As a well-known media review suite, cineSync offers high resolution, high frame rate video review for content creators, primarily in the film industry. But many game devs wonder whether cineSync is a good fit for remote game development collaboration as well. 

The answer? 

While cineSync offers standard review features like video playback and annotated notes, it may be a less applicable platform for a nuanced game development workflow. 

In this brief article, we cover the strengths and limitations of cineSync and recommend an alternative that’s better suited for game developers. 

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How cineSync works

Built by Cospective, a subsidiary of fTrack, cineSync strives to deliver high-quality video playback of various forms of media. The software’s design synchronizes local files across a remote session, requiring each session participant to have a copy of the media to collaborate. 

Assuming everyone has the predetermined assets, cineSync then streams the files in sync, letting the group use standard annotation tools and leave comments in real time. 

The general flow for a cineSync session looks like this: 

• Each participant downloads the assets in development. Because cineSync relies on local files, all participants must use the same assets for the workflow to be effective.

• A host creates a session and invites participants with a specialized cineSync key. Up to 10 participants can join the session using this key. 

• The host controls the live playback of the asset within the session. That includes playing and pausing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding. 

• All session participants can add written notes and draw annotations on frames of the media in real time. 

• The session host can save the session for later use, automatically including all the session movements, such as annotations and notes. 

Though that might work for the final round of touch-ups, when developing a game from the ground up, cineSync has some clear limitations. For example, the software doesn’t provide video or voice conferencing tools, which can be critical when delivering efficient, timely feedback. 

Also, the local file prerequisite can be inefficient. Continually rendering, sharing, and downloading large files creates significant margins for error and takes considerable time. You’re limited to 10 users within a cineSync session as well, so you have to be selective when filling your creative seats. 

Finally, perhaps the most glaring hiccup when using cineSync for game development is that the software doesn’t offer workflow streaming or real-time editing features. It’s a feedback tool but lacks the infrastructure for comprehensive live collaboration. 

Using cineSync can certainly give you a level of feedback visibility across your game development workflow. However, instead of just using a tool for capturing notes, there are better alternatives for an end-to-end remote editing workflow. 

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The best cineSync alternative for game development

Evercast is a software solution much better suited for the nuances that come with game development, and it’s used by top developers across the industry, both AAA and indie. The platform allows the real-time streaming of your complete development workflow and individual assets (including editing, virtual production, sound mixing, and more). 

Anyone can join an Evercast session at the click of a button without having to download files locally. Using the software simply requires launching “room,” inviting your team, and getting to work. With built-in video conferencing, 4K video streaming, surround sound, and annotation tools, Evercast has everything you need to develop games remotely as a team.