One of our latest and most exciting full-cycle game development projects is with Fateless Games. Fateless Games came together founded by Simon Lockerby, Hisham Saleh, and Dan Francis, otherwise known as HellHades, Sham, and Phixion. They came together through a love of gaming, building communities, and creating content. This vision brought them into the world of game development where their community wanted a game created by gamers and players for those who love gaming.

This brought them to our doorstep and we happily joined up to provide our end-to-end full-cycle game development. This will be a long journey and we hope to keep you posted of the developments as they happen. For now, let’s get an introduction into the project and where it’s at currently!

What Kind of Game is Fateless?

Fateless is a community driven RPG Hero Collector. Players will collect and assemble teams of heroes and take on a variety of challenges and obstacles. While the exact framework has yet to be solidified, we’re excited to see what we can dump our extraordinary heroes into. For now, we can give a little sneak peak at what’s in the works which includes a campaign mode, dungeon raids, asynchronous PvP arenas, and Guild boss arenas.

As for direction and aesthetics, we’ve got our angle. Originally, there was an aspiration to accumulate and associate the game with a number of well-known properties and IPs. Ultimately, that direction was not one we were fully invested in. In the end, we decided on something recognisable but that we could also make our own. Currently, our scope is somewhere in the realm of 300 characters divided into 10 factions. On top of that, each faction will have its own unique environment. Our artists and animators have their hands full, that’s for sure!

As for these characters and factions, they are defined by the myths and legends we all know. Each faction will correspond to a specific mythology and pantheon. So, a few well known examples include Olympus, Asgard, and Aaru! These, of course, represent Greek, Norse, and Egyptian mythology.

What Stage is the Production Now?

We’re happy to say that this full-cycle game development project is deep into the pipeline with pre-production starting last September. Since then, our team has grown to accommodate the increasing scale and potential of this project.

The Magic Media team are always thrilled to get their teeth into a full-cycle project, where we can work on every single element of the game. From narrative design to front-end and back-end development, real-time VFX, animation, art production, even game trailers and cinematics. With our global services, we are able to deliver end-to-end game development to the fantastic team at Fateless Games.

Working with Fateless Games

Speaking of the folks over at Fateless Games, the community will be happy to know they’re as involved as we are! Between their expertize and ours, we’re having regular calls and brainstorms where we deliver our progress and collaborate with them on feedback and future steps. It’s always refreshing to work with a team so involved and committed to a game and its vision.

Additionally, the community behind this game and effort with Fateless Games has been incredible. With an active discord community, we’re blown away by the amount of support and attention given to this game’s progress.

Keep an eye on our socials and our website as we continue to deliver updates on the game’s progress and our other projects. The next milestone for Fateless is a vertical slice, where we’ll see a limited showcase of what the game will look like on launch!

If you’re interested in leveraging the Magic Media team and its global expertize, get in touch with us today. From full-cycle game development to art production, co-development, real-time VFX, and much more. Reach out to our team today and let’s create magic.

In our previous blog, we went through the Magic Media outsourcing project pipeline. We covered the elements of both project workflow and how we go about establishing strong, constant communication to ensure the best and most satisfying results for our clients. 

For this part, we discuss the processes and efforts that our team puts into each outsourcing service, we asked our team and producers about how it is we try to stand out. From the internal quality processes and communication to market research and how we build a team for each project, we aim to exceed our clients’ expectations. Let’s dive in.

Magic Media’s Internal Quality Processes for Outsourcing Services

There are two key elements in the delivery of not just high-quality work but proofed and stable work. We have a gate process for each and every element we work on where team members sign off on work and it is passed up a chain. Each link on the chain, from individual member to senior to lead, to project leads, and creative directors are doing their own checks and validations. This gating process means the level of quality is checked by several different experts who are all looking for the best. This extends to the macro picture of development and milestones, our team are always implementing the gate process to ensure a quality of delivery. 

This is helped a lot by the size and scale of our team, which means we can tailor our team to those more suitable for projects. Those members who have experience with specific clients, needs, engines, or technologies.

Additionally, we of course have our own dedicated QA team who are delivering their own specific QA expertize. We layer checks on all elements of our work to ensure what reaches our client is only of the highest quality.

