Game studios today operate at a fast pace. They need to release high-quality games quickly, but there isn’t enough time. That’s why many developers hand over the creation of 3D animation to external teams. This is called 3D animation outsourcing — a convenient solution for those who want to focus on the main tasks.
How Animation Outsourcing Works
The principle is simple: you provide a technical task to the team, and they create the animation according to the requirements. This includes character movements, trailers, environmental animation, or special effects.
The animation team studies the concepts, understands the game’s style, and creates a work plan. They set up the process so that the results can be seamlessly integrated into the project.
What Technologies Do Professionals Use
Good studios work with Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender. These programs allow for the creation of any level of animation — from cartoon-style characters to detailed scenes.
Experienced animators know game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. They create animations with proper rigging and an optimal number of polygons. The result is a game that runs smoothly.
Professional teams know how to work with motion capture and automate routine tasks.
Saving Money and Time
Maintaining an in-house animation department is expensive — salaries, equipment, licenses. A 3D animation outsourcing company already has everything needed and adjusts the team size to fit the project.
You only pay for the actual work. This is important for small studios with limited budgets. The quality is as good as in large projects — external teams specialize in animation.
Need more animators? No problem. Project on hold? You’re not overpaying.
This is confirmed by studies like those from Mordor Intelligence, which show the growing popularity of outsourcing in animation.
How to Choose the Right Team: The VSquad Experience
When choosing a partner, look at their portfolio. The team should show work in different styles and genres. VSquad, for example, has been working for 10 years and has created animation for more than 50 projects, including well-known games like Wayfinder, Darksiders Genesis, and SMITE.
Speed of getting started is important. Good teams start working within 48 hours of discussing the details. They immediately provide a full range of services — from initial sketches to final game-ready files.
Pay attention to client reviews and awards. For example, VSquad received the “Consumer Choice 2024” award as a leader in creative services. This indicates stable, high-quality work.
How to Organize Work and Control the Process
Good communication is the foundation of success. Professional studios provide regular reports, use cloud services for collaboration, and show interim results.
You should be able to see progress at every stage. You can make edits, get explanations, and control the quality. This approach eliminates unpleasant surprises and guarantees the result you envisioned.
Typically, the process looks like this: task discussion → creation of test animation → approval → main work → final edits → file delivery.
The Prospects of Outsourcing
Graphics requirements are growing — VR, AR, and cloud gaming demand high-quality animation. Outsourcing teams study new technologies and AI-powered tools.
International teams expand possibilities and allow for solutions to any task.
These trends are explored in detail in Prolific Studio, which highlights the role of outsourcing in the development of new technologies.
To Summarize
3D animation outsourcing has become common practice in game development. A good team will help you create quality graphics and meet deadlines. The key is to choose partners who understand your goals.
