Attracting gaming talent: What are professionals looking for in a new role?
When it comes to attracting top gaming talent in the immersive tech world, flashy job titles and office perks won’t cut it in 2025. Today’s candidates know exactly what they want—and they’re not shy about turning down roles that don’t meet their standards.
So what really matters to professionals in gaming and immersive technology? We asked the people working at the heart of the industry what they’re looking for in their next opportunity. From remote flexibility to real career growth, this blog dives into the biggest non-negotiables shaping recruitment in the space this year.
We’re also looking at what hiring managers are doing to win talent – and whether those efforts are actually hitting the mark. If you missed our recent deep dive into hiring trends and candidate movement in gaming and immersive tech, be sure to catch up for the full 2025 picture.
Attracting gaming talent – discovering candidate non-negotiables
In our 2025 Gaming & Immersive Salary Survey, we asked professionals what their true deal-breakers are when it comes to job hunting. From the first click on a job ad to signing on the dotted line, what convinces immersive tech and gaming talent to say yes?
These non-negotiables give real insight into what today’s candidates care about most and what employers need to offer to attract and secure the best in the industry. Whether they’re applying for a new role or accepting an offer, these top 5 priorities are shaping the future of hiring in gaming and immersive tech.
Competitive Salary (79%)
This remains the number one priority for gaming and immersive tech talent. As the market matures and more specialised roles emerge, candidates are keenly aware of their value – and expect offers to reflect it.
Remote Working (52%)
Flexibility is no longer a perk; it’s an expectation. Whether fully remote or hybrid, professionals want more control over how and where they work. For studios and immersive tech businesses, offering remote options can significantly widen the talent pool.
Job Security/Company Stability (45%)
In a fast-evolving industry, professionals are seeking reassurance. A stable company with clear growth plans is far more attractive than a flashy startup with uncertain footing. Highlighting long-term projects and internal career development can help build this trust.
What are hiring managers doing to attract and retain gaming talent?
Here’s what our hiring manager respondents shared when asked how they’re appealing to top candidates in 2025:
- Competitive Salary: 71%
- Aligned Company Culture: 71%
- Career Growth Opportunities: 71%
- Flexible/Customised Benefits: 57%
- Flexible/Remote Working Options: 57%
With 79% of candidates saying a competitive salary is a non-negotiable, it’s great to see employers putting this front and centre. It remains the clearest point of alignment between both sides, and should stay a key part of attraction strategies.
While culture is important, it didn’t rank in the top 5 candidate non-negotiables. This might suggest employers are placing more emphasis on “fit” than candidates are. It’s worth ensuring this isn’t overshadowing more tangible perks like salary and flexibility.
Surprisingly, career progression didn’t appear in the top 5 non-negotiables for candidates, which could reflect a short-term mindset or a shift in focus toward job security and lifestyle. Hiring managers may need to rebalance priorities to reflect what candidates are currently valuing most.
Companies that align more closely with candidate deal-breakers, especially around pay, remote options, and stability, will have the edge in today’s competitive immersive tech talent market.
Want to attract the best gaming talent?
Craft a hiring strategy that actually connects with what today’s immersive and gaming talent wants. If you’re ready to find the right people, submit your vacancy here. Download our complete 2025 Immersive & Gaming Salary Survey for even more exclusive insights!
