Independent game studios in Europe operate in a creative space where high-quality output is expected, but budgets are often limited. Professional tools like Autodesk Maya licences for Windows — widely used by AAA studios — are essential for producing assets that meet modern game standards. However, the cost of Autodesk’s direct subscription model can be a serious challenge for small teams of two to five people building their first commercial game.
The Software Stack of an Indie 3D Studio
A typical indie 3D game studio in Europe uses a mix of tools, including:
- A game engine such as Unreal Engine or Unity
- A digital audio workstation (DAW) for sound design
- One or more 3D modeling and animation tools
For character animation and rigging, Maya is considered the industry standard. Its animation system, especially the curve editor and skinning tools, works smoothly with Unreal Engine’s Sequencer.
For hard-surface modeling, environment design, and visualization, 3ds Max is often preferred. Many artists trained in European institutions are already comfortable with its workflow.
The main issue is cost. Using both Maya and 3ds Max under Autodesk’s official subscription requires paying two separate yearly fees, which have increased over time. This creates financial pressure for studios that are still in early development or have not yet generated revenue.
Secondary Market Licensing for 3D Tools
An alternative option is buying licenses through secondary marketplaces.
GetRenewedTech’s European store offers Maya licenses for Windows, Mac, and Linux, covering versions from 2023 to 2026. The Linux support is especially useful, as many European developers prefer Linux-based systems. Having one license that works across multiple platforms also makes team management easier.
For environment modeling and asset creation, 3ds Max for Windows is also available through the same store at lower pricing. Studios that mainly use 3ds Max for props, vehicles, or architectural assets can save money by installing it on a single dedicated workstation instead of purchasing licenses for the entire team.
Structuring Tool Access Across Small Teams
In a small team, not everyone needs full access to every tool.
For example:
- A lead animator may use Maya daily
- An environment artist may use both 3ds Max and Blender
- A technical artist may only need occasional access
Instead of buying licenses for every team member, studios can assign tools based on actual usage. This simple step can significantly reduce costs.
Reviewing who uses which software — and how often — often reveals opportunities to cut unnecessary spending. For teams working with limited funding, this can extend their financial runway.
Cross-Platform Considerations for European Teams
Many European indie studios work remotely across different countries. This means different operating systems are often used within the same team.
Maya’s support for Windows, Mac, and Linux makes it ideal for such setups. Assets created on one system can be easily used on another without compatibility issues. This helps maintain a smooth workflow across distributed teams.
In addition to Maya and 3ds Max, platforms like GetRenewedTech also offer other Autodesk tools such as Inventor, Fusion 360, and Civil 3D. These can be useful for studios working on product visualization or architectural projects alongside game development.
Using a single supplier for all software purchases also helps with better record-keeping, accounting, and license management.
Planning for Growth
As indie studios grow, their software needs will also change. Planning early and keeping proper records of licenses and tools can make scaling much easier.
Buying software through secondary markets is not just about saving money. It also encourages better management practices, which are important as the studio expands.