Skills and Technology in Gaming: What trends are shaping teams?
The top skills and technology in gaming are always changing. From the rise of AI to shifting skill demands and a growing focus on sustainability, our latest Immersive & Gaming Salary Survey reveals the biggest themes influencing recruitment and team development this year. So, what is really happening behind the scenes? These exclusive insights reveal all…you won’t find them anywhere else!
AI – a time-saving game changer?
AI is clearly making its presence felt. 78% of professionals reported that AI has helped save time, while 43% have experienced a productivity boost. For studios juggling complex dev cycles, tighter timelines and limited resources, these are welcome benefits. Utimately, our respondents believe it is helping teams do more with less.
But it’s not all plug-and-play. 30% of respondents say more training is now needed to use AI tools effectively. That suggests while AI is here to help, it’s also raising the bar on technical know-how. It may be saving time on some tasks, but would training not take up more of that time? Hiring managers should be ready to support upskilling, or risk falling behind as new tools quickly become the industry standard.
What skills and technology in gaming are set to dominate?
We also asked: What skills are going to be most in demand as the year unfolds? Here’s what professionals had to say:
- AI & Machine Learning – 87%
- UX & UI Design – 48%
- VR Development / Haptics & Sensor Tech – 33%
There’s no surprise at the top: AI isn’t just a backend tool anymore. It’s reshaping the entire game development process. From generating assets to refining player behaviour, machine learning is now integral. Meanwhile, the continued strength of UX/UI reflects the push for more seamless, immersive player experiences. The need for hardware knowledge, such as haptics and sensors, also shows that innovation isn’t slowing on the VR front either.
This is a clear signal to hiring managers: future-proofing your team means bringing in forward-thinking skillsets or supporting your current employees to develop them fast.
What challenges do teams encounter?
With emerging skills in demand, we expected learning and development to be a top priority. But 74% of professionals said they struggle with a lack of time for training, by far the biggest barrier. Add in the rapid pace of tech change (43%) and the high cost of training (39%), and it paints a picture of teams under pressure to adapt without enough support.
This suggests a real opportunity for companies to stand out by offering structured L&D time, affordable access to training platforms, and mentorship from more experienced staff. Those who invest in their team’s growth will not only retain top talent – they’ll stay competitive in a rapidly evolving space.
Sustainability in the spotlight
Sustainability is becoming a bigger part of the conversation in gaming and immersive tech. While not yet universal, 50% of respondents said their companies participate in environmental initiatives, with 38% offering remote work to reduce commuting emissions. 31% are investing in energy-efficient servers and data centres.
This shows an industry beginning to embrace responsibility. For candidates who prioritise purpose alongside projects, this could be a key differentiator, especially for Gen Z talent entering the job market.
What do these trends mean for your gaming recruitment strategy?
AI, skill evolution, sustainability – these aren’t just buzzwords. They’re reshaping how immersive and gaming teams operate, and what candidates expect from employers. The smartest hiring strategies in 2025 will focus on more than just filling roles. They’ll create environments where people can adapt, grow and feel proud of what they’re building.
Whether you’re hiring for the next big launch or planning for long-term innovation, now’s the time to align with where the industry is headed – before your competitors do. Contact our team today and let’s help you hire the best, forward-thinking talent in the industry!
