Lakshya secured this opportunity after successfully delivering high-quality work to Asobo Studios, Microsoft’s key service provider for the Flight Simulator project. Our responsibility is to create 3D vehicles (planes) for the game, with Production, QC, FQA, and Bug Fixing handled by the India team, while FR Reviews, Reference Gathering, Code Modification, Engine Package Creation and Final Engine Testing were conducted by the Seattle team. Initially, the client provided CAD data, blueprints, and images for production. However, as the project progressed, the client informed us that photoshoot references would be used for development instead of the CAD files. In response, the Lakshya team re-evaluated and upgraded all assets based on the new photoshoot references, which also required some rework. After approvals and scheduling, production commenced with the client’s agreement.
This case study highlights our collaboration with clients and developers from Microsoft in asset creation and modification for the Flight Simulator game. We focused on producing and modifying detailed 3D models of aircraft, staying true to real-world flying experiences, and enhancing the game’s visual elements. In addition to creating new models, we were tasked with fixing bugs in assets made by other vendors.
Our mission is to develop high-quality aircraft models and upgrade older in-game assets to meet the client’s quality benchmarks for the upcoming November 2024 release. This includes both internal components like dashboards and seating as well as external elements such as landing gear, propellers, and props like canopy covers and safety ribbons. Lakshya has been a dedicated partner since January 2022, working towards the game's release in 2024. The project requires not only asset creation but also integrating these assets into a functional game environment, ensuring to meet Microsoft's vision for quality and standards.
The project posed several challenges, including changes in quality benchmarks, shifting client priorities, and a lack of clear art direction owing to the absence of art leadership at Microsoft’s end. The client also requested additional assets for trailer releases, such as a Ship and Spice Crawler Harvester, leading to reallocation of resources. Delays in feedback and unclear requirements resulted in production setbacks and rework, frustrating the team and impacting timelines. Additionally, the absence and change of pre-production materials from CAD to photoshoot references made the production process uncertain for several assets. Given the absence of pre-production data and references, we identified the need for a dedicated resource to address these issues promptly and prevent delays in production, as we were experiencing slow responses from the client.
To tackle these challenges, we assembled a team across our India and U.S. studios, led by full-time Project Managers, Art Supervisor and Art Leads, and supported by dedicated Reviewers, Artists, FQA and Bug Fixing teams. We took full responsibility for scoping, production, bug fixing, and asset integration, ensuring seamless workflow and communication. A dedicated researcher handled reference gathering and specification creation, while the bug-fixing team addressed issues without disrupting the production team’s schedule.
We introduced specification documents for each asset, streamlining the production process. The FQA team played a key role in testing assets within the game engine, identifying the functionality issues that could have impacted client satisfaction. By resolving bugs early on, we minimised the risk of issues during client reviews. The India production team was distributed amongst small teams, and dedicated Project Manager, Lead, and Reviewers were assigned with their dedicated assets for production and bug fixing, which made the management smooth without overburdening the team.
Following was the outcome of these solutions:
Since the project began in January 2022, Lakshya’s team has grown from 12 to 52 members across various studios globally. Despite the complexity and evolving requirements, we consistently delivered high-quality assets on time. We successfully launched five “Local Legend Series” assets in the game, managing three entirely in-house, and are currently upgrading over 20 assets to meet new quality standards. Our commitment to excellence has solidified our reputation as a trusted partner for Microsoft, due to which they also considered us for the Animation work that is being done for the Microsoft Flight Simulator Game.
Our process utilised a coordinated workflow involving a diverse global team of artists, reviewers, leads, FQA, QC, and Bug Fixers. We created and modified the assets, including models, textures, rigs, and props, while also fixing bugs for approximately shared by the client. This structured approach ensured each asset met the highest quality standards and integrated seamlessly into the game, contributing to its overall success.
we’ve access to vast resources that provide us with huge flexibility and scalability.
we’ve access to vast resources that provide us with huge flexibility and scalability.
we’ve access to vast resources that provide us with huge flexibility and scalability.
we’ve access to vast resources that provide us with huge flexibility and scalability.
The Comprehensive Development Process Behind High-Octane Games Proven Costly, Often Requiring More Supervision.
