How can I accurately evaluate the true quality of an outsourcing studio? And how do I verify that they are a legitimate team with real experience, not just showing polished portfolios?

From my experience, one of the best ways to evaluate an outsourcing studio is by looking at their industry reputation and past collaborations. A solid studio should have experience working on well-known projects and be trusted by major clients. Thunder Cloud Studio - AAA Game Art Outsourcing Studio  is a great example - they’ve worked on some titles and are even an elite partner of Scopely and one of the largest suppliers for Monopoly Go!. Their quality speaks for itself, but beyond that, their structured workflow ensures clear communication and efficient production. If you're considering outsourcing, I'd say check out their portfolio and maybe even reach out for a test project!

One good way to verify an outsourcing studio is to check their client history and reviews. If they’ve worked with well-known studios, that’s usually a good sign. Also, ask about their workflow and team structure - a legit studio should be transparent about how they handle projects. Another tip is to request a small test task before committing to a full project. This lets you see how they communicate, meet deadlines, and handle feedback in real time!