GamaVeda

Microsoft has released sales of about 17,000 units as of December 2006. They anticipate that to grow to over 100,000 by the end of the year.

Extracheeze is entirely correct. I work for a games company that does exactly this, outsourced art work. Modeling, detailing, texturing, and the like. Our studio produces some awesome work for THE major publishers of the world.

And of course it makes sense to outsource when the cost of games production costs are rising otherwise how can we expect AAA quality games at reasonable prices?

Naturally processes need to improve, tools need to be created to allow for fewer people to do the same task that is currently requiring dozens of people to do. Look at what 3D Realms is doing. They have developed their own tools and techniques that keep their team sizes small, even when developing on next gen systems. They scoff at the EAs who believe that teams need to be ramped up to in the hundreds.

However, most publishers aren't nearly as effective as a 3D Realms, especially since most publishers have a large number of projects planned for down the pipeline and alarge number of studios doing them. So for most publishers, efficiency means more artists at a lower cost and thus outsourcing will be the fundamental step in producing high end content at a within budget price for the long haul.

Major publishers take outsourcing content seriously. They won't forgo quality simply for cheaper dev cost. If quality wasn't an issue then we all know that they can simply kiss their market share good bye.

I'm currently working as an assistant producer to the mobile games division at a games development studio in India. It's actually an entry level position for me. To me, the last thing on my mind was how much I was going to be paid for my chance to work in this industry. My passion is what drove me.

I know very well that a better salary will become a factor down the road, but for now, this experience is a wonderful investment into my career. I am very content and extremely excited with the opportunity that I have been given to simply work within the industry that I have grown up to love.

Questioning my salary at this point in time is ludicrous because of my lack of experience. The company has taken a chance on me. And I know that I will have to prove myself FIRST before anyone will assess me as being valuable enough to pay such grandiose salaries to.