Is it important to balance creative internal projects with external contracts? Or are they a distraction?
Earlier this year, Envar Studio, an outsourcing company, released its own game, Witchspire, showcasing how external development studios are delving into original titles. While projects like Witchspire serve as a showcase for studio talents and offer a creative outlet, the question remains on how to manage internal projects alongside external work without losing focus. GamesIndustry.biz reached out to various external development studios, including Airship, CodeDev, Code Wizards, Huey Games, Lab42, Pipeworks, Redcatpig, Sumo Digital, Tanglewood Games, and Third Kind Games, to gather insights on the matter.
Many experts emphasize the importance of working on internal projects to maintain creative freedom, gain valuable experience, and continue personal growth. Redcatpig's Bryan Freitas and João Toste highlight the significance of pursuing personal projects for motivation and skill development. Similarly, Mike Sherak from Virtuos and Terry Goodwin from Lab42 stress the learning opportunities and skill enhancement that come from internal projects.
While some studios, like Huey Games, prioritize external work to minimize risk, they also recognize the benefits of internal projects in understanding clients' challenges. Pipeworks' Lindsay Gupton and Virtuos' Rav Tharanee emphasize the co-existence of internal and partner projects, each offering unique learning experiences and creative opportunities.
Sumo Digital's James Oates reflects on the value of ownership in various forms, highlighting the fulfillment teams find in both internal and external projects. Ultimately, the consensus among industry experts is that a balance between internal and external projects is key, with each side complementing and strengthening the other.
