The video game industry is booming, with global revenue expected to exceed $200 billion annually. With this rapid growth, the demand for talented video game developers has never been higher. So which is the best place to hire video game developers?
Whether you’re an indie developer with a big dream or an established company launching your next blockbuster, the challenge of finding the right developers can be daunting. We’ll explore in this article the top avenues for sourcing talent, tips for the hiring process, and how to match the perfect developers to your project.
Read also: Game Designers Backstage: Insights Into the Development Process
Is there a best place to hire video game developers?
One of the first questions to address is whether to use general hiring platforms or turn to specialized services. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your project’s needs.
Main Leaf
Main Leaf is a professional game studio for hire based in São Paulo, Brazil. Boasting an impressive roster of around 70 talented, passionate professionals, it is certain to bring your game idea to life with excellence – be it an NFT game, a VR experience, or a casual match-three title.
By providing full-stack game development, our professional team works on your game from its pre-production stage all the way to its launch, which includes shipping it to the main gaming storefronts available. Yes, this means we design and create a fully-fledged game on top of your idea, following your specifications and creating all the assets it will use!
The process to request a game quote is fast, with quotes being delivered within days and requiring no upfront payment. If you decide to outsource your upcoming game to Main Leaf, its blazing-fast development speed, made possible by using Scrum, will leave you impressed.
Furthermore, the game production process is fully transparent: all costs are automatically tracked and made available online to the client.
Some examples of applications developed by Main Leaf include Kaze and the Wild Masks (a classic platformer for PS4), KidsCast (an app with videos, games, and educational content for kids), and Minted (a 5v5 FPS-style NFT game).
General Hiring Platforms
Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor provide a vast pool of professionals, including video game developers. These platforms are ideal for reaching a wide audience and often include tools to filter candidates by experience, location, or specific skills.
However, the downside is the potential lack of focus. You might encounter candidates who are skilled in programming but lack experience in game development.
Specialized Platforms
Specialized platforms like Unity Connect, ArtStation (for artists and animators), and Gamasutra are tailored specifically to the gaming industry. These platforms allow you to connect with developers who have industry-relevant portfolios and expertise.
By narrowing the talent pool to specialists, you save time and ensure a higher chance of finding the right fit for your project.
Is outsourcing the best place to hire video game developers?
Outsourcing Studios
Outsourcing game development to specialized studios is a growing trend, especially for companies that want to focus on core creative tasks or reduce overhead costs. Outsourcing studios are often the best place to hire video game developers for projects requiring scalable teams or niche expertise.
These studios typically employ a wide array of talent, from programmers and designers to animators and QA testers, making them a one-stop shop for game development needs.
Key Benefits of Outsourcing Studios
- Access to Expertise: Outsourcing studios are packed with professionals experienced in various aspects of game development.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring full-time staff for short-term projects can strain your budget. Outsourcing provides flexibility without the commitment.
- Scalability: Need to expand or reduce your team quickly? Studios can adapt to your project’s changing requirements.
Freelancers: A Flexible Solution for Small-Scale Projects
For smaller projects or specific tasks, hiring freelance video game developers can be an excellent choice. Platforms like Upwork, Toptal, and Fiverr host a global talent pool of developers ready to take on short-term or part-time assignments. Freelancers are particularly useful for roles like:
- Writing scripts for NPC dialogues;
- Designing levels or environments;
- Creating specific visual assets.
That said, while freelancers offer flexibility, there are potential risks. Without a structured team or long-term commitment, you might face challenges in terms of project continuity and communication.
Building Your In-House Team
If your project requires long-term commitment and close collaboration, building an in-house team might be the best option. This approach allows for better control over development processes and fosters a cohesive team culture. However, it requires a significant investment in recruitment, onboarding, and employee benefits.
Our tips for hiring the best video game developers
Regardless of the approach you choose, there are several tips to keep in mind when hiring video game developers:
- Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Specify the roles you need to fill, such as gameplay programmer, UI/UX designer, or QA tester, and detail their responsibilities.
- Assess Portfolios: A developer’s portfolio offers a window into their capabilities and style. Look for relevant experience and quality work.
- Conduct Technical Interviews: Evaluate candidates with coding tests, problem-solving tasks, or live demonstrations to gauge their technical skills.
- Prioritize Communication Skills: Game development is a collaborative process. Strong communication skills are essential for seamless teamwork.
- Check References: Contact previous employers or clients to gain insights into the candidate’s reliability and performance.
Often, the best place to hire video game developers isn’t a single platform or service – it’s a combination of resources.
For example, you might start by outsourcing to a studio to kickstart the project, then use specialized platforms to hire in-house developers for ongoing updates and maintenance. Flexibility and strategic planning are key to assembling the perfect team.
Hiring video game developers is more than just filling roles; it’s about assembling a team that aligns with your vision and goals. Whether you opt for freelancers, outsourcing studios, or an in-house team, the key is to remain focused on finding talent that brings your project to life.
Read also: The 6 stages of the game development cycle
The best place to hire video game developers is here!
Here at Main Leaf, we understand the complexities of game development. Our team of experienced developers is dedicated to put our 12 years of experience to turn creative concepts into polished, engaging games.
Outsourcing studios like us can handle complete projects efficiently, offering expertise and resources that might be unavailable in-house.
In fact, outsourcing game development has become a viable and often essential strategy for many companies – since it can provide access to specialized skills, reduce costs, and accelerate project timelines.
You can, for example, avoid the expenses associated with hiring, training, and maintaining an in-house team and significantly reduce costs. This includes savings on salaries, benefits, office space, and equipment!
So, are you ready to take the next step? Let’s bring your vision to life. Contact us today and discover how we can help you build the game you’ve always imagined!
