At TechNET Immersive, we know how competitive the race for talent has become in gaming and immersive technology recruitment. Studios and businesses often face the same questions: Why is hiring so difficult? How can we attract candidates without losing them to faster-moving competitors? And what can we do to secure the niche skills we need for our projects?
Here, our team answers the most common recruitment questions we hear from clients – with practical advice and insights from the gaming and immersive tech market.
Why is it so hard to find gaming and immersive tech talent right now?
The gaming and immersive tech industries are expanding rapidly, driven by advances in VR, AR, AI and new platforms. Studios aren’t just competing locally for talent – they’re competing globally. With highly skilled developers, 3D artists and engineers in short supply, candidates often have multiple offers on the table. This makes recruitment highly competitive, and the companies with faster, more candidate-focused hiring processes are the ones winning talent.
How can I attract top gaming talent to my company?
Attraction starts with more than just salary. Candidates want to see that a studio values creativity, career development, and a supportive culture. Offering hybrid or remote work options is a big draw, as is a clear career path with opportunities to work on exciting projects. Our salary survey found that work-life balance is increasingly important to candidates. Showcasing your company culture and giving insight into team projects can make your role stand out from others in the market.
Should I hire permanent staff, contractors, or both?
The answer depends on your business model and project pipeline. Permanent staff are vital for long-term studio growth and ownership of IP. However, contractors are often the smarter choice for short-term spikes in workload, specialist project phases or when you need niche expertise fast. At TechNET Immersive, we help you strike the right balance, supporting contractor hiring where flexibility is key, while building permanent teams for stability and growth.
How does TechNET Immersive’s recruitment process save me time?
We use our unique Match Potential Score (MPS) to assess candidates before they reach you. This isn’t just a CV sift. It evaluates technical ability, cultural fit, relevant project experience, communication skills and interview readiness. By the time you see a candidate, they’re already aligned with your needs. With an 84% interview rate, MPS has proven to cut wasted time and build stronger shortlists, helping hiring managers make faster, more confident decisions.
What are the biggest hiring mistakes gaming companies make?
One of the most common mistakes is writing unrealistic job descriptions that combine five roles into one. Another is being vague on salaries…“competitive” is not attractive to candidates who already know their worth. Finally, a slow or inconsistent interview process can cause you to lose out on great candidates. In an industry as fast-moving as gaming, speed and clarity matter.
How long does it take to hire for gaming and immersive roles?
Timelines vary by role and location, but on average, it takes between 4–8 weeks to secure a new hire. The challenge is that top candidates often leave the market within two weeks. That’s why efficiency in your recruitment process is crucial. With our proactive sourcing, MPS shortlisting and market insight, we help clients move faster than competitors while maintaining quality.
What salary trends are you seeing in gaming recruitment?
Salaries are rising across almost all areas of gaming and immersive tech. Developers with Unity and Unreal experience, AI specialists and immersive designers are especially in demand, and they are commanding premium salaries. Our annual salary survey tracks these shifts in real time, giving hiring managers accurate benchmarks to stay competitive. Candidates today expect not only strong pay but also training opportunities, project variety and well-being benefits.
Can you help us hire internationally?
Yes. Gaming and immersive talent pools are global, and many studios are widening their search to secure the skills they need. We support clients in the UK, Europe, North America and beyond, helping you navigate local salary expectations, contract requirements and cultural differences. Whether you want talent to relocate or work remotely, we can connect you with candidates worldwide.
Why should I partner with TechNET Immersive instead of hiring in-house?
Recruiting in gaming and immersive technology is highly specialised. In-house teams often lack the time, networks, and market data to compete with specialist recruiters. At TechNET Immersive, we bring decades of combined experience, an extensive candidate network and tools like MPS to create tailored shortlists. This means fewer mismatches, faster hiring and stronger retention, saving you money and resources in the long run.
We’re here to help!
The gaming and immersive technology industry is evolving faster than ever, and so are the challenges around recruitment. From navigating global competition for talent to keeping pace with salary expectations and diversity goals, hiring managers can’t afford to fall behind. The good news is, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
At TechNET Immersive, we combine industry expertise, market insights, and our unique Match Potential Score (MPS) to give you a smarter, faster way to hire. Whether you need permanent hires, specialist contractors, or support with building diverse teams, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Ready to attract and secure the gaming and immersive talent your business needs? Submit a vacancy today, and one of our consultants will be in touch.
Looking for your next role in gaming or immersive tech? Send us your CV and we’ll connect you with opportunities that match your skills and ambitions.