Game development leaders are being asked to do more with less. Worlds are getting bigger, timelines tighter, and AI is transforming every phase of production. The challenge isn’t whether to evolve, it’s how to scale intelligently while protecting quality and creativity.
This tension took center stage in the recent Experis Game Solutions webinar "Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners," moderated by Julie Loucks, Head of Vertical Strategy at Experis. Panelists included Frank Pape, VP, Experis Game Solutions; Adam Boyes CEO, Vivrato; and Jon Kimmich CEO, Software Illuminati; bringing experience from AAA studios, indie teams and global QA operations.
Here’s what the experts shared about achieving efficiency without compromising excellence.
QA Testing is Paramount
After decades across major studios and publishers, the panel agreed that cost-cutting too aggressively often backfires. In the words of Pape, “When deadlines loom and budgets tighten, teams often push QA testing to the end. That’s where quality — and long-term value — erodes.”
The biggest pitfalls:
- Compressing QA testing to the final sprint, rather than integrating it early
- Treating QA as bug-squash only rather than a creative feedback loop
- Cutting corners that delay certification and hurt player perception
What Smart Cost Management Looks Like
The conversation turned quickly to the real question: “Where do you invest when every dollar counts?” “Don’t buy hours — buy efficacy,” cautioned Boyes, “A higher-priced partner who cuts a cert pass can be cheaper in the end.” The best studios invest where it matters most: in planning, structure, and partnership.
- Plan early. Define scope, features, milestones and test plans upfront.
- Align disciplines. QA, art, code and DevOps share accountability for outcomes.
- Outsource intentionally. Keep “crown jewel” IP internal; scale specialized functions with trusted partners.
- Operate as one team. Shared tools, workflows and communication build efficiency and trust.
AI in 2025: Acceleration with Guardrails
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how studios create, test, and scale games — but the experts cautioned that speed without structure can backfire.
Kimmich advised using AI to “go wide early, explore design space, then double down on what’s promising.” AI should expand creative possibilities, not replace the human spark that makes great games memorable. “AI isn’t a magic button,” added Pape. “It’s a multiplier — for teams that know how to guide it.”
What’s Working Now:
- Accelerating localization and iteration. AI-assisted translation and asset tagging can cut cycle times dramatically while maintaining fidelity.
- Supercharging concept and pre-production. Generative tools help artists and designers explore options faster and more collaboratively.
- Embedding AI responsibly. Successful studios pair experimentation with strong governance around IP, bias and data security.
- Starting small, scaling smart. Integrating AI into support or non-critical workflows first builds confidence before deep production use.
Scale Globally Without Losing Cohesion (and IP)
Global scaling can drive major cost efficiencies, but only if done with alignment and trust. In one recent Experis engagement, synchronized global QA teams improved test coverage and reduced turnaround time by nearly 20%, thanks to consistent TCR expertise and shared delivery frameworks
Guidelines for global success:
- Establish cultural and operational alignment first. Define quality expectations and communication cadences early.
- Standardize processes. Clear role definitions and test playbooks reduce errors and improve predictability.
- Embed leadership. Producers or QA leads stationed across locations accelerate decision-making and ensure accountability.
Security Is Part of Performance
Protecting IP isn’t just risk management, it’s brand and business protection. “Every person touching the build is being trusted with your baby; train and audit like it,” said Boyes.
Key components of strong security:
- Studio-grade infrastructure. Secure facilities, restricted access and certified systems.
- Human vigilance. Regular training, audits and social media awareness.
- Continuous discipline. Treat every asset like a live build; never assume “set and forget.”
Security is no longer a back-office issue; it’s a pillar of production quality and performance.
Embed Quality in Every Phase of Video Game Development
Quality assurance shouldn’t happen after production — it should shape it from the start.
- Shift left. Integrate QA testing into early design and pre-production.
- Validate early. Combine internal testing with player feedback to catch issues before launch.
- Close the loop. QA teams aligned with design intent reduce rework and improve creative outcomes.
Embedding QA early helps teams move faster, launch smoother and protect the player experience at every stage.
Choosing the Right Partner: A Leadership Checklist
The right partner can make or break your delivery pipeline. Kimmich’s advice: “Hire vendors like you hire leaders: interview several, test them, and review at 60-90 days.”
Key questions to ask:
- How do you develop and retain your people?
- What drives your culture?
- What challenge are you most proud to have solved?
- How do you measure productivity and quality impact?
- What’s your security posture and audit cadence?
- How do you integrate with our tools and workflows?
- Are your global teams standardized in training and methodology?
- How transparent is your reporting cadence?
- Can we speak to long-term clients you’ve scaled with?
Partnerships built on shared values and accountability lead to better outcomes — and fewer surprises.
Key Takeaways & Strategies
The session closed with one clear message: efficiency doesn’t have to compromise excellence. Studios that plan early, partner wisely, and embrace technology responsibly can cut costs while improving outcomes.
Winning strategies for today and beyond:
- Integrate QA as a creative asset from day one.
- Treat AI as augmentation, not automation.
- Prioritize cultural alignment and transparent communication with global teams.
- Build a proactive security culture.
- Choose partners who value people, data and long-term collaboration over quick savings.
The studios that win will be those that invest in alignment, governance and trusted partnerships: values at the heart of every Experis engagement.
About Experis Game Solutions
Experis Game Solutions helps studios combine automation, AI and human expertise to deliver better games, faster — without sacrificing quality, security or culture. From global QA and certification to scalable co-development operating models, our teams integrate as an extension of your studio.
Let’s connect.
If you’d like to explore how Experis can help your studio scale smarter, contact the Experis Game Solutions team. Contact us.
