Service (GAAS) faces critical demands for flexibility, scalability, and regular updates to maintain player engagement. External art support has emerged as a crucial solution to meet these challenges effectively.
How External Art Support Enhances GAAS
Ensuring Artistic Quality
Players expect GAAS titles to deliver consistent, high-quality visual updates for seasonal events. Game art outsourcing studios provide skilled artists capable of producing AAA-quality assets that seamlessly integrate into existing designs, ensuring the game remains visually appealing.
Why GAAS Relies on External Art Support
Content Scalability
Maintaining an in-house team to handle high-volume, diverse, AAA-quality assets is costly and resource-intensive. Outsourcing allows studios to meet these demands while staying adaptable to market trends.
Market Adaptability
External teams respond quickly to changing design trends, keeping games visually relevant. This agility can be difficult to achieve with in-house teams alone.
Cost Efficiency
Building and maintaining a dedicated internal art team requires significant investment. Outsourcing provides access to top-tier talent on a project basis, reducing fixed costs while maintaining flexibility.
Rapid Scaling
External teams enable GAAS developers to scale production quickly for major updates, meeting deadlines efficiently without overstretching internal resources.
Industry Trends in Art Outsourcing
The economic downturn has led many game companies to streamline their operations, with outsourcing emerging as a cost-effective solution. According to a 2021 International Game Developers Association (IGDA) survey, 70% of developers improved their game quality through outsourcing services. This approach reduces overhead costs and ensures resource flexibility.
Bee8 Studio: A Model for Game Art Outsourcing
Bee8 Studio offers streamlined and efficient outsourcing processes tailored to client needs:
1. Vision Alignment
- Confidentiality agreements ensure project security.
- Detailed briefs clarify project goals, technical requirements, and budget.
- Custom resource allocation supports urgent and specific needs.
2. Proposal Plan
Bee8 provides flexible service models:
- Asset-Based Services: High-quality outputs with rigorous QA systems.
- Man-Based Services: Ideal for prototyping and flexible collaboration. Customized solutions are available to meet unique client needs.
3. Pilot Testing
A small-scale pilot ensures alignment on quality and expectations before mass production begins.
4. Mass Production
Bee8’s experienced team delivers AAA-quality assets, supported by robust management systems to ensure efficiency and consistency.
Key Roles in Bee8’s Process
- Head of Production: Oversees project alignment with client goals.
- Art Director: Ensures consistent artistic quality.
- Tech Director: Ensures consistent technical requirements.
- Project Lead/Team Lead: Manages specific components and final quality.
- Coordinator: Acts as a bridge between the client and the in-house team.
- Artists: Skilled professionals trained to meet industry standards.
What Sets Bee8 Studio Apart
Premium Service
Bee8 combines rigorous QA systems with expert oversight to deliver AAA-quality results efficiently. This approach reduces project time while maximizing output.
Transparent Budgeting
Clients can choose asset-based or artist-based pricing models, ensuring clear budget control. Pilot testing optimizes costs, with all adjustments communicated in advance.
Optimized Management
Experienced coordinators and project leads handle large volumes of assets, ensuring consistency and timely delivery.
Seamless Communication
Real-time updates via platforms like Skype or Trello ensure smooth collaboration across time zones, with dedicated coordinators addressing issues promptly.
A Trusted Partner for Long-Term Success
Bee8 Studio’s commitment to excellence has earned the trust of global clients, making it a reliable partner for high-quality game art outsourcing.