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As there are over 490,000 mobile games on the Google Play Store, which makes the competition fierce, there are some key elements you need to consider before developing your own mobile game.
Your match should meet user expectations while offering challenges players are willing to face.
What Types Of Companies Engage In Outsourcing Game Development?
Undoubtedly, it is common knowledge that large gaming companies utilize third-party contractors for specific jobs or needs.
They employ external workers for artistic tasks such as character and background designs. Testing and porting services also become popular; outsourced game development offers various other advantages.
- Individual entrepreneurs . Entrepreneurs with existing businesses who wish to build games as hobbies, dreams, or expressions of themselves as an expression. It might or might not become part of their existing company and may cost money as part of this new venture; nonetheless, it doesn't equate to just "wasting" it since game economics is critical for making profits with any experience undertaken by entrepreneurs.
- Established Companies . These clients are looking at creating games as part of their business strategies to engage and attract more customers, teach their audience how to use their product/service or assist employees during onboarding processes.
- Game development companies . Gaming companies frequently outsource specific tasks to other firms for several reasons, including expansion into an area in which it lacks expertise but cannot yet hire full-time staff or when looking to launch new games with limited team approach available in-house. Hiring developers for such endeavors may take longer.
- NFT Creators . This is the first time we have encountered such an unconventional client, one integrating non-financial tools (NFTs) into an interactive gaming application. Hiring an internal team may not make economic sense without being experienced gamers themselves (whether that is game development process or gaming itself). Hence, outsourcing makes more sense in these circumstances.
Mobile Games Used Outside Of Gaming Businesses
Mobile games have evolved beyond mere entertainment for kids and teenagers - they now serve multiple functions beyond pure fun, such as education, promotion, customer retention, or customer acquisition.
Both small businesses and larger enterprises invest in mobile gaming for internal and external uses.
Starbucks was among many companies that joined Pokemon Go when it launched in 2016, while some companies create their own games such as one of our clients for whom we developed NanoBytes: ByteWorld.
This game allows users to scan QR codes found on toys purchased at our client store to add them to the game.
Games can be leveraged by businesses such as banks to educate clients about banking processes and provide essential financial advice.
Internally, mobile games are used to educate and onboard employees as part of digital transformation efforts. Corporations around the globe have reduced in-house development teams rapidly despite updating old products while simultaneously creating new ones; the video game industry saw this happen simultaneously as well.
Outsourcing software development has quickly become the preferred strategy of businesses with no primary interest in game creation in-house, especially where games do not form part of its core offering.
Outsourcing mobile game development could yield enormously lucrative dividends for your organization.
Outsourcing Mobile Game Development Vs. In-House Development
Here's a quick comparison table to make the differences between an in-house mobile game development team and an outsourced mobile game development current team easier to understand.
Types Of Games Application Outsourcing
You have several options if you decide to outsource the development of your mobile game design.
Option 1 -- Outsourcing A Team Of Game Developers
Outsourcing to a company offers many advantages, from preexisting processes that facilitate an expeditious start in development and quality assurance to easy handling of NDAs and improved communication through project managers.
Team members may already know each other personally as they'll likely share personal details, working as one cohesive unit.
Outsourcing tends to be more costly when comparing options within one country with similar experiences due to company benefits for their employees and taking more risks than freelancers.
Outsourcing huge companies may help facilitate this task:
- The full scope of development (entire cycle team)
- As part of the development process (to compensate for lack of expertise within your team or to accelerate growth)
Option 2 -- Working With Freelance Developers
Freelancers have become ubiquitous these days. Offering services related to game development and budget considerations, one will be available that fits.
Assigning tasks among freelancers may prove to be challenging when they come from different time zones or speak other languages - making deadlines, quality of work, and intellectual property protection increasingly challenging to monitor.
You should spend sufficient time finding individuals suitable to play each role.
Hiring freelancers might be your best bet if you require freelancers to either cover incompetence in your team or speed up processes.
Your ultimate decision lies with you and depends entirely on your unique circumstances and requirements.
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Guidelines For Effective Game Outsourcing
Here are some tips we've learned to help you avoid potential pitfalls when launching your mobile game.
Define Your Goals Before Contacting Developers.
No matter how great your idea for a game may seem, you must clearly establish its purpose and meaning before investing money and time.
What purpose does your game serve? Does it attract new users, retain existing ones, boost revenue or marketing activities, or perhaps serve as internal training?
