Outsourcing is important for game development. Because of it, game creators can have high-quality services. Things like 3D modeling, animation, and concept art, all of them are available in outsourcing. It can speed up production and provide cost-effective solutions. So now it’s easier to make AAA projects even if you’re new to game dev. In 2024, game development outsourcing keeps being relevant. With it, developers can use it for different purposes, apply a wide range of art styles and expertise. No matter if you’re working on AAA games or smaller mobile ones, you’ll need to choose the right game art outsourcing studio. But how to?
Why Outsource Game Art?
Outsourcing is popular for any game studio now, including art companies making AAA games. Because game art outsourcing has several advantages. You can get all the specialists you need: art, animation, 3D, 2D, you name it. And what’s good about it is that studios don’t have to look for each separate expert online, the outsource company has them all.
The other advantage of using an outsource is that it saves time and resources. You can hand over the production process, like concept art or 3D modeling and animation, to an external team. So in-house devs can work on game mechanics and code. If you have deadlines or other issues it’s a perfect option.
Flexibility is another reason why outsourcing is favored by many developers. Studios can collaborate with partners that match the desired art style of their project, whether that involves a hyperrealistic look or a more cartoon-like approach. This ability to choose the right aesthetic partner is key to creating a unique and immersive player experience.
A crucial part of the outsourcing process is the initial estimation phase. One of the objectives for this phase is to understand the project’s needs, including the art style and asset requirements, which helps set clear expectations. The studio then defines the scope of the work, specifying deliverables and any allowed revisions. Based on the project requirements, they allocate the necessary resources, ensuring that the right talent is available throughout the production. Estimating the timeline involves breaking down the project into phases, assigning appropriate durations to each. Cost calculation follows, offering a transparent budget plan that minimizes unexpected financial burdens.
Outsourcing game art can help studios to make a good game more quickly. They can adapt to different visual styles, and maintain quality. But you need to choose the right outsourcing partner that can do that.
How to Choose the Best Game Art Outsourcing Studio
Consider several things if you want to choose the right game art outsourcing studio. First, look at their portfolio. Because in such a way, the company shows its skills. Are they able to make what you require? A strong portfolio with lots of works like 3D character design services, animation, and others is what you’re looking for. Sometimes an outsource studio doesn’t have to work with some big names to prove their worth. Just look at the quality of their art and decide for yourself.
Another thing to check is client reviews and testimonials. You’ll need to look for the company’s reliability and how they treat deadlines. This is why feedback from previous clients is so important. Just look it up on any search engine you have, don’t look for feedback on the official outsource company’s website. Studios with positive reviews often demonstrate trustworthiness and a history of successful collaborations.
The video game outsourcing companies should definitely have experience working with modern and basic tech, like 3D modeling. They should understand technical requirements of a project so later on it can be integrated with engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. You want a smoother production and to maintain the intended quality throughout the game development process.
Also, a studio should adapt to the latest trends in 3D character design. They should do their research and see what kind of characters for what kind of game is suitable the most. At the same time, they should make something completely unique. Artists can get inspiration from some other games, but the result should not be a copyright lawsuit. A studio with these capabilities can be a valuable partner.
Top 15 Game Art Outsourcing Studios in 2024
In 2024, the market has different studios to offer. Choose them based on what kind of game you’ll need to make. Or what kind of service do you need: these studios have everything from concept art and 3D modeling to animation and 3D environment design.
We made a list of 15 leading studios that game developers should pay attention to enhance the visual aspects of their projects. These studios have unique styles and a broad range of services:
- VSQUAD combines a dynamic art outsourcing studio with an art school. They blend expertise in training aspiring artists with delivering exceptional services for game studios. What sets VSQUAD apart is commitment to high-quality character and environment design, alongside comprehensive 2D and 3D art production and immersive 3D animation.
- Argentics: experienced in 2D and 3D art creation and delivering art for both mobile and console games. Specializes in 2D environment design.
