A week of features, interviews, and analysis on the present and future of external development
This week, GamesIndustry.biz is focusing on external development, shedding light on the studios that play a significant role in creating major games but often remain behind the scenes. External development encompasses various aspects such as co-development, asset creation, and engine support, among others. Throughout the week, the platform aims to delve into key themes relevant to many industry players, including the balance between work-for-hire projects and original IP creation, as well as the crucial aspect of establishing trust with clients.
The games industry has been experiencing significant changes, marked by job cuts at major companies due to escalating budgets and shrinking profits. External development is increasingly seen as a sustainable solution compared to maintaining large internal teams that may face layoffs post-game release. However, the article questions how this concept aligns with reality and what the future holds for the industry.
The week's content will feature insights from senior figures in external development companies, offering perspectives on the future landscape, including a glimpse into a potential movie-style production process. ExDev Week articles will be published daily, alongside regular updates on the GamesIndustry.biz homepage. Feedback is encouraged and can be shared with the editorial team via editorial@gamesindustry.biz.