Video game creation requires the use of many different software applications. In our ever-changing technological universe, software resellers like 3vis play an important role for developers and the studios with which they do business. “Companies like Autodesk, for example, have thousands of employees,” explains Sylvain Plourde, President, 3vis. “There is a significant divide between this type of business and most studios, which generally employ between ten and five hundred people. Our job is to adapt to the needs of each business in order to provide the best possible support for game studios and ensure that developers’ interests are met.”

Whether the task is managing licenses or providing consulting services to enhance a company’s chain of production, 3vis aims to support studios so that they can make the most of the resources available through a particular software. “We must ensure that the collaboration between the software developer and the studio is as fluid as possible,” clarifies Sylvain Plourde. “To me, service is not necessarily answering the phone when a client calls to tell me that the software is not functioning properly. My goal is to provide clients with as much information as possible so that they can be more efficient and successful.” Of course, it goes without saying that providing support for complex software bugs is also part of the job at 3vis. “Our edge lies in the fact that we know each software company very well. We have privileged access to their resources and we know where they are located. Our technical team keeps very close ties with the companies, which saves our clients a lot of time. We can therefore quickly direct them to the right people rather than having them talk to an entire department.”

Offering over 300 applications, 3vis is like a one-stop-shop and carries out a technology watch to ensure that clients have access to every opportunity. “When we see new technologies emerge and know that they could meet our clients’ needs, we suggest them,” affirms Sylvain Plourde. “Studio executives have to handle everyday business issues and can’t be aware of all of the new developments. Sometimes, there are simple solutions that won’t fly for a major studio but which could definitely work for a smaller one. Our job is to know the customer’s business, understand their project requirements, and find the right fit in terms of software, services and support.”

3vis is an Autodesk PSP (Premier Solutions Provider) - the highest possible status for an authorized reseller - and provides clients with specialized solutions and adapted services for software installation and implementation, technical support and custom production pipelines. But 3vis’ expertise will never surpass that of the developers. Sylvain Plourde therefore meets with them to further enhance their collaborations. “Our clients have specific requirements, so we schedule meetings between developers and studios to have their needs and suggestions heard. Again, it’s about what the studios want. Someone who runs a large studio may have a lot to say to Autodesk’s vice-president, but smaller studios will prefer that their people meet with development team programmers about their most pressing needs,” explains Plourde. Also, 3vis does not hesitate to put studio executives in contact with the right business people. “Banks are generally more hesitant to grant loans to purchase software because there is nothing to seize if a business goes bankrupt. When clients are seeking financial support, we put them in contact with the right people: people who understand the needs of the industry and can often help.”

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