Bespoke Teams for Video Game Outsourcing

We mentioned the size of our team offers a level of selection afforded to our clients. You don’t just get an expert in game development, you get a Unity Engine specialist or an Unreal Engine specialist. An expert in the methods of your required outsourcing service and specifically an expert in your chosen genre, engine, coding language, aesthetic, and more.

This tailored approach to team building means a team fit for your project. Not just technically but also in the team’s individual interests and passions. We don’t just bring quality and expertize, we bring enthusiasm and dedication!

Standing out in Game Outsourcing Services

As explained by our bespoke team creation, we have the size and international presence to provide a vast array of experienced developers, artists, VFX engineers, and much more. This level means our team are always at the forefront of what is being developed, new methodologies and technologies that are evolving with the industry.

We also like to make the client a part of our outsourcing process. We think through constant communication, the client can see their vision is being upheld by our leads and directors. It’s an iterative process, game development is all about experimentation and trying new approaches. Flexible and agile are two clear descriptions of our team at any stage of game development. And, as our teams jump between projects, they only grow in experience and are able to deploy their talent to an even wider set of genres and styles.

Communication and Organization

We sound like a broken record when it comes to communication with the client but we emphasize it simply because it’s true! 

Our entire team checks in once a day for a short daily where we see updates on individual aspects of the project. Each individual team would then have their own check-ins as well, ensuring that all is operating as intended.

Once a week, our project leads would meet up to check on the big picture, see that we are meeting our milestones and our quality guidelines. And lastly, we meet with our client at least once a week. This is just for a check-in and an update and can happen more frequently if needed. Additionally, we often have special meetings with the client with specific team members or groups for more direct and pinpoint updates.

The project manager would also be in regular contact with the client, providing updates and addressing queries or concerns they might have. This contact is important as well to make sure the project is still on point with the client’s expectations.

Video Game Market Research and Trends

Certain elements of our team would spend roughly 25% of their time in “Leads” which is all about growing our contacts, clients, and team. It’s also about growing our knowledge and understanding of current trends and how the games’ industry is operating. 

Without this kind of attention, we wouldn’t be able to stay at the head of the video game outsourcing industry. Understanding latest trends and why players and developers are looking for these evolving genres, game types, or experiences is key to delivering high quality results.

All of these elements come together to provide our clients with a space where they are heard and their game development dreams are brought into reality.

Get in touch with us today to leverage Magic Media’s expertize and wide range of game outsourcing services. From full-cycle game development to remastering, porting, game VFX, and much more, our team are ready to deliver only the highest results. Contact us today and let’s create magic.

At Magic Media, we prioritize delivering industry-leading quality services to our clients and that is how we stand out from the competition. With a global team composed of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and skill sets, we offer a wide range of services, from full-cycle game development to specific art production, game VFX, and video production. But how do we achieve this level of quality? What is it really like working with Magic Media?

Let’s dive into the internal processes of Magic Media’s workflow with our clients. Spoiler alert: there are no hidden technologies or secret formulas! Instead, we rely on a passionate and talented team who work collectively to deliver the results you desire. Let’s have a closer look.

Magic Media’s Outsourcing Process

When you choose to work with Magic Media, you can expect a high level of commitment, investment, and passion from our team. Our experts seamlessly integrate into your game development process, immersing themselves in your team and workflow.

To ensure this seamless integration, we have established our own processes that align with how we work. Our game development process is marked by constant communication, agile approaches, and rigorous quality assurance.

Project Initiation for the Game Development Process

Before we begin creating, coding, or utilizing our expertize, the first step in the game development process is project initiation. This is where our team leaders and yours come together to understand your requirements, goals, and desired outcomes. Together, we establish a project plan and communication pipeline to ensure an effective and streamlined operation.

Planning and Scope Definition

During this early stage, we also define the planning and project scope. If we are assisting as co-developers, it is crucial for us to have a clear understanding of the project’s direction. We discuss deliverables, timelines, and budgets. Together, we create a detailed project plan, identifying necessary resources, team members, and setting milestones.

Agile Development Approach

When it comes to the actual development work, we adopt an agile development approach. This approach is highly effective for game development, given its iterative and incremental nature. It also aligns well with our flexible, adaptive, and continuously improving work style.

