Over the past two years, we’ve attended numerous game development conferences and community events. The #1 topic of discussion has been the “crisis”: projects being shut down, layoffs, budget cuts. This is the reality.
But there’s another side to the story. From our own experience and conversations with colleagues, we see that the demand for high-quality services hasn’t disappeared. On the contrary, it has become more concentrated around teams that can combine top-tier quality with fair pricing. Projects continue to live, new ones are launched, and for a 3D Art Outsourcing studio that consistently delivers results at the right cost, there is no “crisis” — only opportunity.

Here are the criteria that, in our view, allow a service company to remain at the top even in turbulent times.

Autonomy: from contractor to partner

Quality isn’t just about “fewer revisions.” It’s about mastering the full content production cycle and understanding the project as deeply as the developers themselves.
This level of engagement transforms a studio from an executor into a true partner: a team that knows the project, believes in it, and genuinely cares about its success. That’s why we choose to work on projects we connect with in concept and spirit — it makes decision-making smoother and reduces the need for client oversight.

Deadlines as a code of honor

Meeting deadlines is a fundamental rule. In post-Soviet culture, there has long been a principle: “If you said it — you must do it.” This applies at all times and across all industries. Game development is no exception.
Of course, unforeseen circumstances happen, but a responsible attitude toward deadlines is what distinguishes one service provider from another. This is one of the key foundations on which a company’s reputation is built.
Mistakes and delays can be costly, but a studio that values its reputation above all else will always strive to keep its promises on time.

Pricing: flexibility and fair project economics

If a studio is truly invested in the success of a project, its pricing strategy is based on long-term benefit, not just maximizing short-term profit.
There have been situations where, even with large industry-leading companies, we encountered significant differences in cost estimates. Yet it was precisely flexibility and a willingness to find solutions — optimizing processes, aligning costs and profitability into a fair balance — that opened the door to long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Communication: ease, trust, and respect

The atmosphere of communication directly affects the outcome. Everyone expects positive impressions from interactions — and work is no exception. That’s why a team needs people who know how to communicate effectively with clients, accept criticism constructively, manage emotions, and respect the client’s time.
Any negativity that arises must be processed within the team and turned into a solution that works for everyone.
When communication is pleasant — on top of autonomy, reliability, and fair pricing — it becomes the finishing touch that makes all the difference, setting a 3D Art Outsourcing studio apart from the competition.

Conclusion

The 2023–2025 crisis has not eliminated the market’s need for reliable partners. It has only raised the bar.
A team that combines autonomy, respect for deadlines, pricing flexibility, and mature communication will continue to grow even in stormy times. For publishers and developers, these are the partners that help reduce risks, accelerate content delivery, and safeguard quality.