Factors to Consider When Relocating Your Game Development Office
1. Cost:
- One of the most important considerations when relocating your game development office is cost.
- You need to consider the cost of rent, utilities, and other expenses associated with a new location.
- You also need to consider the potential costs of hiring additional staff or upgrading equipment.
2. Accessibility:
- Your new office should be easily accessible to all team members.
- This could include considering factors such as public transportation options, parking availability, and proximity to key locations such as restaurants, cafes, and other amenities.
3. Space:
- As your game development business grows, you may need more space to accommodate new employees or equipment.
- You need to consider the size of your current office space and whether it can be expanded or if you need to move to a larger location with more room.
4. Workflow:
- Your workflow should be considered when deciding whether to relocate your game development office.
- You need to assess whether your current office layout is efficient and if it can be adapted to accommodate any changes in your team’s size or processes.
5. Culture:
- The culture of your team is an important consideration when deciding whether to relocate your game development office.
- You need to assess whether the new location will be conducive to fostering a positive work environment and maintaining team morale.
6. Infrastructure:
- Your new office should have the necessary infrastructure in place to support your business operations.
- This could include high-speed internet, reliable power supply, and adequate security measures.
7. Competition:
- The location of your game development office should be considered in relation to the competition in the area.
- You need to assess whether moving to a new location will put you in direct competition with other game development businesses or if it will provide you with a unique selling point that sets you apart from the competition.
8. Future Growth:
- Finally, you need to consider your future growth plans when deciding whether to relocate your game development office.
- You need to assess whether the new location can accommodate any potential expansion and whether you have room to grow in terms of staff and equipment.
Real-Life Examples of Successful Office Relocations in Game Development
1. Epic Games:
- In 2013, Fortnite developer Epic Games relocated its headquarters from North Carolina to Los Angeles.
- This move was driven by the need for more space as the company’s team grew and to be closer to key locations such as Hollywood and the gaming industry.
- Since the move, Epic Games has continued to grow, with a current staff of over 400 and the successful release of Fortnite.
2. Ubisoft:
- In 2018, Ubisoft relocated its North American headquarters from Montreal to Los Angeles.
- The company cited factors such as cost and accessibility as reasons for the move, but also recognized the need to be closer to key locations in the gaming industry.
- Since the move, Ubisoft has continued to grow, with a current staff of over 18,000 and the successful release of games such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
3. Supercell:
- In 2013, Finnish game developer Supercell relocated its headquarters from Helsinki to San Francisco.
- This move was driven by the need for more space as the company’s team grew and to be closer to key locations such as Silicon Valley and the gaming industry.
- Since the move, Supercell has continued to grow, with a current staff of over 500 and the successful release of games such as Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars.
Comparing Office Relocation to Other Business Expansion Options
When deciding whether to relocate your game development office, you may also want to consider other business expansion options such as hiring additional staff or upgrading equipment.
However, these options have their limitations and may not always be the most efficient way to grow your business.
Relocating your game development office, on the other hand, can provide a more long-term solution to your business growth needs. A new location can provide more space, accessibility, and infrastructure, which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
Additionally, relocating to a new location can help you attract top talent and set yourself apart from competitors in the area.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to relocate a game development office?
The cost of relocating a game development office can vary depending on factors such as the size of the office, the location, and the amount of equipment that needs to be moved. However, you should expect to budget for expenses such as rent, utilities, moving costs, and any necessary equipment upgrades.
2. How do I choose the right location for my game development office?
When choosing a location for your game development office, you should consider factors such as cost, accessibility, space, workflow, culture, infrastructure, competition, and future growth plans. You may also want to consider conducting market research to assess the demand for gaming industry jobs in the area and the level of competition from other businesses.
3. Can I relocate my game development office during a pandemic?
While it is possible to relocate a game development office during a pandemic, you should carefully consider the potential risks and challenges involved. You may need to take additional precautions such as implementing social distancing measures, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and conducting virtual team-building activities to maintain morale and productivity during the transition.
4. Do I need a business plan to relocate my game development office?
Yes, you will typically need a business plan to secure funding for your relocation and to provide a clear roadmap for how you plan to grow and expand your business in the new location. Your business plan should include information such as your company’s mission and vision, target market, marketing and sales strategies, financial projections, and growth plans.
5. How long does it take to relocate a game development office?
The timeline for relocating a game development office can vary depending on factors such as the size of the office, the location, and the amount of equipment that needs to be moved. However, you should expect the process to take several months, with planning and preparation taking at least 6-12 months before the actual move.
Summary
In conclusion, deciding whether to relocate your game development office is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration of various factors such as cost, accessibility, space, workflow, culture, infrastructure, competition, and future growth plans. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of finding the right location for your business and successfully growing and expanding your game development team in the long term.