Your choice of partner and their approach to creating games depends on what answers are given to the survey questions.
Select A Partner With Care.
When choosing a mobile game development partner, several factors must be considered. There are several parameters to consider when choosing a partner for mobile game development.
- Projects completed in the same or a similar niche
- After your first two contacts, you'll be able to tell how easy it is for you to communicate with team members.
- The price of the partner and your budget
- The time difference between the team
We suggest narrowing your list to five to ten potential partners and scheduling initial consultations with each.
These meetings are free. You can learn their communication styles and principles at these initial sessions and see if your priorities align.
Furthermore, ask about technology, timeline, and budget details as you explore each candidate further.
Establish Proper Communication
Establish clear guidelines, whether that means daily, weekly, or iteration-by-iteration reports from the development team.
Select an effective communication channel (messenger app or telephone calls); the frequency should also match up. Set desired communication style.
Signing An Nda Or Other Agreements
Protecting business and game data is vital, from protecting intellectual property such as game assets to sharing sensitive data with third parties during software development projects.
Read your contracts thoroughly to ensure your company and its partner remain protected from loss of IP rights or theft of services.
Test Thoroughly
The mobile games market is highly competitive, with new games emerging daily. Your competition could end up competing against numerous similar ones if it is for external use; bugs and poor user experiences will only go well when there are many similar alternatives readily available; you can reduce bounce rates through rigorous testing procedures.
Also Read: Mobile Game Development-Introduction To The Latest Technologies
Mobile Games Of Different Genres
As previously discussed, mobile gaming provides users with various games. Different genres cater to specific interests - one person might enjoy grappling while another prefers solving challenging puzzles; each genre provides other challenges that users must consider before choosing their favorite mobile game genre(s).
Popular and downloaded genres for users to try include:
Casual Games
Casual games have quickly become the go-to genre of choice among Android users due to their accessibility. Simple titles appeal to people of all ages; playing these easy challenges with low difficulty levels doesn't take much brainpower - Candy Crush is an iconic example worldwide!
Arcades Games
Arcade games have long been one of the most beloved forms of entertainment, resonating through generations. Users face small challenges that must be completed within an allotted amount of time; Arcade games such as Angry Birds, Doodle Jump, and Fruit Ninja offer this entertainment format and serve as excellent time-killers.
Shooters (Fps And Tps)
Shooting games, as their name suggests, are mobile games that emphasize their player's shooting abilities. Such titles as Halo or Doom may come to represent this genre.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games are digital puzzles for users to solve; as players progress through levels, their difficulty increases as users advance further in solving them.
There are various puzzle games on the market, including alphabet and scenery puzzles and mobile-phone versions like Monument Valley and Two Dots, which have become quite popular with their puzzle solutions.
Action Games
Mobile action games typically present physical challenges and require excellent hand-eye coordination with lightning-fast reflexes to play successfully.
Action titles tend to focus on shooting, fighting, and survival aspects, with Call of Duty and Dragon Ball Legends being great examples of such genres of gaming.
Casino Games
Mobile Casino Games (MCGs) offer an electronic version of physical casino gaming, perfect for people looking to gamble indoors while making money using smartphones.
Users have found MCGs enjoyable due to their ease of use, online money transfer options, and realistic casino-esque atmosphere, not forgetting social aspects that bring people together, like Poker, Blackjack, and Slotomania, which remain among the most beloved mobile Casino titles today.
Sandbox
Sandbox games are known for their open environments, player choice options, and nonlinear play. Sandbox doesn't fall into one genre: shooting game, boardgame, or something in between; instead, it encompasses all these aspects simultaneously and gives users freedom of action such as driving, running, shooting, and swimming - with Grand Theft Auto being one of the best examples available to mobile devices.
Role-Playing Games
Role-playing games, often inspired by famous stories in which the player takes on the role of protagonist and faces obstacles and challenges, tend to take longer to complete and have become one of the world's most beloved mobile gaming genres - Star Wars, Genshin Impact, etc.
being just some examples.
Simulation Mobile Gaming
Mobile simulation gaming aims at problem-solving. The goal is to educate players in various situations through simulation games like Sims Mobile and Stardew Valley, which challenge users to create creative solutions for everyday problems simulated within them.
Sims Mobile and Stardew Valley are famous examples.