Game Development Built on Communication and Client Collaboration 

While delivering high-quality services is important, ensuring that our work aligns with your vision is equally crucial. From the beginning of the project, we provide a single point of contact to ensure your voice is heard, and requests are efficiently communicated. You have access to our entire team, and we maintain regular check-ins through meetings, emails, and other project management tools.

We offer micro and macro check-ins at any point to track project progress, address challenges, and ensure we meet your expectations. Through these regular check-ins throughout the project lifecycle, you will have a clear understanding of our progress and how we align with your expectations. This direct line of communication allows us to address any concerns or queries promptly.

The Game Development Process and Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is a constant aspect of all our video game outsourcing services. Whether we are delivering art, development, or game trailers, our team has internal processes in place to ensure the promised quality is achieved.

Before any work reaches your screen, we conduct comprehensive testing, bug fixing, and iterative improvements to meet our high standards and yours. We strive to deliver our work to you with the utmost quality, meeting established milestones.

Market Research

We are committed to continuously improving the quality and efficiency of our work. Regularly assessing the game development process is crucial to stay ahead of modern trends, tools, and methodologies.

Our teams actively research market trends, investigate target audience preferences, explore new technologies, and keep an eye on our competitors. This research ensures we stay current with player interests and maintain efficient game development workflows.

With these insights, we implement new practices. Our talented game development team, consisting of artists, animators, developers, designers, and more, constantly test new technologies and methodologies. Alongside user feedback, our experts are always prepared to deliver engaging and marketable games.

Team Composition

At Magic Media, we tailor each team to suit your project’s specific needs. We don’t just provide a concept artist; we provide an artist who is genuinely interested and passionate about your game’s genre or style. Our diverse and global team ensures that we always have the right person for your project.

We don’t just want to deliver experts who can create industry-leading results. We want to provide you with an outsourcing or co-development team that is genuinely interested and enthusiastic about being a part of your work.

If you are interested in utilizing our expertize in full-cycle development, co-development, game porting, art production, game VFX, or any of our comprehensive services, please get in touch with us today. We are always ready to create magic together!

The team at Magic Media is excited to announce our collaboration with none other than Mythical Games, a true pioneer in blockchain gaming!

Building upon our past work with the Mythical team, we are now crafting a brand-new gaming title! We’ll have more details to announce soon but for now, we’re excited to deliver our high-quality co-development services on Mythical’s incredible new project and produce a fantastic player experience. By being chosen by Mythical Games for this particular project, it is a serious statement of confidence in Magic Media’s expertize, technical prowess, ability to tackle and deliver on a diverse range of projects to great success.

Magic Media continues to solidify its position as the premier choice for outsourced gaming projects. Our continued work with high-profile partners underscores our distinguished market position and cements our reputation as a leading force in the industry.

We are proud to be the comprehensive, go-to studio for our clients’ needs, offering an unrivalled combination of creativity, technical expertize, and dedicated customer service. By continually exceeding expectations and delivering high-quality results, Magic Media is not just a vendor, but a trusted partner in the dynamic world of gaming.

Mythical Games

Guided by a seasoned leadership team, Mythical Games specializes in crafting stellar gaming experiences centered around player-owned economies, including the highly competitive NFL Rivals, the thrilling racing experience Nitro Nation, and the captivating Blankos Block Party. Their team has contributed to the development of numerous renowned franchises, including the legendary World of Warcraft and the globally acclaimed Call of Duty series.

But Mythical Games is not just about innovative games. They’ve also made a significant mark with their pioneering Web3 platform, further establishing their influence and forward-thinking approach in the gaming industry. Their commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers is testament to their role as industry leaders.

Magic Media Collaboration

Magic Media is honored to be forging a relationship with a dynamic and innovative group like Mythical Games. We deeply appreciate being selected to contribute to their cutting-edge project and are committed to delivering not just a result, but a spellbinding experience, living up to our name – Magic Media.

