From Storage Room to Cutting Edge Streaming Studio

Splash Damage, one of the UK’s leading game development studios, is known for its involvement in high-profile titles such as Gears of War, Halo, and Star Wars. In their continuous quest to improve both internal workflows and external communications, the studio embarked on an ambitious project to create a state-of-the-art streaming and media production facility. The goal was to enhance content creation, internal communication, and community engagement.

To achieve this, Splash Damage partnered with Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual solutions. Solotech provided end-to-end services, from consultation and design to the installation of an advanced streaming studio.

“We knew that having a professional-grade streaming studio would be a game-changer for how we communicate internally and with our community. Solotech’s expertise helped us bring that vision to life in a way that exceeded our expectations.” Steven “Shed” Wilson, Director of Live Streaming & Events, Splash Damage

Background

The need for a new streaming studio stemmed from the increasing importance of high-quality content in the gaming industry. As a company deeply integrated with its community, Splash Damage sought a space to better communicate with their audience, as well as internal teams. The company’s previous setup, which relied on a basic town hall-style presentation system, was no longer sufficient to support their evolving needs.

The studio’s goal was not only to improve internal communications but also to create a professional environment capable of hosting live broadcasts, development updates, and engaging with the gaming community. Splash Damage required a flexible, multi-functional space that could accommodate both internal company requirements and external content production.

“Our previous setup simply wasn’t keeping up with the scale of our projects or the expectations of our audience. We needed a dedicated space that would allow us to engage with our players and teams in a more polished, professional way.” “Shed” Wilson

Several challenges presented themselves throughout the project. These included technical, spatial, and logistical obstacles that had to be addressed in order to create a seamless, functional studio environment.

Space Constraints: The available space for the streaming studio was smaller than initially anticipated. Maximising the use of this space without compromising functionality was a key challenge. The design had to be highly efficient and effective to meet the studio’s diverse needs.

Complex Integration: The new studio required an array of audiovisual equipment, including cameras, lighting, video production gear, and sound systems. Integrating these components into a unified setup presented technical difficulties, especially given the limited space.

Future-Proofing: As the gaming industry and related technologies continue to evolve, the studio needed to be adaptable to future developments. It was essential that the studio’s design would allow for growth and the integration of new technologies as they emerged.

Coordination Across Teams: With a large team of over 400 employees, managing the coordination between different departments—such as developers, marketing, and content creation teams—was a complex task. The studio needed to serve a variety of stakeholders, making communication and training a key aspect of the project.

“Solotech took the time to understand exactly what we needed from our studio—not just for today but for the future. The combination of flexible, high-end AV technology and seamless integration has given us a space that’s truly fit for purpose.”

Design and Implementation

Solotech’s approach to the project was to deliver a turn-key solution that included the full design, installation, and ongoing support of the studio. Key components of the design included:

AV System Design: Solotech implemented a sophisticated AV system that leveraged Dante audio networking technology to ensure seamless integration across all audio components. PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras were used to provide remote control and versatile shooting options, allowing the studio to easily switch between various content formats.

Video Production: The core of the video production system was built around Blackmagic Design vision mixers, which are renowned for their high-quality video switching and live broadcast capabilities. These vision mixers allowed for professional-level video production, with smooth transitions, effects, and on-the-fly adjustments.

Lighting and Sound: The studio was equipped with an advanced lighting system designed to provide optimal conditions for both live streaming and recorded content. The lighting system was fully integrated with the studio’s control system, ensuring that lighting could be easily adjusted for different production needs. The audio setup was tailored to produce clear, crisp sound, critical for both internal communications and external broadcasts.

Cabling and Infrastructure: Solotech installed a vast array of high-quality cabling throughout the studio. Managing nearly 3 kilometres of cables required careful planning to ensure the studio remained tidy and organised, while still maintaining easy access for maintenance and future upgrades. The cabling was carefully routed through the ceiling and hidden areas to preserve the aesthetics of the space.

Flexible Data Points: The design included additional data points, enabling future expansion. This flexibility ensured that the studio could accommodate new technologies or increased production capacity as needed.

“The level of detail that went into planning the infrastructure was outstanding. From the cabling to the camera placement, everything was meticulously thought through to create an efficient, professional environment.”  “Shed” Wilson

Products Used

To bring this vision to life, a range of high-end products were used throughout the installation:

PTZ Cameras: These cameras, fully integrated with the Dante network, provided remote control functionality and versatile shooting options for the studio’s various content needs.

Blackmagic Design Vision Mixers: A key component of the video production setup, these vision mixers allowed for seamless live switching, video effects, and multi-camera operations, enhancing the professional quality of content.

Dante Audio Networking: A critical part of the studio’s audio infrastructure, Dante enabled the seamless connection of multiple audio devices, ensuring high-quality sound delivery across all platforms.

Lighting Fixtures: Advanced lighting technology was used to ensure the studio had the ideal lighting conditions for different types of content production, from live streams to corporate presentations.

Cabling and Data Infrastructure: High-quality cables and flexible data points ensured the studio was prepared for both immediate production and future upgrades.

“The technology in this studio is exactly what we needed—powerful, adaptable, and easy to use. From the PTZ cameras to the Blackmagic vision mixers, every component has been chosen to make our productions seamless.” “Shed” Wilson

The results of the new streaming studio have been impressive, significantly enhancing Splash Damage’s content creation, internal communication, and community engagement.

Improved Content Creation: The studio has enabled Splash Damage to produce and share high-quality content with both internal teams and external audiences. The flexibility of the setup has supported live streams, development updates, and other forms of creative media that engage both fans and employees.

Enhanced Internal Communication: The new studio has streamlined internal communications, with the space being used for important company announcements, project updates, and milestone celebrations. This has helped foster a more collaborative and transparent culture within the company.

Stronger Community Engagement: The ability to produce polished, high-quality content has strengthened Splash Damage’s connection with their community. The studio has facilitated a variety of live events, charity streams, and development showcases, helping the company maintain a strong relationship with their audience.

Future-Proof Design: The studio’s design has allowed for easy upgrades and expansions. With the integration of flexible infrastructure, Splash Damage is well-equipped to keep pace with emerging technologies in the gaming and AV sectors.

The upgrade of Splash Damage’s streaming studio is a clear example of how a well-designed and carefully implemented AV solution can transform a company’s internal and external communication capabilities. The project not only addressed the immediate need for a professional content creation space but also ensured the studio was adaptable to future growth. Through the expertise of Solotech, Splash Damage now has a studio that not only meets the needs of today but is also equipped to handle the evolving demands of the gaming industry. This case study underscores the importance of investing in flexible, high-quality AV solutions to support creativity, communication, and engagement in the fast-moving world of game development.