As we return from this year’s XDS (External Development Summit), it’s hard not to feel a renewed sense of optimism. While the global game development industry faces its own set of challenges, we left the event with a strong belief that the external development sector remains resilient and full of promise.
At Mineloader Studios, we’ve always been deeply embedded in the world of external development. Over the years, we’ve seen how collaboration across teams, countries, and even continents has shaped the way games are created and evolved. This year’s XDS, though slightly impacted by the broader uncertainties in the gaming market, reaffirmed one important thing for us: the external development industry is strong and continues to be the backbone for countless game development studios worldwide.
One notable observation from this year’s XDS was the increased presence of service providers. Many of these were smaller, lesser-known companies who were attending XDS for the first time. This rise in new participants brings healthy competition to the industry. It’s exciting to see fresh energy entering the space, as it challenges all of us to innovate and push boundaries. Competition, especially from emerging players, is a good indicator that external development is still growing and attracting new interest. This, of course, means that we all have to stay on our toes, refining our offerings to ensure we remain competitive.
Interestingly, we also noticed a shift in roles. Some studios that were once exclusively buyers have now become service suppliers, offering their own expertise to other companies. This is especially evident in regions like Japan and China, where companies that used to strictly outsource are now offering services themselves. It’s fascinating to watch the market evolve in this way, with former clients transitioning into service providers, creating a more dynamic and interconnected ecosystem. The boundaries between supplier and buyer are becoming increasingly fluid.
The conversations we had were insightful. We observed that while many companies are navigating economic shifts, most are still actively seeking partnerships that help bring their visions to life. Outsourcing, especially in areas like 3D assets, character animation, and game design, remains vital. What stood out to us is the increasing demand for quality and creative collaboration. Studios are not just looking for cheaper options; they’re looking for partners who can deliver top-tier work and who understand their vision.
Of course, we can’t ignore the growing role AI is playing in the industry. It was a hot topic at XDS this year, with varying opinions depending on who you talked to. Some service buyers are embracing AI, seeing it as a tool that can enhance efficiency and speed up certain processes. Others, however, expressed concern over the potential downsides, such as the impact on jobs and the risk of homogenizing creativity. Regardless of the stance, it’s clear that AI will continue to influence the external development industry, and at Mineloader Studios, we’re committed to understanding and adapting to these shifts, ensuring that we can offer our clients the best of both human creativity and technological innovation.
At XDS, Mineloader’s mission felt clearer than ever. We aren’t just another outsourcing company. We are a creative partner. Whether it’s through our work in stylized character designs, asset creation, or complex animations, our team is here to enhance, enrich, and bring new dimensions to the projects we touch.
This year, we also took a bold step forward by sponsoring the XDS podcast, which has been growing in subscribers. Over the next six months, our ad will be featured in the podcast episodes that XDS releases. This is a new experiment for us, a fresh approach to reaching potential buyers in a space that’s becoming increasingly popular. Podcasts are a great way to engage with a diverse audience, and we’re excited to see how this exposure helps broaden our connections within the industry.
There’s no denying that the gaming industry is experiencing its own “rough patch.” However, the conversations at XDS have left us confident that these challenges are temporary. Companies may be tightening their belts, but they are also seeking innovation and quality more than ever. External development companies like ours are perfectly positioned to provide the support and expertise that these studios need during this time.
The event also highlighted the importance of adaptability. The industry is changing, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that change, offering solutions that aren’t just cost-effective but creatively aligned with what our partners want. The expansion of companies into new regions, like China, and the continued push for external teams to work more closely with internal developers, signals a future where collaboration is only going to deepen.
While the broader gaming industry may be facing hurdles, the external development sector remains full of potential and optimism. At Mineloader Studios, we’re proud to be part of this movement, ready to support our partners in overcoming today’s challenges and building the games of tomorrow.