SESSIONS

From Outsourcing to IP Creation: Making the Leap Without Burning Your Studio

Grand Ballroom 3
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Many studios across globe begin their journey through work-for-hire, outsourcing, or external development—building technical excellence, stable pipelines, and trusted client relationships. The ambition to create original IP often comes next. But making that transition too early, or without the right foundations, can put both the studio and its people at risk.

This table discussion explores when and how studios can responsibly evolve from service work into original IP creation—without sacrificing financial stability, team health, or creative identity. Drawing from real-world experience across AAA, co-development, and independent game creation, the conversation will focus on practical decision-making rather than idealized success stories.

Many studios across globe begin their journey through work-for-hire, outsourcing, or external development—building technical excellence, stable pipelines, and trusted client relationships. The ambition to create original IP often comes next. But making that transition too early, or without the right foundations, can put both the studio and its people at risk.

This table discussion explores when and how studios can responsibly evolve from service work into original IP creation—without sacrificing financial stability, team health, or creative identity. Drawing from real-world experience across AAA, co-development, and independent game creation, the conversation will focus on practical decision-making rather than idealized success stories.