Martin Fabichak, CTO at Magic Media expressed his enthusiasm stating, “The opportunity to collaborate with a forward-thinking group like Mythical is truly exciting. Our shared passion for exhilarating games and the drive to pioneer new technologies makes for an extraordinary synergy.”
We look forward to bringing our collective visions to life, embarking on this exciting journey, and elevating the boundaries of gaming together.

Anish George, VP of Gaming at Mythical Games also shared his thoughts on this collaboration, stating, “We’ve enjoyed our work with the team at Magic Media. Our effort and dedication throughout the process is something we’re proud of. We eagerly anticipate unveiling our work to the world.”

Their commentary underscores the mutual respect and shared ambition that forms the bedrock of this remarkable partnership.

At Magic Media, we’re experienced service providers for the gaming, entertainment, and tech industries. Included in our range of dozens of expert services are full-cycle game development for all platforms, art services for games of any style and scope, real-time VFX, and much more. Get in contact with us today, find out how we can collaborate, and let’s create magic!

AI game development is an umbrella term to refer to utilizing AI or machine learning tools to assist and improve the game development pipeline. The Magic Media team is always pushing the boundaries of technology and working to stay ahead of trends and so we’ve been taking our time investigating and working with the existing tools to see how the world looks with AI in game development.

But how are these tools used? What can they offer game developers? And a question we’re hearing a lot is, will AI replace game developers? Let’s tackle these questions and dispel some myths about these emerging technologies.

What are the Uses of AI in Game Development?

Currently, the potential of AI for game developers is still be explored. There have already been several strong applications and uses for these tools.

Living NPCs

AI text generation can allow NPCs or Non-Player Characters to respond fluidly to players inquiries and questions. In an open world game like Skyrim, a closed set of information could be fed to groups of NPCs to allow a seamless gathering of information for players. Imagine quests, rumours, and world knowledge being communicated to players in-game through the characters that populate it. 

Assisting procedural content generation

Procedural generation of levels, quests, and events aren’t new to game development. With the inclusion of AI in game development however, we see an explosion of potential. Procedural generation has its issues where the math and algorithm produces nonsensical or irregular patterns that don’t fit. With the refinement of AI game development, we could see a huge jump forward in procedurally generated content.

Building Basic Art and Assets

AI art is a complicated topic. However, our artists have found AI art to be efficient as a reference, inspiration, or jumping off point for their own work. As part of the game development pipeline, utilizing AI in game development means efficiency and a quick source of inspiration.

Narrative Assistance and Writer’s Block

In the same way, AI intruding on the world of creative and functional writing is a complicated topic. But for those who view it simply as a tool and assistant for existing writers, we’ve discovered a fantastic way to break through creative blocks and assist with efficient narrative design.

Assisting on QA

Game development will always need comprehensive, end-to-end quality assurance. AI game development will be no different, no matter how much or how little the machine learning tools are used. For these laborious and often never-ending tasks, the QA team can be supported very nicely by these AI tools.

Will AI Game Development Replace Game Developers?

As far as we can see, and as we continue to see it develop, no. It’s an impressive set of tools with a wide set of uses and implementations. But it’s quite rudimentary without the mind and skill to use it effectively.

AI Game development is still game developer led. Our game developers, game artists, programmers, QA engineers, and more are the ones leading these efforts. We see AI in game development being used to its full potential by those who know how to create games in the first place.

In the hands of a seasoned game developer, artist, and creator, AI game development tools allow for inspiration, efficient ideation, and push the boundaries of existing workflows and certain game mechanics. Even where it works very efficiently, like in QA, we’ll always need the human element. For Magic Media, we’re of the opinion that AI in game development is another tool on our belt. One to be used as needed, pressed to see what it can do, and utilized effectively rather than as a catch all magic solution.

From full-cycle game development and co-development, to VFX, game art, video production, and more, we offer a one-stop studio of services for your needs. We’re always exploring new tools and technologies like AI game development, so get in touch today and let’s create magic.

Full-cycle game development is a holistic term that relates to the entire process of developing a game from start to finish. This includes early ideation stages to post-release support. The game development pipeline is lengthy and intricate, requiring ample experience to fully understand and master.

Though no two full-cycle game development projects are the same, every project tends to follow the same game development pipeline roughly, albeit with some potential differences depending on the project’s requirements.

