Blog

Virtual reality user wearing futuristic VR headset in immersive digital environment

Gaming and Immersive Tech Hiring Trends: Navigating the New Landscape

In the rapidly evolving world of gaming and immersive technologies, staying ahead of hiring trends is crucial for both talent seekers and job hunters. At TechNET Immersive, we’re committed to providing the most up-to-date insights to our community. Our recent industry salary survey has revealed fascinating data about what professionals value most and how team dynamics are shifting. Let’s dive into the latest trends shaping recruitment in this exciting sector.

The Non-Negotiables: What Top Talent Demands

Our survey has identified three key factors that stand out as “non-negotiables” for professionals in the field:

  1. Competitive Salary (71%): Financial compensation remains the top priority for most professionals in the gaming and immersive tech industries.
  2. Remote Working Options (59%): The flexibility to work from anywhere continues to be a significant draw for talent.
  3. Job Security (49%): In an industry known for its project-based nature, nearly half of professionals prioritise stability in their roles.

These figures underscore the importance for studios and tech companies to craft compelling packages that address these key concerns to secure top talent.

Team Dynamics: Growth vs. Shrinkage

Our research has uncovered notable shifts in team sizes across the industry:

  • 62% of immersive teams have expanded: This growth reflects the increasing demand for immersive experiences and the scaling up of projects.
  • 15% of teams have decreased in size: While a minority, this shrinkage warrants attention.

Factors Driving Team Growth:

  • Business expansion
  • Need for coverage across multiple time zones
  • Approaching game release deadlines
  • European market penetration
  • Independent studios scaling up to AAA projects

Reasons Behind Team Reductions:

  • Redundancies in certain roles
  • Impact of writer and actor strikes
  • Professionals changing career paths
  • Natural attrition without replacement
  • Corporate restructuring initiatives

Career Mobility: A Dynamic Job Market

Our salary survey data suggests a highly mobile workforce:

  • 48% of professionals plan to seek new roles within 6 months
  • 11% are looking at opportunities in the 6-12 month timeframe
  • 14% have a 1-2 year horizon for career moves
  • 26% currently have no plans to change roles

This mobility indicates a vibrant job market with professionals actively seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth.

What This Means for the Industry

Based on our survey results, we can draw several key conclusions:

  1. Emphasis on Retention: With nearly half of professionals considering a move within six months, retention strategies are more critical than ever.
  2. Flexible Work Arrangements: The high value placed on remote working options suggests that flexible policies will continue to be a key differentiator.
  3. Competitive Compensation: Salary remains the top factor, indicating that companies must stay abreast of industry pay scales to remain competitive.
  4. Job Security Initiatives: Communicating stability and long-term career paths could give employers an edge in attracting talent.
  5. Adapting to Market Dynamics: Companies must be prepared for both rapid scaling and potential downsizing, depending on project needs and market conditions.

Conclusion

The gaming and immersive tech sectors continue to offer exciting opportunities for both employers and talent. By understanding and adapting to these trends, as revealed by our comprehensive salary survey, companies can position themselves to attract and retain the skilled professionals needed to drive innovation in this dynamic field.

Whether you’re on the hunt for your next role or looking to hire top talent, keeping these TechNET Immersive insights in mind will put you on the path to success in the competitive world of gaming and immersive technologies.

Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses and insights from our team at TechNET Immersive as we continue to monitor and report on the evolving landscape of the gaming and immersive technology job market.

Get Your Free Copy of the TechNET Immersive Salary Survey 

Don’t miss this opportunity to arm yourself with the latest industry intelligence. Whether you’re a job seeker looking to negotiate your next position or an employer aiming to craft competitive offers, our salary survey is an invaluable resource for navigating the dynamic world of gaming and immersive technology recruitment.

Download now and stay ahead of the curve in this fast-paced industry!