As of early Tuesday, Ustwo employs about 30 people, increasing to 40 during the development of Monument Valley 3. Previously, the studio developed mobile games with budgets ranging between £7 million and £10 million.

Maria Sayans, a key figure at Ustwo, stated that the studio needs to significantly lower development budgets. She emphasized that they will maintain a core team while expanding through contractors. Sayans noted that reliance on contractors was minimal during the peak production of Monument Valley 3.

Sayans commented on game pricing strategies, suggesting that Ustwo is evaluating launching games at higher prices while offering discounts later. She mentioned that this approach may not sit well with players but could be vital for sustainability.

The studio’s history includes successful mobile titles like Alba: A Wildlife Adventure and Assemble With Care. However, Ustwo is now focusing on PC and console-first game development.

Sayans reflected on the previous staffing model, stating, “We’ve been a little bit too romantic about the idea that we should have employees and give people long-term job security.” She believes future growth will come through contractors rather than permanent hires.

The transition raises questions about how this will affect the studio’s projects and their relationship with players. No specific timeline for these changes has been disclosed yet.

Ustwo’s shift underscores broader trends in the gaming industry as studios adapt to changing market demands and seek sustainable business models.

Сообщение Ustwo Games Adopts Contractor Model to Cut Development Costs появились сначала на justrealnews.

Maria Sayans, the studio’s head, emphasized the need for lower budgets for future projects. Previously, Ustwo developed mobile games with budgets ranging from £7 million to £10 million. Currently, they employ about 30 people, increasing to 40 during the production of Monument Valley 3.

Sayans mentioned that the reliance on contractors was minimal during the peak of Monument Valley 3 production. The studio plans to maintain a core team while expanding through contractors. They are also evaluating launching games at higher prices, with potential discounts later.

Sayans noted, “Pricing [a game] too low is playing with the sustainability of the team, right? So, if in doubt, price it a little bit higher because you can always discount later.” This reflects their strategy in navigating the changing landscape of game pricing.

Ustwo has a history of developing popular indie titles like Alba: A Wildlife Adventure and Assemble With Care before this significant shift. The new approach aims to adapt to the evolving demands of PC gaming.

The full implications of this transition remain uncertain. How players will respond to potential price increases is still unclear. However, Sayans believes that core fans may not mind the difference between £5 and £10.

Сообщение Ustwo Games pivots to contractor model amid strategic shift появились сначала на justrealnews.