How game developers can better respond to the talent crisis

gamesindustry.biz:

David Cheung

Wednesday 16th March 2022

The games industry has expanded at enormous speed over the past couple of years, generating total revenues of $180.3 billion in 2021, a further increase of 1.4% from 2020.

Sustained in part by the pandemic, more and more people are turning to video games for much-needed fun and social connection. Consumers are spending more on content and looking for constant, upgraded experiences. This has not gone unnoticed, nor unanswered, as investments into the industry are at an all-time high to answer the demand for bigger, better, and more complex video games.

There simply isn't enough talent to keep up with the demands of a fast-growing industry, or the competition from other creative sectors

However, there remains one factor that is stunting the exponential growth of the industry: its talent shortfall. There simply isn't enough talent such as artists, engineers, and producers to keep up with the demands of a fast-growing industry, or the competition from other creative sectors. Game companies are now looking to source and upskill from a wider talent pool, highlighting that a career in this industry can be fulfilling, exciting, and long-term with diverse paths available.

At the same time, the industry is undergoing a moment of introspection. As a passion-driven and traditionally male-dominated sector, there has been greater awareness of the need to do better by people in recent times -- be it in the form of taking steps to ensure work-life balance, call out bad behaviour, or have a diverse workforce that is more representative of the gaming community and society at large. While we may never get it perfect, we can make things better. Here are some best practices that can help create great places