Real-Time Strategy
Warcraft and Age of Empires are among the more widely played titles within this genre, each offering players the challenge to devise strategies to defeat enemies and take over kingdoms.
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (Moba)
Multiplayer online arena games feature teams of real-time competitors competing to defend and destroy each other's property while protecting their own.
Some famous examples are Mech Arena and Mario Kart Tour.
Party Games
Party Games (Minigames for two to four people) are minigames where two to four individuals compete against one another on a board or tabletop surface, generally against each other or against a time limit.
Their purpose is more about fun than the competition - to excel, you need a combination of skills, luck, and shared team effort between team members; examples being Mario Party Series or Sonic Shuffle games.
Horror Games
Horror games on mobile include horror fiction and supernatural characters intended to scare players, offering an engaging way to experience terror without real-life risk.
Dead by Daylight remains one of the most-played titles among horror gamers; other popular options are Death Park, LIMBO, and LIMBO.
Aaa-Level Games
AAA games do not refer to a genre but are defined by high-budget and high-profile releases from established publishers with relatively advanced technological features that quickly gain popularity - think PUBG Mobile and COD: Mobile for example.
Technology In Mobile Game App Development
Have you played mobile gaming apps yet considered what technology lies beneath their smooth gameplay experience? A smartphone gaming app encapsulates numerous technologies into a single piece of software to perform various functions within its game world - let's discuss those technologies that contribute towards creating mobile gaming apps!
1. Game Engines
Game engines provide developers with a flexible software environment for creating mobile games using various programming languages.
A game engine comprises multiple components to give it its capabilities; this may include 2D or 3D rendering engines that can import different formats, an artificial intelligence simulation, the ability to respond immediately and dynamically in response to player actions, plus sound engine controls for sound effects as well as animation engines for various features.
2. Programming Languages
Programming languages form the core of all programming activities, whether related to games or not. Developers write code tailored for different mobile platforms (iOS/Android), leading to specific commands and actions within mobile games.
Java and Objective C/C++/Swift are the most frequently utilized to make these developments possible.
3. Cross-Platform Development Tool
Cross-platform development dispenses with the need to write separate code for Android and iOS platforms, by employing cross-platform game development tools to use development codes across platforms.
Xamarin Flutter and React Native are two famous examples.
4. Graphics In 2d And 3d
Graphics have become an essential factor in video game popularity. Players appreciate mobile games with high-quality graphics because it improves their gaming experience; more explicit images enhance clarity within games.
In order to meet users' high demand for 2D and 3-D images, mobile game designers rely on tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Blender.
5. Augmented Reality And Virtual Reality
Users have come to expect a realistic experience from digital life. From social media sites and mobile games, real-time experiences remain at the core of everything users desire online.
However, users have become more fascinated with AR/VR gaming experiences. They are particularly intrigued with donning VR goggles while playing their game of choice.
6. Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence and machine-learning technology have proven to be an indispensable asset to mobile gaming by producing intelligent nonplayer characters with similar behaviors to humans.
When integrated with mobile games, machine learning allows it to automatically predict player actions and trigger events.
Also Read: What Are the Things You Should Consider Before Hiring a Mobile Game Development Company?
Features That Make A Mobile Game Competitive
At Apple App Store and Google Play Store, thousands or millions of mobile apps are competing against one another for users' attention and downloads.
Therefore, to create a compelling game app, it must include essential features to compete effectively against its competition in its field; when developing mobile game apps, it should consist of these components:
1. Play A Challenging And Engaging Game
As you develop a mobile gaming app, ensure the plot provides enjoyment and challenges they wish to overcome. Vary its level of complexity according to your target audience - simple games will likely be abandoned after completion.
At the same time, those more complex could lead to lost interest among users.
2. High-Quality Audio And Graphics
Graphics and sound have an essential effect on user engagement; to enhance that experience, ensure your game boasts high-quality graphics and sounds for optimal meeting with its players.
With immersive games featuring quality visuals and sound integration, users will become much more involved and engaged than those without.
3. Social Sharing
Social sharing has become an essential feature in daily life and mobile gaming apps alike, enabling users to showcase their achievements with friends.
Social sharing should become part of every mobile gaming application so user experience can easily share them amongst themselves and others.
4. Multiplayer Capabilities
Now is the time for mobile games with multiplayer features to become accessible and fun for users across genres and generations.
Regardless of genre or format, Multiplayer capabilities should be standard across every mobile title.