The Stages of Full-Cycle Game Development

Full-cycle game development has many stages. Depending on the developer and projects, they could be called different things, but most full-cycle game development processes follow the same framework. Before work begins on a game in earnest, the planning stage comes first. This is where the developers determine what type of game it’s going to be, its target audience, its characters, features, and much more.

With a plan for the full-cycle game development project laid out, developers will move into the pre-production phase. Different departments will meet each other to ensure consistency, its art style, physics, and game mechanics will also be determined. With a set vision in place, the game moves into the production stage. This is where the bulk of the work is done, where the game is effectively built and becomes playable – throughout this phase. This is by far the most time-consuming phase of the game development pipeline, with some larger projects taking years to complete the production phase.

Less of a stage and more of a multi-stage requirement, testing needs to occur throughout various stages of full-cycle game development to ensure the game mechanics work, it’s in a technically acceptable state, and the number of bugs is minimal. The pre-launch phase can be particularly nerve-wracking for developers, as the game’s marketing ramps up and players often get to play the game early in beta tests. This is an important phase for refining the game and incorporating relevant feedback.

The launch period represents the finish line for game developers. The game is complete and ready to launch. The full-cycle game development process is coming near its end, and the most significant remaining bugs are resolved to ensure it’s as smooth an experience as possible for players at launch.

Finally, the post-launch stage occurs after the game has been released. Commonly in the modern gaming industry, game developers will commit to patching their game to resolve any outstanding issues and possibly new content updates, either free or in the form of paid DLC.

Outsourcing Full-Cycle Game Development

Considering how demanding the game development pipeline is, it’s common for studios to outsource their full-cycle game development projects to expert service providers. Magic Media is an expert in full-cycle game development, and we’ve worked on every kind of project imaginable across a multitude of genres. Working with a trustworthy and proven service provider is advantageous because it provides peace of mind knowing that your full-cycle game development project is in safe hands.

Furthermore, collaborating with an experienced full-cycle game development service provider means working with a partner who can help bring out the best in a project. Consultation is a major aspect of game development outsourcing. Working with an experienced team means access to a valid second opinion on anything to do with the game development project and a partner who can help retune mechanics to improve them, someone to advise on when a mechanic needs to be cut or help steer the overall project in the right direction.

Magic Media is an experienced service provider for gaming, entertainment, and tech industry projects. We offer dozens of services across several disciplines, including but not limited to full-cycle game development, game trailer production, cybersecurity, and much more. For your chance to work with a trusted expert, get in touch with Magic Media today, and let’s create magic!

In the intricate world of game development, the constant influx of innovative technologies is reshaping the foundational aspects of game creation, gameplay experience next-gen game development. This evolution is not merely a stride towards enhanced aesthetics but a leap towards fundamentally altering the game development landscape.

For game developers, understanding and harnessing these emerging technologies is paramount to staying relevant and competitive in this dynamic industry.

Artificial Intelligence 

How can AI be used in gaming? We’ve previously discussed that by using AI in gaming, developers can create more immersive, engaging, and realistic games, providing players with a fully immersed gaming experience.

AI is spearheading this technological revolution, offering game developers tools to craft more realistic and complex non-playable characters (NPCs) and gameplay mechanics. Advanced AI algorithms can simulate human-like intelligence and behavior, allowing for the creation of NPCs that can adapt, learn, and respond to player actions in real-time. This adaptability enhances the gaming experience by providing more engaging and unpredictable gameplay, keeping players on their toes and increasing the game’s replay value.

Virtual Reality

In addition to AI, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are significantly impacting the game development process. These technologies offer game developers the opportunity to create immersive and interactive gaming environments that transcend traditional screen-based gameplay.

Developers can construct three-dimensional, interactive worlds that players can physically navigate, offering a more engaging and realistic gaming experience. The integration of VR and AR technologies requires a comprehensive understanding of spatial design, user experience, and hardware capabilities, necessitating a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to game development.

Real-Time Rendering

Moreover, the advancement in real-time rendering and ray tracing technologies is enabling game developers to achieve cinema-quality graphics and animations.

These technologies allow for the realistic simulation of light, shadow, reflection, and refraction within the game environment, enhancing the visual appeal and realism of games. Mastering these technologies allows developers to create visually stunning and immersive game worlds that captivate and enthral players.