- M81 Studio – creates high-quality visual content for board and mobile games, including concept art, character illustrations, and GUI design. They make game-ready elements and user interfaces for mobile and desktop, supporting crowdfunding campaigns.
- Fgfactory – specializes in game development. They offer services like concept art, cross-platform development, and animation. With a decent number of completed projects, they serve global clients, focusing on mobile, desktop, and web games. Known for quality visuals, they’re the best in genres like hyper-casual and arcade.
- Kevuru Games: has been making art and animation services for various games. They are good at knowing Unreal Engine and Unity.
- Pixune Studio: has plenty of game art services, like 2D and 3D game art outsourcing, animation, concept art, and 3D environment design. They are known for transporting their assets into various game engines.
- PaintPool Studio – specializes in game art and development for mobile, PC, and console platforms. They have 2D environments, character design, UI/UX, and full-cycle development.
- RetroStyle Games – 2D/3D game art production.They deliver concept art, animations, UI/UX, and more. With 90+ artists and a strong reputation, RetroStyle also develops its own games, including Ocean Keeper.
- Game Pack – is a full-service game development studio with a 100+ member team. They specialize in 2D/3D art, animation, UI/UX, and blockchain. They partner with global clients to give them high-quality gaming experiences.
- DadComGames – specializes in 2D/3D art, animation, and game design across multiple genres. They help to make games that engage players, adapting to client visions with technical expertise and creativity.
- 3D Ace: 3D game development company specializes in 3D modeling and animation, creating assets for projects of varying complexity. They mostly offer 3D modeling for Unity and Unreal Engine.
- Whimsy Games: are usually focused on full-scale production. But they can do an outsource for you. The studio creates unique game art assets, like 2D/3D models, animations and visual effects.
- StarLoop Studios: have full-cycle game development services, like concept art or 3D models. They specialize in outsourcing for both mobile and desktop game projects.
- Pingle Studio: offers services in 2D/3D art and animation across various platforms. They have completed successful projects using Unreal Engine and Unity, known for their work on complex game environments and characters.
Let’s talk about those studios in more detail.
Vsquad.art
VSQUAD is a game art studio founded in 2018. In just over a year, the studio expanded to a team of 30 specialists, including 2D concept artists, 3D artists, character designers, animators, and VFX artists. Today, VSQUAD operates as a diversified international team with legal presence and management in Poland, providing full-cycle art production services to clients worldwide.
In 2024, VSQUAD launched its own school for digital artists and continues to develop new courses. The founders and leaders of the studio are Aliona Liubchuk, Director at VSQUAD, and Volodymyr Liubchuk, Creative Executive Director and School Mentor.
This outsource company is great for concept art, 3D modeling, animation, and character design services for AAA games. What sets them apart is their full development cycle of 2D and 3D character designs, in both stylized and semi-realistic styles. The main programs used for creating assets are Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and Substance Painter.
For several years, different companies have hired VSQUAD for projects of various scales and complexities. The studio’s portfolio stands out for characters created by their team for games like Wayfinder and Darksiders Genesis from Airship Syndicate. In addition to characters, the studio also contributed to designing monsters, environments, and weapons for Ruined King: A League of Legends Story and Battle Chasers. For the Smite project, published by Hi-Rez Studios, VSQUAD artists created detailed 3D character models. They are known to follow the developer’s pipeline and get results done in time.
Argentics
Argentics has a rich background in 2D and 3D art for both mobile and console games. Founded in 2017, the studio works from multiple locations. Their experts are from the USA, and Israel. It means that they can serve a diverse range of clients worldwide. Their team is 80 professionals. Argentics is a reliable partner for game projects, with services like concept art, 3D modeling and 2D environment design.
The studio’s expertise covers various art forms. Including creating 2D environments that enhance the visual storytelling of games. Argentics is also well-versed in producing complex 3D models and animations, making sure they are integrated with game engines. They are great for art assets for both large-scale projects and indie games.
