This is actually my first post, so I apologize in advance if I offend. I've been reading a lot about how major studios are starting to outsource aspects of their games to other countries because of budget concerns. I see an opportunity in this but I've stumbled across some issues figuring out how much my capital expenses would be. My problem is with regard to licensing design software. For example: how many workstations can have a program like Maya installed with one purchase. Are there 'unlimited' licenses that allow an unlimited amount of workstations to have it installed for commercial use for one company? Will it be my company that must purchase the license or would it be the company hiring mine for the project that will do so? My reasoning that it would be under the company hiring is because my company would be providing the manpower & talent, not the actual work. I'm not sure if this reasoning is flawed. I know there are free 3d modeling programs that have been released under GPL but I'm still not sure if it'll be of the same caliber -- but that's a question for a different section, but feel free to suggest. Many thanks.

Quote: Original post by mentatmind
How many workstations can have a program like Maya installed with one purchase.

One is the norm but it depends on the specific software. The best place to find accurate information would be the actual supplier of the software. Ask them, they won't bite.

Quote: Are there 'unlimited' licenses that allow an unlimited amount of workstations to have it installed for commercial use for one company?

Some companies do offer site licenses which allow a set number of people to use the software. Again you would need to ask the software vendor.

Quote: Will it be my company that must purchase the license or would it be the company hiring mine for the project that will do so?

It would certainly be the norm for your company to buy the software and the PCs and all the other equipment. In some cases a publisher might buy some equipment (such as a development system) for a particular project but this certainly isn't normal with outsource work. Your company is deemed to be a contractor, like a builder, plumber etc. You would be expected to have the tools necessary to do the job before a company would give you a contract.

Quote: My reasoning that it would be under the company hiring is because my company would be providing the manpower & talent, not the actual work.

So your staff will just sit in a room with this equipment and not actually do any work? I think you will find that companies will expect your staff to actually use their talent by doing some work and that you will need the necessary tools.

>> >> Will it be my company that must purchase the license or would it be the company hiring mine for the project that will do so?

>> Your company is deemed to be a contractor, like a builder, plumber etc. You would be expected to have the tools necessary to do the job before a company would give you a contract.

This is an important point that you shouldn't overlook.


You, as the contractor, should provide your own tools including software licenses.


Contractors are expected to provide their own tools, work without direct supervision from the contracting company, and have their own schedules (while still being able to work with the contracting company, of course). If the contracting company does too much those then the people must be treated as employees rather than contract workers.

Government regulations and taxes for employees in most places are very different than those of contractors. Contractors are expected to pay their own taxes and follow all the applicable laws as their own business. Some places may require contractors to be registered businesses (generally a good idea anyway), be licensed, be bonded, and/or carry certain types of insurance.

You should talk to a local lawyer to ensure you are classified as a contracted entity rather than a temporary employee. You should also have a lawyer go over all the contracts with you.