Immersive & Gaming Recruitment: Are teams growing?
In immersive & gaming recruitment, are we seeing more demand for talent and growing teams? It’s safe to say this is a prevalent topic, especially in gaming. During the pandemic, studios enjoyed increased profits from people being able to spend more time on gaming activity. However, now this is over, many studios found themselves with a surplus of employees.
Sony’s announcement this year that it was reducing 8% of its global workforce, with the London studio shutting completely, says it all. So, will this be reflected in team growth statistics? Our 2024 Immersive & gaming salary survey doesn’t just cover gaming, but all professionals working within immersive technology. Have other industries seen growth with VR, AR and MR professionals finding new opportunities?
Have gaming & immersive technology teams grown?
62% of respondents shared that their team has grown in the last 12 months. Meanwhile, 15% revealed their team had shrunk, leaving 23% who said their team size remained the same. The significant team growth among the majority reflects the rising demand for immersive experiences, driven by advancements in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other cutting-edge technologies. As gaming continues to expand beyond traditional formats, companies are ramping up talent to meet this growing demand for innovation.
However, the 15% reporting reduction highlights the industry’s volatility. Factors such as market saturation, project completion, or shifts in focus can lead to downsizing, even as other companies are scaling up. The 23% whose teams remained stable suggest that while the industry is in a state of flux, some organisations are holding steady, likely focusing on refining existing products or maintaining consistent performance.
What has encouraged this recruitment growth?
Following the first question, we then asked respondents why their team grew. Here are the top reasons they shared…
- Business growth: The primary reason cited for team growth in the gaming and immersive tech industry is “business growth,” which directly reflects the sector’s expansion. As businesses expand, they require larger and more diverse teams to manage the increasing workload, develop new titles, and enhance user experience. Business growth in gaming is often linked to the need for more specialised talent in areas like AR/VR, AI integration, and multiplayer functionalities, which necessitates hiring additional staff.
- Imminent game deadlines: Imminent deadlines create pressure to accelerate the pace of development, requiring more hands on deck to polish the product, fix bugs, and ensure the game is ready for launch. It’s a strategic move to avoid delays, which can be costly in terms of reputation and potential revenue. While this type of team growth can be temporary, it is crucial for meeting the high expectations of gamers and publishers alike, making it an essential part of the gaming production cycle.
- Market expansion into Europe: Hiring new staff is crucial for localisation efforts, marketing, and regional customer support, ensuring that games are culturally relevant and accessible to European players. Additionally, Europe is home to thriving tech hubs, such as the UK, Germany, and France, which offer opportunities for partnerships and collaboration within immersive technology.
- Indie studio moving to AAA: Moving from indie to AAA requires not only more resources but also specialised talent that can handle the complexities of large-scale projects, such as high-definition graphics, expansive world-building, and more sophisticated gameplay mechanics. Additionally, AAA games often target wider audiences, leading to increased pressure on studios to deliver polished, content-rich experiences. To achieve this, indie studios must expand their teams, bringing in experienced professionals to complement their creative core.
Here for your immersive & gaming recruitment needs
Our fresh immersive & gaming salary survey report is full to the brim with exclusive insights and fresh topics – download it now! If you’re looking for digital recruitment support, submit a vacancy and we’ll be in touch.
