Game Art Outsourcing Price in 2025

Q: What should I do when outsourcing slot game art?

Clear brief: Provide a detailed and clear brief outlining your requirements, including the number of slot assets needed, art style preferences, technical specifications, and any references you have in mind. The more specific your brief, the easier it will be for the slot game art outsourcing to provide an accurate quote. Bundle assets: Consider bundling multiple assets into one project rather than contracting for them separately. This can often result in discounts, as outsourcing companies may offer package deals or volume discounts. Flexible Deadlines: If your project schedule allows, opt for a longer deadline. Rush jobs often come with higher costs due to the need for expedited work. Providing a reasonable timeline gives the outsourcing company more flexibility and may result in a more competitive price. Long-term relationship: If you anticipate needing ongoing artwork for your slot games, consider establishing a long-term relationship with a reliable outsourcing company. Long-term partnerships often come with discounts or preferred pricing. Quality over price: While it's important to get a good price, prioritize quality. Investing in high-quality artwork can increase the overall appeal and success of your slot games, leading to better returns in the long run. Review contracts carefully: Before finalizing any agreement, carefully review the terms of the contract, including pricing, payment schedules, and ownership. Clarify any ambiguities or concerns to avoid unexpected costs down the road.

By Dmytro Marmalyuk

Head of PM at RetroStyle Games | Mar 1, 2023

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In today’s article, we will have to dive into the world of game art and study everything related to it to understand what factors affect the formation of the price and why many companies trust this important process to 3D or 2D game art outsourcing companies. So, let’s try to find the answer to the question: how much does game art cost?

Why is it Difficult to Estimate the Game Art Outsourcing Cost?

Estimating the cost of game art outsourcing companies can be difficult for several reasons, including:

1
Varying quality standards
Game art outsourcing providers may have different standards for quality, and these standards can vary widely. It can be difficult to estimate the cost of outsourcing if the quality standards of the provider are unclear or if the provider’s definition of “high-quality” does not match your own.
2
The complexity of the game
The complexity of the game genre can also affect the cost of outsourcing the game. Games with more complex mechanics, systems, or environments may require more art assets, which can increase the cost of outsourcing.
3
Revisions and changes
It can be difficult to estimate the cost of outsourcing when there are multiple revisions or changes to the video game outsourcing art assets. Changes and revisions can add to the overall cost of outsourcing, and it can be difficult to predict how many revisions will be needed.
4
Communication and game project management
Poor communication and project management can lead to delays, misunderstandings, and additional costs. Clear communication and effective project management are essential for successful outsourcing, but they can be difficult to achieve, especially when outsourcing to providers in different time zones or with different languages.

How Much Does it Cost to Create a Game Art: The Estimations

The cost of creating game art can vary widely depending on a number of factors. These include the complexity of the game, the number of assets required, the level of detail and quality required, and the location of the game art outsourcing provider. For example, our company has offices in Kyiv, Ukraine, Limassol, Cyprus

That being said, here are some rough estimations for the cost of creating game art:

1
Characters
The cost of creating a single 3D or 2D character design price for a character model can range from 3-5 days to 1 month or more, depending on the level of detail and complexity required.
2
Environments
The cost of creating a single game environment can range from 2 weeks to 1 month, depending on the level of detail, complexity, and interactivity required.
3
Props
The cost of creating a single game prop can range from 3 days to 10 days or more, depending on the level of detail and complexity required.
4
Animation
The cost of creating animations for game characters and objects can range from 1 week to 2-3 weeks or more per animation, depending on the level of complexity and detail required.
5
UI Game Design
The cost of designing the user interface for a game can range from 1 to 7 days or more, depending on the level of complexity and detail required.

It is important to note that these are rough estimations and that the actual cost of creating game art can vary widely depending on the specific requirements of the project. Additionally, these costs may vary depending on the location of the outsourcing provider and other factors, such as revisions, changes, and communication and project management issues. It is important to work with a reputable outsourcing partner who can provide transparent pricing and clear communication to help mitigate these challenges.

Factors that Determine the Game Art Price

There are many factors that affect game art outsourcing prices. It all depends on the team you choose to collaborate with. Let’s take a look together at the key points to consider when choosing an outsourcing team to create art for your project and how the price for this work is determined.

