The Methodology
How GPCS Works
A step-by-step guide to how production capacity is measured, sources are weighted, constraints are applied, and an independence marker is assigned.
1. The Dual Output
Capacity Rating (Primary)
A+
Bond-style notation (AAA → C) with optional +/− modifiers. Reflects production scale, team size, infrastructure, track record, and financial stability. This is the primary output and the most important indicator.
Independence Marker (Secondary)
I1
Ranges from I0 (fully independent) to I3 (first-party/subsidiary). Captures IP ownership and creative control — important context that the capacity rating alone doesn't convey.
A complete GPC rating looks like:
A / I1 — Verified ●●○ — v0.5
Capacity / Independence — Verification level — Specification version
2. The Three Source Types
Each source is rated independently before being combined. The final project rating reflects all contributing resources, not just the most prominent one.
Studio
55%- ›Team size (dedicated FTE)
- ›Infrastructure & pipelines
- ›Track record (shipped titles)
- ›Financial health
- ›Geographic footprint
Publisher / Funder
35%- ›Financial scale (budget range)
- ›Market reach & distribution
- ›Support services (QA, marketing, etc.)
- ›Platform relationships
- ›Portfolio scale
Other Sources
10%- ›Platform grants (ID@Xbox, PS Partners)
- ›Government grants (Film Victoria, CMF)
- ›Community funding (Kickstarter, Patreon)
- ›Tech partner deals (Unreal, Unity)
3. Weighting & Constraints
Weighted Combination
Two Constraints
Floor Constraint
A project can't exceed the studio's tier by more than 2 full tiers. Prevents a C-studio from receiving an AAA rating solely from publisher backing.
Max project rating = Studio tier + 2
Ceiling Constraint
When a publisher provides full support, the project can't fall more than 1 tier below the publisher's rating. Standard support = 2 tier buffer.
Min project rating = Publisher tier − 1 (Full) or − 2 (Standard)
4. Tier Definitions
Each tier represents a distinct range of production capacity. The same studio can have multiple active projects at different tiers simultaneously.
C
B
BB
BBB
A
AA
AAA
Team size
200+ people
Infrastructure
Multiple departments, proprietary tech
Track record
Multiple shipped AAA titles
Team size
80–200 people
Infrastructure
Full departmental structure
Track record
Multiple mid-to-large scope titles
Team size
30–80 people
Infrastructure
Departmental structure emerging
Track record
1–2 shipped commercial titles
Team size
15–30 people
Infrastructure
Small departments, formal processes
Track record
First title shipped or experienced leads
Team size
10–15 people
Infrastructure
Ad-hoc processes
Track record
No shipped title or single small release
Team size
5–10 people
Infrastructure
Minimal formal process
Track record
Hobbyist projects only
Team size
1–4 people
Infrastructure
None or minimal
Track record
No commercial releases
5. The Independence Marker
Independence is determined by IP ownership and creative control, not by the presence or absence of a publisher. A studio can have a publisher and still be I0.
I0
Fully Independent
100% IP ownership, self-published, no external approval required for creative decisions.
I1
Partial Independence
Publisher-backed but studio retains IP and core creative control.
I2
Publisher-Controlled
Publisher owns IP or holds creative veto rights over core design pillars.
I3
First-Party / Subsidiary
Studio is owned by a platform holder or major publisher parent.
6. Verification Levels
Unverified
Self-reported. No evidence checked. Free, instant, low credibility.
Verified
Public evidence checked — LinkedIn, press releases, MobyGames, company registry. Free, takes days.
Audited
Third-party CPA/CA reviews confidential materials. Attestation letter issued. High credibility, significant cost.
Ready to try it?
The demo form walks you through all 15 questions and computes your rating using the exact methodology described here.