Top 5 Issues in Game Art Outsourcing – How Thunder Cloud Studio Solve Them

In the gaming industry, there are several game art outsourcing issues that can impact the ability to succeed on projects. This article outlines the most 5 common issues encountered in game art outsourcing. And offer practical solutions of Thunder Cloud Studio to overcome them. The key problems include:

• Inconsistent game art quality
• Communication gaps with external partners
• Intellectual property (IP) security risks 
• Technical incompatibilities 
• Cost overruns

Through expert insights and proven strategies from Thunder Cloud Studio, let’s explore the common issue in the industry. And step-by-step how we tackle to ensure smooth execution of a game are project. 

One of the most prevalent issues in game art outsourcing is inconsistent art quality. This problem can arise for several reasons, including a lack of clear communication between the client and the outsourcing team. Mostly differences in skill levels among outsourced artists, or inadequate quality control processes. Inconsistent quality can lead to delays, rework, and a product that doesn’t meet the client’s vision, impacting the overall game experience.

For Thunder Cloud, ensuring quality is the ultimate. In this context, quality is defined as the quality of the entire project rather than just the quality of a few assets. The highest quality for us is to comprehend the needs of the client and the art style they are aiming for while keeping the technical smoothly and light weight .

Thunder Cloud’s QA pipeline structure is hence heavily oriented toward project quality management. There will be several arrangements depending on the type of contract with the client.

If the client wants to utilize the artist-based model over time, we will advise them on the team of professionals. This group have the most relevant experience and skill level for the project, as well as providing the coordinators who will closely monitor communication and delivery. Furthermore, we invest heavily in training – not just in technical skills but also in fostering a strong sense of responsibility and accountability among our artists.

For asset-based contracts, we assign a full team to a project, ensuring an extra level of quality control and consistent quality for the mass products at the end. Along with stringent controlled from superiors, team leads, project leads, the head of production, and Art Directors, we also have a QA (Quality Assurance) sheet system. This system is to document the technical briefs and common mistakes and notes to avoid making unnecessary issues, limiting the repetition of the same mistake for the second time. 

Thunder Cloud 2nd team’s project in Thunder War 2023 internal competition

In the realm of global outsourcing, communication gaps are another major challenge. These gaps can stem from differences in time zones, language barriers, or a lack of clarity regarding project requirements. Poor communication can result in all kinds of misunderstandings, delays and frustration such as missing deadlines or misaligning expectations.

In the context of globalisation, when frequent face-to-face meetings with customers are not possible, Thunder Cloud Studio understands the critical need of clear and consistent communication throughout all projects.

We will develop a client portal for every project so the clients are able to follow along in real time to track art projects. This allows the customer to be in sync with exactly when they will receive all game art assets,despite time zones and cultural differences or any other software used by the client.

Moreover, to combat the inherent challenges of, we assign a coordinator to every project who is responsible for keeping track of the work’s progress and providing regular updates to the client. Both sides would still be on track and any problems that arise could be resolved immediately.

Besides that, we are highly adaptable when it comes to communication tools. Whether it’s Skype, Discord, or Slack, we use the platform that works best for the client to maintain an uninterrupted flow of information.

Our project management processes also leverage software like Trello, Smartsheet, and Jira to ensure that work is tracked and updated efficiently. This flexibility allows us to establish excellent and fully transparent relationships with our clients based on full trust. In order to ensure transparency by carefully tracking project management

Another significant game art outsourcing challenge is the risk of intellectual property (IP) security risks. Many companies are hesitant to outsource because fear of compromised project information, either intentionally or through inadequate security protocols. This can result in lost revenue, legal repercussions, and irreparable damage to a client’s reputation.

Thunder Cloud Studio recognizes the critical importance of security in the game art outsourcing industry. As a result, we place it as a top priority in our operations. We meticulously address key factors such as Employee Cyber Security Training, Network and Infrastructure Security, and Game Client and Server Security to minimize risks for all stakeholders involved.