Next-Gen Game Development Outlook

The future of game development is rich with technological advancements that promise to elevate the gaming experience to unprecedented heights. For game developers, continuous learning, adaptation, and innovation are crucial to navigating this evolving landscape successfully.

Embracing and mastering these next-gen game development technologies will not only enhance the quality and appeal of games but also ensure the sustained growth and success of game developers in this exciting and ever-evolving industry.

At Magic Media we are veterans of the gaming, tech and entertainment industries, offering comprehensive services including game development, VFX, animation and full art services! Our main goal is to provide a one-stop solution for any project. If you’d like to utilize our expertize and experience in creating, game art and more, drop us a line and let’s create magic!

Though they follow similar processes, console and PC game development have many distinct differences. Rather than one platform being necessarily more challenging to develop games for than the other, each has unique intricacies that can become obstacles for unprepared development teams.

From technical and hardware differences to different approaches to UI and input design, console and PC game development have more specific development considerations than it seems on the surface. At Magic Media, we’re experts in game development across all platforms. Our wealth of experience has taught us the best approach to developing games regardless of platform, including best practices for console and PC game development.

Hardware Considerations in Console and PC Game Development

From a hardware perspective, PCs and consoles are very different platforms for developing games. Console game development benefits from the standardized hardware for consoles, meaning that every PlayStation 5 has the same capabilities as the next PS5. This can provide a highly stable development environment for console game development, with developers fully understanding the chosen platforms for their games.

PC game development is different due to the sheer breadth of choice available for PC builds. Players have a lot of choice when it comes to internal components of PCs. These include choices such as CPU, GPU, RAM, and much more. Beyond that, there’s even the choice of brand for the CPU and GPU, which offer different levels of support and optimization. This means that PC game developers need to be aware of the many different PCs out there, their price points, and performance levels. In PC game development, this could mean spending more time testing your game to ensure its performance is as smooth and satisfactory across a range of PCs and their different internal components.

Input Design in Console and PC Game Development

One of the major differences between console and PC game development is how they’re controlled. Games consoles are limited to traditional controllers featuring sticks, face buttons, and triggers. Though comfortable, game controllers tend to be more limited compared to the freedom that keyboard and mouse setups on PCs have.

Console game developers have nonetheless found interesting ways to combat the relative lack of freedom while using controllers. It’s commonplace in RPGs like Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Pillars of Eternity for developers to create radial menus to access character abilities, whereas on PC they’re accessible with a single key press or a click.

Using a mouse and keyboard setup provides players with more freedom. This is due to the sheer number of buttons and actions that can be accomplished with a mouse and keyboard, but also, many PC game developers include support for shortcuts in their games, allowing players to perform in-game actions easily, streamlining gameplay. Despite this, controllers are regularly supported on PC games, and some titles, such as the Dark Souls games, are recommended to be played with a controller rather than a keyboard and mouse setup.

Content Delivery in Console and PC Game Development

Distributing your game and getting it into players’ hands is a critical aspect of the development process to understand and master. Both PC and console games have different considerations for making your game available that could pose challenges.

Getting your game certified on its target platforms is a paramount concern. On PC, there is no centralized system for game certification, but developers must adhere to the guidelines set out by the distribution platforms they hope to work with. There are many storefronts developers can choose to work with to release their game, among the most popular are Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. There is no singular process in use among these distributors, and developers should endeavor to comply with their guidelines and standardization checks as closely as possible.

Console game development has a slightly different process. Digital distribution is handled by console manufacturers, so PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo each have their distinct storefronts. Like PC game distributors, they have their guidelines and standards for releasing games, which could be considered more stringent than PC counterparts. Consoles will generally have more guidelines around using platform-specific features, performance, and overall technical stability. Though these policies are arguably more rigorous, they tend to help ensure high-quality gaming experiences across the board.

Magic Media is a veteran services provider in the gaming, entertainment, and tech spaces. We’re proud to offer dozens of services including but not limited to full-cycle game development, real-time VFX, game trailer production, and more, to help your projects fulfill their greatest potential. Get in contact today, and let’s create magic!