Development in the Mobile Game Industry: Overcoming Challenges and Growing as a Small Developer
In a rapidly changing and competitive mobile game industry, smaller developers often face challenges when it comes to growth. However, by adapting their strategies and leveraging external development, they can overcome these obstacles and thrive. We spoke with Matthieu Cheynut, Virtuos’ business development director for Europe, to gain insights from his extensive experience in the industry.
Staying Resilient amidst Industry Shifts
Despite the recent layoffs and declining revenues in the industry, Virtuos has remained steadfast in its approach to game development. With a conservative mindset, the company focuses on co-development and providing flexible solutions to its partners. This approach has allowed Virtuos to weather the highs and lows of the market and establish new studios in Vietnam and Poland to support its growth.
Adapting to the Changing Landscape
As smartphone ownership reaches record levels worldwide, mobile gaming has become the entry point for many gamers. To cater to a global market, mobile game developers are breaking down regional barriers and designing games with universal appeal. The boundaries between mobile, PC, and console games are also blurring, as exemplified by the success of games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile.
Striking a Balance between Cost and Innovation
In the realm of mobile game development, success is not solely determined by the size of the budget. Smaller games like Angry Birds and Among Us have achieved massive success through innovation, differentiation, and clever marketing strategies. On the other hand, bigger-budget games benefit from leveraging well-known IPs and catering to existing fan bases.
Effective Strategies for Small Developers
In today’s landscape, small developers can foster growth by balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness. By building a core team and partnering with external developers, they can ideate quickly, create prototypes, and find scalable ideas. External developers bring fresh perspectives and experienced talent to the table, enhancing the production process.
The Potential of External Development
Mobile game developers looking to create larger games for a global audience can learn from their PC and console counterparts who have successfully leveraged external development. Engaging co-developers like Virtuos enables faster development at a lower cost, thanks to their end-to-end services and expertise in various aspects of game development. This allows developers to focus on the core gameplay systems and bring their vision to life.