M81 Studio
M81 Studio was established in 2016. It specializes in creating 2D visual content for board and mobile games. The studio can offer concept art, character and environment illustrations, and detailed GUI and promotional material design. M81 Studio creates content for a range of platforms, including games, books, magazines, and advertisements. They’re skillful in crafting game-ready elements, such as icons, UI components, and animations.
This studio can also offer design services. They make user interfaces and interactive elements for both mobile and desktop games. M81 produces promotional assets for crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Their work has earned recognition in the industry. Small, but dedicated partner for game developers.
Fgfactory
Fgfactory, founded in 2010. They offer concept art, cross-platform development, project management, art direction, and QA. The studio serves clients from everywhere. They deliver 2D, 3D, and vector graphics, animation, and GUI design. Their team of over 60 professionals is skilled in creating assets for mobile, desktop, and web games. Usually the studio specializes in genres like hyper-casual, arcade, and gambling.
Kevuru Games
The studio Kevuru Games specializes in 2D/3D art, animation, and full-cycle outsource game development. They’re offering services for both mobile and PC game projects. This studio uses Unreal Engine and Unity, keeping up with the latest trends.
The studio did some loud collaborations. Their artists have a reputation because they can make detailed and creative visual content. This has helped them establish relationships with leading companies in the gaming industry.
Kevuru Games can offer you 3D modeling, character and environment design, 2D/3D animation, game porting, and AR/VR development. They have a big team of skilled artists and game developers, so the company can offer you almost anything related to game dev.
Pixune Studios
Pixune Studios was founded in 2018 and based in Warsaw, Poland. They can do a complete range of game art services. It’s a 2D and 3D game development company, making animations, character design, and concept art. Pixune can make detailed 3D environments and game-ready assets, which can be integrated into game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.
They have an experience spanning over 50 game art projects. Pixune Studios has developed over 2,000 character designs and crafted more than 100 environment designs. Studio’s work has gained international recognition. This is why they have collaborations with various global clients and companies.
PaintPool Studio
PaintPool Studio, is in 2018. The studio can create game visuals across mobile, PC, and console platforms. PaintPool specializes in 2D environments, character design, UI/UX, and full-cycle game development services. The studio can do concept art, animation and sound design. Studio combines innovation, unity, and ambition to deliver quality work that resonates with global partners.
RetroStyle Games
RetroStyle Games, founded in 2010 and based in Limassol. It’s a game art outsourcing partner. They specialize in full-cycle 2D and 3D art production. This includes concept art, character design, animation, and UI/UX. With over 14 years in the industry, the studio has a team of 90+ artists. They have worked with clients like Zynga and Good Job Games. RetroStyle Games also develops its own games, such as Ocean Keeper.
Game Pack
Gamepack is a full-service game development studio, it was founded in 2015. With over nine years of experience, their team of 100+ gaming professionals provides services like 2D and 3D art, animation, UI/UX, character and environment design services. They can also do VFX, NFT art, and blockchain solutions.
DadComGames
DadComGames is an indie game development studio. It was founded in 2015. DadComGames has a suite of game development services, including 2D and 3D art, animation, game design, and UX/UI.
The studio’s portfolio has racing, FPS, adventure, and puzzle genres for platforms like mobile, PC, and console. They have collaborated with different companies and are equipped with a strong technical backbone. DadComGames can create games based solely on unique ideas or using stock assets. Despite a transition to remote work, DadComGames has maintained its team culture. They frequently gather to brainstorm, celebrate, and refine their projects.
3D Ace
3D-Ace was founded in 2009 in Nicosia, Cyprus. It’s a division of the Program-Ace company. The art outsourcing studio has a team of 2D and 3D artists, animators, and generalists. They also have people working with AR/VR technologies. So the company is well-equipped to do projects of varying complexity.