1. COMPLEXITY OF THE ARTWORK

The complexity of the work directly affects its final cost. For freelance concept artist rates, this amount will be different. However, we must consider the cost of game art outsourcing price per hour. If you want a detailed AAA character, the artist will work on it for more than a week or even two. As you know, everything starts with concept art rates and a mood board and only then gradually turns into a full-fledged character model or any other object in the game.

Utilizing a dedicated team for video game concept art outsourcing not only streamlines the development process but also ensures a consistent style and quality across all assets.

2. EXPERIENCE OF THE ARTIST

The experience of the art team directly affects the concept art price. If you are looking for such a team, then carefully study how many years they have been in this field. If necessary, you can safely request a portfolio of artists and animators in order to better understand the people whose experience and background will be involved in your project.

3. PLATFORM THE ARTWORK WILL BE USED ON

Different platforms have different technical requirements and limitations, which can affect the amount of work and skill required to create game art for them. For example, creating art for a 2D mobile game may be less complex and time-consuming than creating freelance 3D modeling rates for a high-end console game. Additionally, the size and resolution of the artwork may also be influenced by the platform. For instance, artwork for a mobile game may require a lower resolution than that of a desktop game or console game.

4. NUMBER OF CHARACTERS

The more characters that need to be designed and created, the more time and resources will be required from the artist or art team. Moreover, the level of detail required for each character can also affect the 3D character price. Highly detailed characters with intricate designs and animations will generally be more expensive than simpler characters.

5. NUMBER OF GAME ELEMENTS

Game elements refer to any objects or assets in the game, such as backgrounds, props, items, and environmental objects. The more elements that need to be designed and created, the more time and resources will be required from the artist or art team.

6. LEVEL OF DETAIL

The level of detail required for a game art project can vary significantly depending on the complexity and scope of the project. Highly detailed art with intricate designs and textures generally requires more time and effort to create than simpler art with fewer details. The amount of time and effort required to create highly detailed art can affect the pricing of the project.

7. ART STYLE

Different styles of game art require different techniques, tools, and levels of skill to create. For example, pixel art may require less time and effort than highly detailed, realistic art. Similarly, cartoon-style art may require less time and effort than art with complex textures and shading.

8. GAME COLOR PALETTE

The game color palette can be a factor that determines the price of game art, but it may not always be a significant factor. The use of color in-game art can impact the mood, atmosphere, and overall feel of the game.

Factors by Game Art Phases

The game art development process typically includes several phases, such as concept art, pre-production, production, and post-production. Each phase requires different levels of skill, time, and resources, which can affect the pricing of game art.

3D MODELING

3D art modeling involves creating 3D models of game characters, environments, and assets using specialized software. This process requires a high level of skill, attention to detail, and experience. The complexity of the 3D models can also impact the pricing of game art. Highly detailed 3D game modeling with intricate designs and textures generally require more time and effort to create than simpler 3D model commission prices with fewer details.

ANIMATION

Animation involves creating movement and motion for game characters, environments, and assets. This process requires a high level of skill, attention to detail, and experience. The complexity of the animations can also impact the pricing of game animation outsourcing art. Highly complex animations with multiple layers of movement, detailed textures, and intricate designs generally require more time and effort to create than simpler animations with fewer details. Additionally, the number of animations required can also impact the pricing of game art. More animations require more time and effort to create, which can increase the overall cost of the project.

TEXTURING

Texturing involves applying textures to the surfaces of 3D models, character design vs concept art, environments, and assets. This process requires a high level of skill, attention to detail, and experience. The complexity of the textures can also impact the pricing of game art. Detailed textures with intricate designs and patterns generally require more time and effort to create than simpler textures with fewer details.

AI-GENERATED GAME ART USAGE

AI-generated game art involves using machine learning algorithms to generate game art automatically. This process can save time and resources, particularly when creating large volumes of game art assets. However, the quality of the AI-generated art may not always meet the standards required for a particular project, and human intervention may be necessary to ensure that the AI-generated art meets the specific needs of the game.

HUDS AND MENUS

HUDs (Heads-Up Displays) and menus can be factors that determine the price of game art during the production and post-production phases of the game art development process. HUDs and menus are an essential part of any game, as they provide players with vital information and control options. The design and layout of these elements can impact the user experience and the overall look and feel of the game. So you need to find a user experience design outsourcing team to create such game elements.