Firstly, what sets Thunder Cloud Studio apart is that 100% of our artists work on-site in a secure, access-controlled office environment, significantly reducing the likelihood of human-related threats. Furthermore, every individual joining the company signs a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). The IP will be customized based on the specific project they are involved in, ensuring the highest level of data protection. Each artist also has to participate in a mandatory cyber security training to provide better protection on the database. 

Moreover, securing the underlying network and infrastructure is paramount for any game developer. To address this, we’ve set up a secure access-controlled office environment with strict access protocols. Our commitment extends to securing the office environment with internet restriction and LAN network via ethernet cables to protected information for clients’ game assets.

Thunder Cloud Studio’s office space

This game art outsourcing issue often arises when outsourced assets don’t integrate smoothly into a client’s game engine or software. Due to differences in file formats, software versions, or asset optimization techniques, these can cause significant delays and additional costs.

As a game art outsourcing company with over a decade of experience, Thunder Cloud Studio considers that aligning with the client’s systems is a fundamental requirement.

First of all, we will clarify the client’s software and technical needs to determine the appropriate version to employ. Thunder Cloud Studio can use the client’s essential software to its fullest potential. More significantly, in order to guarantee the best results for the clients, all the assets need to be previewed in the game engine prior to delivery. We also offer an on-demand asset testing service package as an add-on to the main package for engine systems that the customer has built or purchased separately.

Our primary goal is helping the client focus on their game development work and reduce the number of processes that are superfluous. Furthermore, at Thunder Cloud, we have expertise with a wide range of functional software, including Perforce, Github, and other tools, ensuring that the outsourced game art works smoothly within the client development environment.

Thunder Cloud winner team’s project in Thunder War 2023 internal competition

Cost overruns are a common problem in game art outsourcing projects. It’s often occur due to poor initial cost estimates or unforeseen challenges that arise during production. Without proper planning, outsourcing projects can exceed their budget, causing strain for both the client and the outsourcing company.

Additional expenditures in collaboration projects are a component that easily generates gaps in cooperation, which many organisations want to avoid.

At Thunder Cloud, our cost estimates are meticulously based on the project’s scope, complexity, and time requirements, ensuring that we offer the most suitable pricing for all parties involved.

The initial estimate is not accurate, therefore, after the pilot testing step. We will come up with a closer budget to the project’s requirements to send back and discuss details with the clients. 

Obviously, keeping to a budget from beginning to end is ideal, but in reality, modifications are unavoidable. The most important thing is that Thunder Cloud only makes updates when the client’s requirements change, such as changes in art direction or technological requirements.

These changes are totally prevalent, and clients shouldn’t be concerned about anything. Since we will provide the greatest support possible by carefully analyzing the modifications and advising clients of any additional prices, giving the client the freedom to choose if they want to utilize it. As a result, clients don’t have to worry about any hidden fees, they can feel entirely confident when working with Thunder Cloud, which has exceptionally upfront and obvious costs

Game art outsourcing has become one of the most beneficial solutions for game developers today, offering flexibility, access to top-tier talent, and cost efficiency. However, many game art outsourcing companies encounter common issues that can create significant setbacks for stakeholders. Therefore, choosing the suitable external partners is crucial in order to enhance game art quality and deliver the best experience.  

Thunder Cloud always tries its best to address every potential issue proactively, ensuring seamless communication, robust security, precise cost management. During 11 years of working with clients, Thunder Cloud proves to be the highly experienced game art outsourcing studio with a strong track record of over 200 projects. Widely from AAA to indie titles such as Monopoly Go, Epic Age, League of Angels, Fast & furious – Spy racer, Fable III, etc. And also working with global large corporations such as Scopely, IGG, Yoozoo, MTG, ect.

One of its notable achievements was being selected by Scopely to become one of 11 suppliers in Scopely’s Global Trusted Program. This is a prestigious recognition that has further solidified our position not only in the Vietnamese market but also internationally as a leading game art outsourcing company. It goes a long way to showing that we are dedicated to delivering the best in game art and helps build our brand further as global outsourcing leaders.