Why Game Studios Should Consider Building Their Own Technology

The idea of building a custom game engine is often met with skepticism, with concerns about cost, time, and complexity. However, as a co-founder of Oxide Games, I believe that creating custom technology is essential for studios that want to create games that break the mold. When we founded Oxide, we made a commitment to develop our own proprietary engine, Nitrous. This decision allowed us to create Ashes of the Singularity, the first game to utilize DX12. Through this experience, I have come to realize that custom technology is crucial for innovation and unique gameplay experiences. The use of off-the-shelf technology, such as Unreal and Unity, can simplify game development, but it can also limit creativity and innovation. Many great games have been made with these engines, but I believe that there are many more games that could have been made if studios had invested in custom technology. Custom tech can play a pivotal role in creating a successful studio, ensuring quality and familiarity, attracting and retaining top talent, and creating unique experiences for players. In fact, nearly all of the top 20 selling games of 2021 and 2022 use proprietary technology to offer players something they cannot find elsewhere. Attracting top talent is also a crucial aspect of custom tech. Developers are drawn to projects that allow them to push the boundaries of their expertise and work with cutting-edge technology. When we hire, we often ask why people chose to work at Oxide, and many cite our custom tech as a top reason. Common objections to custom tech include concerns about cost, time, and complexity. However, these concerns can be addressed with facts and data. While building a custom engine or technology may involve upfront costs, these investments can yield significant long-term savings. The costs associated with licensing off-the-shelf engines can add up over time, especially when a game becomes successful. Moreover, custom tech offers the potential for substantial savings on subsequent projects. Off-the-shelf engines often come with features and tools that may never be used, which can slow down development and increase resource requirements. By stripping down these features, studios can gain significant productivity. For example, our Nitrous Engine compiles quickly, and our developers can implement features or fix bugs in a fraction of the time it would take with an off-the-shelf engine. This has allowed us to save hours every single day and focus on creating a better game. Another benefit of custom tech is the ability to address technical challenges that off-the-shelf solutions cannot. When developing Ara: History Untold, we faced significant challenges, including handling a large amount of data and creating a procedural game. Our custom tech allowed us to overcome these challenges and create a unique experience for players. In conclusion, custom technology is essential for game studios that want to create innovative and unique gameplay experiences. While it may involve significant upfront costs and time, the long-term benefits and savings make it a worthwhile investment. As the game development industry continues to evolve, I foresee a shift towards smaller, well-optimized components and custom solutions, allowing developers to mix and match the best tools for their specific needs.