5. In-App Purchases
Users often spend enormous amounts of money to improve their performance and power within a game, helping them outwit opponents more effectively and beat them more frequently.
Recently, this feature has grown increasingly popular.
6. Reward System
Reward systems help engage users, extend the time spent using an app, and unlock new levels and powers in-game. They've become a more widely utilized feature among mobile gaming apps today.
7. Track Progress
Progress tracking features allow players to keep tabs on their game progress - be that levels completed, achievements won, or badges earned.
8. Tutorials And Help Section
This section details the core aspects of the game, such as rules, playing procedures, and tutorials. This allows newcomers to get acquainted with its essential elements.
9. Push Notifications
Push notifications are an integral feature that keeps players aware of upcoming sessions, levels, or elements in mobile game apps - ensure yours includes them for maximum impact! When developing mobile game applications , be sure to implement push notifications.
10. Customization Options
People nowadays like doing things their way and being given options that allow them to customize their avatar, game settings, and themes such as daytime/ground can add immense value to an app.
11. Leaderboards
Leaderboards or scoreboards display player performance and rankings during games. These provide participants with competitive environments that increase engagement.
Outsourcing Game Development Has Many Benefits.
To be successful with any business venture, one must identify which tasks should be completed internally and which need Outsourcing.
This decision depends on the industry and your specific circumstances - many entrepreneurs start doing all the work themselves due to limited funds; as their business expands, however, it usually becomes more cost-effective to outsource some tasks than doing them all themselves.
Are You Thinking about Outsourcing Game Development Offshore to Software Companies located Abroad if Your Company Is in the Gaming Sector? - Determining whether outsourcing game development services from offshore software firms benefit your gaming sector business depends upon individual circumstances.
Still, it may be an affordable and viable solution for small business owners. Learn about the benefits associated with Outsourcing to decide whether this approach would best serve your company's needs.
1. Save Money & Get High-Efficiency
Outsourcing part or all of a company's processes is often seen as a cost-cutting option for business processes, since hiring an offshore firm to develop part or all of the game may prove more economical than keeping internal skilled teams working on such work themselves.
Your in-house team may run multiple gaming projects simultaneously, leading to ineffective processes, confusion, and wasted effort.
Outsourcing development allows an offshore team to focus solely on your project without being distracted by other aspects of your business. By setting up groups dedicated to each section in advance of each section's completion, you will reduce errors and delays significantly.
2. Access To Advanced Technology
Software development often necessitates high-end equipment and tools, particularly games development. While purchasing all these resources can be extremely expensive for smaller businesses, outsourcing game development offers access to top-tier developers at reduced rates while giving your gaming technology access without breaking your budget.
3. Market Expansion
Your company could gain access to new markets by working with offshore developers. Your project would become more visible across gaming industry segments; working together could spark creative ideas or help your game reach a broader audience.
4. Diverse Opinions
While it may be tempting to entrust all development to internal employees, doing so may result in circular thinking and a lack of creativity.
By outsourcing work overseas, you could open yourself to new perspectives from an innovative outsourcing house team. At the same time, different opinions could encourage in-house staff members to become more daring in their approach to development.
5. Expertise Without Training Requirements
Quality development talent can make or break a video game project, yet finding developers with the expertise needed for budgetary needs may be challenging due to minimum wage regulations and benefits requirements.
Training entry-level staff may increase development times, but Outsourcing allows you to hire top developers without additional training requirements.
6. Better Compliance
You can automate compliance management in many outsourcing operations. It can reduce errors, and you will spend less time on personal compliance issues.
7. More Time For Company Management
At first, your business may take much of your time as you spend time creating products, marketing them, building audiences, and improving it.
On top of all this comes managing it yourself- applying for permits and filing taxes- but over time this becomes harder as its reach expands.
Outsourcing software development will enable you to focus on what matters most for your business: administrative duties.
Meanwhile, having more energy and resources at your disposal allows for promotion and game creation.
Standing out from the highly competitive game development industry requires your products and company to stand out.
Outsourcing development work can help enhance quality while shortening time to market while at the same time saving costs by not needing an internal development team.
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Conclusion
Outsourcers, as well as mobile game developers , must adapt to changes in the mobile gaming industry services.
Outsourced game development companies have demonstrated their efficiency and benefits in mobile game development, not simply due to having a full wide range of resources within their studios. We have discussed both benefits specific to your mobile game as well as general ones.
