[Vietnamnet] Virtuos expands AAA game development capabilities in its Vietnam studios

Leading external game developer Virtuos plans to make its Vietnam studios a technology transfer hub for AAA games production – targeting the premium segment in the market.

In the realm of video games, outsourcing production has become a common solution to help game studios optimize their time and resources effectively. Studios, whether large or small, often require extensive manpower, especially during peak times. In addition, bridging skill, expertise, and technology gaps is essential to successfully develop a game from start to finish.

Established in 2004, Virtuos is a leading external game developer with over 20 studios and research labs across Asia, Europe, and North America.  The company entered Vietnam through its acquisition of Sparx* in 2011, and expanded its services in 2022 with Glass Egg. Virtuos is now one of the largest game production companies in Vietnam, with over 1,000 full-time employees.

Unlike traditional outsourcing models, Virtuos offers end-to-end services for partners to bring entire games to life. This capability is supported by its global network, which enables studio members in multiple time zones to collaborate on the same project while leveraging diverse resources and expertise. In Vietnam, both Glass Egg and Sparx* have built their expertise in 3D art production for AAA games over the years.  AAA games represent the highest quality in visuals and content in the market, often classified by their massive production budgets.

Glass Egg team (HCMC) at an internal training with experts from Virtuos

Virtuos Vietnam’s game art workforce is highly experienced in AAA game production, exemplified by Marvel’s Midnight Suns by Firaxis Games—one of the most critically acclaimed games in 2024. In this title, Sparx* collaborated with other Virtuos studios in France, the U.S, Malaysia, and Ireland to produce 108 minutes of cinematic cutscenes.

Despite having a strong advantage in art production, finding highly skilled professionals in AAA game design and programming remains a significant challenge for Vietnamese studios. “In recent years, we’ve been steadfast in our goal of enhancing game design and programming capabilities within the local team. With 20 years of experience across major global game markets, Virtuos has developed a structured system and a reputation for training talent in games,” shared Samuel Stevenin, Managing Director of Art Division at Virtuos.

A testament to this effort is the establishment of the Game Design department at Sparx* in 2019. To participate in key production phases such as level design, storytelling or adaptation, the team has undergone continuous training. In 2024, game designers and technical artists at the studio completed over 300 hours of training across nearly 70 intensive sessions. These included classes on tools, programming, and even soft skills such as project management.

Game Design department at Sparx* (HCMC)

“Alongside the company’s training programs and collaborations with colleagues and clients from overseas on projects, we also work together to create game demos and participate in various game design competitions, both within and outside the company, to gain more experience,” shared Tran Quang Vinh, a member of the Game Design department at Sparx*. In a short time, Sparx* has contributed to the game design of several prestigious projects, such as SpongeBob: The Cosmic Shake and the horror game series The Dark Pictures Anthology. “The supportive learning environment and hands-on experience have been key in helping us polish our skills quickly,” Quang Vinh added.

In 2025, Virtuos will continue enhancing the capabilities of its Game Design department in Vietnam by collaborating with other art departments throughout the production process to seek opportunities in level and character design projects. Additionally, the team will focus on advancing their skills in Unreal Engine to stay aligned with global industry trends. The department aims to develop one to three playable game demos next year, getting ready for the next stages. “With a long-term vision and a strong commitment to the local game industry, we aim to continue transforming our studios in Vietnam into hubs for knowledge transfer and AAA game production technology for local talent,” affirmed Samuel Stevenin.