Outsourcing
Ongoing coverage on Outsourcing.
Latest coverage
Keywords Studios combines multiple marketing businesses into global creative agency FreeAnimal
Keywords Studios has launched FreeAnimal, a new global creative agency that consolidates seven of its existing marketing and production firms, including Ichi, KWM, Fire Without Smoke, Gnet, TrailerFarm, Maverick, and Big Farmer. This move aims to provide a single point of contact for developers, publishers, and brands, leveraging the collective expertise across its network of international offices. The initiative is part of Keywords Studios' broader strategy of acquiring and integrating companies to expand its service offerings in the gaming industry.
Inside Tencent's long-term strategy: live service, AI tools, and evergreen titles
Tencent's long-term strategy for its global games division centers on building sustainable communities through live service titles and evergreen IPs, alongside investing in high-quality talent and synergistic partnerships. The company is also embracing AI as a tool to enhance developer efficiency and iteration, rather than replace human roles, while navigating challenges in global integration and outsourcing.
Call Of Duty studio rumoured to help out with new Halo games
Rumors suggest Microsoft is considering having Activision assist with future Halo games, potentially including multiplayer development. Activision reportedly created a prototype for a new Halo multiplayer game, though it was abandoned. This follows speculation that Microsoft might place the Halo franchise under Activision's umbrella.
Halo Studios to Rely on Heavy Outsourcing on Future Projects – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Halo Studios will heavily rely on outsourcing for future game development, potentially collaborating with Activision and Sledgehammer Games. This follows reports of significant outsourcing for Halo: Campaign Evolved and a canceled multiplayer project. The article also touches on criticisms of Halo: Campaign Evolved by franchise co-creator Marcus Lehto.
"It's not like the Eye of Sauron is looking at everything we're doing" – Silent Hill F developer NeoBards on why trust is essential for co-dev
NeoBards Entertainment's Jean-Marc Morel and Wonder Lin discuss the importance of trust and communication in co-development and outsourcing, particularly with Japanese partners like Konami. They highlight how face-to-face interactions and building strong relationships are crucial for successful collaborations, especially given the increasing complexity of AAA game development.
Drums, cash grants, and bubbling capybaras: How Latin America's game dev creatives are outgrowing outsourcing
Latin American game developers are increasingly recognized for their creative output, with original titles like Family Reunion and Black Sailors emerging. While many studios engage in outsourcing to secure funding and gain experience, there's a growing movement to leverage the region's rich cultures and histories for unique game development. Government grants and international exposure are playing crucial roles in supporting these original projects, though challenges in securing direct funding and competing with established markets persist.
RPGs like Dragon Quest 11 and Nier: Automata are heavily outsourced, Square Enix producer says, with surprisingly few…
Square Enix producer Yosuke Saito revealed that popular RPG series like Dragon Quest and Nier heavily rely on outsourced developers, with neither being made entirely in-house. For example, Dragon Quest 11 saw between a third and a half of its development handled internally, while Nier: Automata was developed by PlatinumGames. This trend is expected to continue with future titles like Dragon Quest 12.
Gamescom Latam attendance up by 17.5% in 2026
Gamescom Latam saw a 17.5% increase in attendance in 2026, drawing 154,000 visitors. The event featured over 400 games and 175 exhibitors, with a significant rise in B2B meetings and generated business. Executives from Abragames and Brasil Games discussed the growth of Brazil's games industry, highlighting its potential for original IP development and the need for public funding and tax incentives.
Fallout 5 Could Be Made Outside Bethesda, Former Dev Says
A former Bethesda developer suggests that Fallout 5 might be developed by an external studio due to Bethesda Game Studios' current workload with The Elder Scrolls 6 and other projects. While Bethesda has outsourced development before, such as with Fallout: New Vegas by Obsidian Entertainment, the studio would likely still be involved in oversight. The possibility of releasing Fallout 5 in conjunction with a new season of the Fallout TV show was also discussed as a strategic advantage.
Fallout 5 Being Made by Another Studio Wouldn’t be Surprising, Say Former Bethesda Developers
Former Bethesda developers discussed the possibility of Fallout 5 being developed by an external studio, citing Bethesda Game Studios' focus on The Elder Scrolls 6. They suggested that releasing a new Fallout game during the run of the Amazon adaptation could be advantageous. However, other industry figures believe Bethesda will keep its major franchises in-house and expand its own development teams.
Bethesda veterans "wouldn't be surprised" if Fallout 5 went to another company, because the devs "have their hands full" with The Elder Scrolls 6
Bethesda veterans suggest that Fallout 5 might be developed by an external studio due to the company's focus on The Elder Scrolls 6. Developers like Jonah Lobe and Bruce Nesmith believe outsourcing is a possibility, especially to capitalize on the synergy with the popular Amazon Fallout show.
Global game content sales rose 5.3% to $195.6bn in 2025
Global video game content sales reached $195.6 billion in 2025, a 5.3% increase, despite a significant 55% drop in private funding. The industry also saw a 40% reduction in layoffs compared to the previous year, though outsourcing for development work increased. Roblox emerged as a major growth driver, surpassing console and PC platforms in daily active users and engagement hours.
