Ustwo Games Considers Hiring Contractors to Minimize Development Costs

Ustwo Games is shifting its strategy to prioritize PC game development, which requires significantly reduced budgets. According to CEO Maria Sayans, the studio previously developed mobile titles with substantial budgets of £7 million to £10 million and lengthy production cycles of three to four years. To adapt to the new strategy, Sayans believes the studio must lower its development costs, citing examples of successful PC games developed with much smaller budgets. Ustwo Games currently employs around 30 people, with a peak of 40 during the development of Monument Valley 3. Sayans acknowledges that the studio's emphasis on providing long-term job security has led to a relatively low percentage of contractors in the past. However, she suggests that this approach may change, with a core team and contractor-based growth. Sayans notes that this shift will increase flexibility and help control budgets, although she expresses her dislike for the industry's reliance on contractors. Additionally, she proposes launching games at higher prices with potential discounts later on to support the studio's sustainability, recognizing that this approach might not be popular among players.