External Development
Ongoing coverage on External Development.
Latest coverage
"Sometimes you need fresh perspectives" – How external development helped Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Crystal Dynamics is collaborating with Polish studio Flying Wild Hog on the remake of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, introducing new mechanics like crafting and a skill tree while removing tank controls. The partnership aims to bring fresh perspectives to the classic adventure, with Amazon publishing and producing a related TV series.
Morning Interviews
Blackbird Interactive discusses the challenges and rewards of external development, with a quote comparing the work to being Gandalf. The article focuses on the highs and lows experienced by the studio in this development model.
"If I work on that, my kids will think I'm Gandalf" – Blackbird Interactive on the highs and lows of external development
Blackbird Interactive discusses the challenges and rewards of external development, balancing work-for-hire projects with original titles. President Rory McGuire and Director Alex Delamaire highlight the importance of team excitement, client management, and leveraging diverse skill sets to succeed in the external development space.
Should you work on your own games as an external development studio?
This article explores whether external development studios should also work on their own original games alongside client projects. While some studios like Redcatpig and Lab42 see internal projects as crucial for team motivation, skill development, and creative outlets, others like Code Wizards and Airship prioritize their service-based business model to avoid resource drain and client competition. The consensus suggests that while internal projects can offer significant benefits, careful management and clear focus are essential to balance them with external work.
Game and Mod Development
This article discusses lessons learned from external development in the gaming industry and explores the future of this practice. It references a Nature article on using fast simulation for game reasoning and a GamesIndustry.biz piece on developer experiences.
What lessons have developers learned from external development?
External development studios emphasize the critical importance of trust and clear communication with clients, often valuing these over raw talent. Key lessons learned include aligning visions, being adaptable to client workflows, adding value beyond basic tasks, specializing in core competencies, and continuously updating technology and processes. Careful scaling and scope discipline are also vital for long-term success in the external development sector.
What does the future of external development look like?
Industry leaders discuss the evolving landscape of external development in the gaming industry, predicting a shift towards more strategic, integrated partnerships rather than simple outsourcing. Factors like AI, increasing game complexity, and publisher budget pressures are driving this change, leading to a more specialized and collaborative approach.
Welcome to ExDev Week
This week-long feature on GamesIndustry.biz explores the present and future of external development in the games industry. It highlights the role of external studios in creating major games and discusses themes such as balancing work-for-hire with original IP creation and building client trust. The analysis also considers external development as a potentially more sustainable alternative to large internal teams amidst industry transformation and job losses.
Room 8 Group appoints Juanita Draude as Chief Executive Officer
Room 8 Group has appointed Juanita Draude as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a new phase of growth for the external game development partner. Draude brings over 20 years of experience in media, technology, and entertainment to the role. Her appointment signifies Room 8 Group's continued focus on becoming an integrated, technology-driven partner for game developers and publishers.
Another round of layoffs, this time from Dead by Daylight studio, Behaviour Interactive
Behaviour Interactive, the studio behind Dead by Daylight, has conducted layoffs due to a decline in demand for external mobile and casual development projects. The exact number of affected employees and any impacted projects remain unconfirmed. This news follows recent announcements from Behaviour Interactive regarding their acquisition of the 7 Days to Die franchise and involvement in a new Serious Sam title.
Dead by Daylight developer confirms layoffs
Behaviour Interactive has confirmed layoffs, attributing the decision to a decrease in demand for external development projects. The company did not specify the number of employees affected.
Behaviour Interactive lays off more people as 'demand for mobile and casual external development projects has…
Behaviour Interactive, the developer of Dead by Daylight, has confirmed an undisclosed number of layoffs. The company cited a decline in demand for mobile and casual external development projects as the reason for the cuts.
Dead by Daylight studio Behaviour Interactive confirms redundancies
Behaviour Interactive, the studio behind Dead by Daylight, has confirmed a new round of redundancies due to a decline in demand for mobile and casual external development projects. The company stated that these decisions are difficult and expressed gratitude for the contributions of the affected employees. The article also reports on a significant increase in US consumer spending on video games in March 2026, driven by strong hardware sales, particularly for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Dead by Daylight studio Behaviour Interactive confirms layoffs
Behaviour Interactive, the studio behind Dead by Daylight, has confirmed layoffs due to a decline in demand for mobile and casual external development projects. The company cited the conclusion of remaining engagements and a lack of comparable future opportunities as reasons for parting ways with some employees. This news follows Behaviour's recent acquisition of The Fun Pimps and the closure of its Midwinter Entertainment subsidiary.