NFT

NFT means Non-Fungible Token. NFT art is not typically a factor that affects the price of game art during the production phase of the game art development process, as NFT art is a separate category of digital art that is bought and sold through blockchain-based marketplaces. However, NFT art can potentially impact the price of game art during the post-production phase if a game developer decides to incorporate NFTs into their game as a way of monetizing in-game assets or allowing players to purchase unique digital items. For example, our team has knowledge of how to build NFT art. So you can feel free to contact us for help.

Game Marketing Costs: Game Art for ASO

Games are an evolving perspective in the lucrative gaming business, and our article focuses primarily on the midcore genre. However, these techniques apply to any game or game element, especially game logo design.

Because the gaming business is a highly saturated market, all developers must implement an efficient ASO Soft Launch approach to cut through the clutter and drive installs.

Don't Forget Game Art Costs Based on Vendor Type

When considering game art outsourcing, it’s important to keep in mind that the costs can vary based on the type of vendor you’re working with. Here are some general cost considerations for different types of game art vendors:

Game Art Vendor Type	Costs Involved
AI Game Assets Generators	From 10 days
Freelancer Artist	From 1 week to 1 month
Game Art Studio	From 2-3 weeks

If you are looking for a 2D game artist, you need to know some important information.
Whether to hire a freelancer or a game art studio depends on several factors, including the scope of your project, your budget, and your timeline.

If you have a larger project that requires a team of game artists with diverse skills and expertise, a game art studio may be a better fit.

Tips for Getting the Best Price from Game Art Outsourcing Company

Here are some tips for getting the best price for game art outsourcing:

Research multiple outsourcing companies/artists: Do not limit yourself to one outsourcing company or artist. Research multiple options and compare their pricing, quality of work, and reviews.
Be clear about your budget: Be clear about your budget and communicate it clearly to the outsourcing company or artist. This will help them understand your limitations and work within your budget.
Provide detailed feedback: Once the project is underway, provide detailed feedback to the outsourcing company or artist. This will help them understand your preferences and make changes quickly.

Create Your Stunning Game Art with RetroStyle Games

RetroStyle Games is a game art outsourcing company that specializes in creating graphics for video games. If you require a more structured and professional working relationship, RetroStyle Games may provide a more formalized contract and communication process compared to working with freelancers.

Contact us and we will be happy to answer all your questions, as well as tell you more about the services provided by our outsourcing company.

Frequently Asked Question

Fake

What factors affect the cost of outsourcing game art?

The cost of outsourcing game art is affected by a combination of these factors, and it is important for game developers to carefully consider their needs and budget when deciding to outsource game art. It is also important to choose a reputable outsourcing partner who can deliver high-quality assets on time and within budget.

How can I get the best price for game art outsourcing?

Here are some tips to help you get the best price for game art outsourcing: plan ahead, be specific about your requirements, request multiple quotes, and build long-term partnerships.

By following these tips, you can improve your chances of getting the best price for game art outsourcing while still getting the quality and level of service you need to make your game a success.

What should I do when outsourcing slot game art?

Clear brief: Provide a detailed and clear brief outlining your requirements, including the number of slot assets needed, art style preferences, technical specifications, and any references you have in mind. The more specific your brief, the easier it will be for the slot game art outsourcing to provide an accurate quote.
Bundle assets: Consider bundling multiple assets into one project rather than contracting for them separately. This can often result in discounts, as outsourcing companies may offer package deals or volume discounts.
Flexible Deadlines: If your project schedule allows, opt for a longer deadline. Rush jobs often come with higher costs due to the need for expedited work. Providing a reasonable timeline gives the outsourcing company more flexibility and may result in a more competitive price.
Long-term relationship: If you anticipate needing ongoing artwork for your slot games, consider establishing a long-term relationship with a reliable outsourcing company. Long-term partnerships often come with discounts or preferred pricing.
Quality over price: While it’s important to get a good price, prioritize quality. Investing in high-quality artwork can increase the overall appeal and success of your slot games, leading to better returns in the long run.
Review contracts carefully: Before finalizing any agreement, carefully review the terms of the contract, including pricing, payment schedules, and ownership. Clarify any ambiguities or concerns to avoid unexpected costs down the road.

Why is it Difficult to Estimate the Game Art Outsourcing Cost?

Varying quality standards

The complexity of the game

Revisions and changes

Communication and game project management