The studio is popular for high-quality 3D models for real-time applications and pre-rendered content. 3D-Ace can make custom 3D content, including characters, props, and environments. They are experts in 3D character animation services, complex game environments, and full-cycle game development services. Also, they can do 3D character animation in various styles for different purposes.
3D-Ace uses 3D Modeling Software like Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, and ZBrush. Their portfolio has high-fidelity models like the “Zombie Security Guard” and digital collectibles such as the “Pugs 2D NFT Collection.” They have also developed character and environment art, as seen in works like “Elementalist, Storm.” They can make both stylized and realistic visuals for various clients across gaming, architecture, and entertainment.
Whimsy Games
Whimsy Games was created in 2018, based. They can do game development, 2D character design outsource, environment design, and animation for various platforms. Also, they make 2D and 3D models, animations and visual effects. They can make both traditional game development and innovative Web3 projects. With over seven years of experience, Whimsy Games has completed more than 200 projects. Studio can do full-cycle game development, co-development, concept art, and technical art. Their portfolio shows a wide range of games and engaging art pieces.
StarLoop Studios
Established on February 4, 2011, the studio was founded by Jesús Bosch Aiguadé and has grown significantly. The company works under the legal name Starloop S.L. and is now a part of the Magic Media group. This group has a global presence with many employees spread across 14 countries.
StarLoop Studios can do full-cycle game development, game art design services, concept art and the creation of detailed 3D models. They can handle projects from mobile games to AAA titles. Studio can do 3D environments and character models. StarLoop collaborates closely with existing development teams or can take full ownership of projects.
Their portfolio includes many game titles, like projects for various platforms such as mobile, PC, console, and VR/AR. They made “Heavenstrike Rivals,” “Jelly Copter,” and “Hello Kitty and Friends: Merge Town,”. They can do full-cycle game development, co-development, porting, and game prototyping.
Pingle Studios
Pingle Studio was established in 2007. Now it has offices in Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipro, as well as a legal presence in Limassol, Cyprus. They also have additional facilities in London, UK, and Ottawa, Canada. They can do co-development, porting, art & animations, and quality assurance. Pingle Studio has a global client base by doing what they do the best.
The studio has collaborated with different publishers and developers. They did 2D/3D art, animations, and detailed game environments. The portfolio has projects using both Unreal Engine and Unity, supporting mobile, VR, and console platforms. Pingle Studio likes to be an extension of its clients’ teams. So they can do technical challenges while making sure there’s a timely delivery.
Bon Art Studio
Founded in 1992 in Bulgaria, Bon Art Studio has established itself as one of the leading outsourced art services providers for the gaming industry. They provide high-quality 2D and 3D graphic services, including character creation, environments, textures, animations, and concept art.
Bon Art Studio has collaborated with major companies such as Disney Interactive Studios, Microsoft Studios, Capcom, Gameloft, and 2K Czech. The studio has developed famous projects such as Diner Dash, Disney Epic Mickey, and Call of Duty: Black Ops – Cold War.
In 2020, the studio changed its name to 1050 Studio, expanding its range of services and focusing on creating interactive media for theme parks, museums, and public spaces. The studio’s core principles remain unchanged: high-quality art work and long-term partnerships with major brands.
Conclusion
If you want to choose the right outsourcing studio for the successful development of a game project, do your research. A well-selected studio can make your game and overall execution better. Outsourcing can also speed up the development process, and reduce potential risks and costs. By partnering with a professional team, you will focus on the core aspects of the game. But the art content will be none of your concern. Experienced specialists will handle it, making a superior product and a successful market launch.
FAQ
Timelines can be different. It’s based on project complexity. They range from a few weeks for smaller assets to several months for complete art development. Early planning and clear communication help with the process.
Risks are miscommunication and quality control issues. Mitigation is a clear guideline, regular updates, and reviews.
Establish detailed style guides and visual references, do regular check-ins, and make all teams know the same creative direction to maintain a unified style.
