Project Evaluation Checklist for 3D Art Outsourcing Cost Assessment
Outsourcing 3D Art for Video Games: Key Questions to Consider
When embarking on a 3D art project for video games, it's essential to ask the right questions to ensure a successful collaboration with an outsourcing team. Here are some crucial aspects to consider:
1. Defining the Scope and Style of the 3D Art
To set the right expectations from the start, clarify the game concept, genre, target audience, and artistic style. This will help the outsourced team understand your vision for the 3D art.
2. Identifying Required Roles and Specializations
Determine if you need artists for concept creation, modeling, rigging, animation, texture art, or other specialties to cover all aspects of the 3D art pipeline.
3. Technical Requirements
Check if the outsourcing partner is familiar with the specific game engine and platforms. They should also be knowledgeable about the formats, polycount budgets, and optimization needs relevant to your game.
4. Communication and Feedback
Establish clear, frequent communication channels with regular check-ins, using visual references like mood boards and playthrough videos, and a schedule for timely feedback to avoid delays.
5. Workflow and Iteration Process
Understand that game art development often requires multiple iterations. Set expectations for version reviews, approvals, and flexibility to adapt based on expert advice.
6. Intellectual Property Protection
Confirm the outsourcing company’s policies for confidentiality and IP rights to ensure your project’s assets remain secure and owned by you.
7. Budget and Timeline Constraints
Prioritize features and art assets to balance quality, scope, and cost, and make sure the outsourced team can ramp up quickly and deliver on schedule.
8. Documentation
Keep records of all decisions, references, and communications to avoid confusion and ensure everyone stays aligned throughout the project.
In addition to these points, consider the following details:
- Texture Requirements: Detailed textures and visual references for each type of texture are necessary. The number of maps per material is not specified, and the standard of procedural materials is not defined. Seamless textures are required.
- 3D Models: Models can be done from scratch or based on an existing model. If an existing model is provided, it should be shared for review and analysis. Retopology is a requirement, but its specifics are not detailed. UV mapping is a requirement, but the number of polygons required per model is not specified.
- LODs: LODs may be required, but the number and requirements are not specified.
- Concept Art: For 3D art outsourcing projects, concept art is required for creating stylized 3D characters, if it's not already done.
- Game Engine and Software: The game engine used in this project is not specified, nor is the preferred software for 3D models to be created or exported. If a completed scene implemented in the engine is available, it should be sent over for review and analysis.
By addressing these questions and details thoroughly, you can maximize the chance of a successful 3D art outsourcing collaboration for your video game project. This list covers project clarity, technical fit, communication, iteration, IP security, and practical management considerations.
In the context of 3D art outsourcing for video games, one should also consider the incorporation of advanced technologies like artificial-intelligence and data-and-cloud-computing to streamline workflows, improve efficiencies, and create more realistic, dynamic visuals for the game.
Moreover, procuring and managing a diverse range of cutting-edge gadgets such as VR headsets, powerful workstations, and specialized 3D scanners might be necessary for handling intricate, high-quality 3D modeling and texturing tasks, ensuring the outsourced team stays up-to-date with the latest tools and industry standards.
