Winning the Hiring Game in Gaming: Strategies for Studios and Job Seekers
Blogs
•
March 3, 2025
Introduction: The Gaming Industry’s Talent Evolution
The gaming industry is in a constant state of flux—booming one year, cutting back the next. As studios scale up, hire aggressively, and sometimes contract due to market realities, job seekers and employers alike are forced to adapt.
With the rise of remote work, increased competition, and shifting hiring trends, navigating the job market has never been more complex. For professionals in the industry—whether they’re hiring or looking for their next role—understanding the nuances of recruitment is critical.
To unpack this, we sat down with Emily Scahill, Head of Client Success for Games at Skillsearch, a talent acquisition firm specializing in gaming and interactive tech. With a background in HR and recruitment, she brings a unique perspective on how studios can build better hiring processes and how candidates can position themselves for success.
The Challenge of Finding (and Keeping) the Right Talent
The post-pandemic job market in gaming has been volatile. During COVID, studios over-hired, expecting gaming’s boom to last indefinitely. Once players returned to pre-pandemic routines, the industry saw massive layoffs, exposing flaws in short-term hiring strategies.
As Emily puts it:
"It was so short-sighted… studios had this gold rush for talent during lockdowns, but the writing was on the wall—people weren’t going to stay home forever."
The lesson for studios: Hire strategically, not reactively. Over-hiring leads to instability and laying off talented employees can harm a studio’s reputation, making future hiring more difficult.
The lesson for job seekers: Be proactive about market trends. Understand that industry hiring trends are cyclical, and staying adaptable is key to long-term career stability.
From HR to Recruitment: The Importance of Hiring Right
Emily’s journey from HR management to game industry recruitment gave her a unique lens on hiring. One of her biggest takeaways? The importance of long-term thinking in recruitment.
What Studios Get Wrong About Hiring
Rushing the Process – Hiring too quickly leads to poor cultural fits and avoidable turnover.
Overlooking Risk – Not preparing for employee departures can create production bottlenecks.
Narrow Talent Searches – Casting too small of a net means missing out on diverse talent.
Failure to Assess Long-Term Fit – A great candidate on paper may not thrive in the studio’s unique environment.
"A lot of performance issues don’t come from bad employees—they come from studios not hiring with the right expectations in mind."
What Candidates Get Wrong About Job Searching
Not Researching the Role’s Real Challenges – Do you really want this job, or just the idea of it?
Ignoring Networking – Most opportunities come from who you know, not just applying online.
Not Showcasing Transferable Skills – Hiring managers value soft skills and adaptability.
Underestimating Social Presence – Recruiters check LinkedIn and social media—make sure it reflects your best self.
Networking: The Secret Weapon in Gaming Careers
One of the strongest themes from Emily’s insights was the power of networking.
Many people fear reaching out to others in the industry, thinking it’s intrusive. But in reality, most professionals are happy to share their experiences—if approached the right way.
"People want to help others. Unless you catch them on a bad day, they’re usually happy to have a conversation."
How to Network Like a Pro
Engage on LinkedIn – Comment on posts, share insights, and interact with professionals.
Ask for Informational Chats – A simple, “Hey, I admire your work—would love to hear about your journey” can go a long way.
Join Industry Events & Discords – Game development communities are full of professionals who can help.
Be Curious, Not Transactional – Don’t just reach out when you need something—build real connections.
Even if you’re not job-hunting today, networking builds opportunities for the future.
The Evolving Resume: Standing Out in a Competitive Market
With hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applicants for a single job, how can you make your application stand out?
Traditional Resumes Still Matter, But…
Emily notes that while LinkedIn is now a recruiter’s go-to resource, a strong resume and portfolio are still crucial.
Tips for a Winning Resume:
✅ Keep it Clear & Concise – Avoid walls of text. Use bullet points for key achievements.
✅ Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) – Many studios use software to scan resumes—ensure proper formatting.
✅ Tailor for Each Role – Generic resumes get ignored. Match your experience to the job description.
✅ Showcase Impact – Don’t just list responsibilities. Highlight what you achieved in previous roles.
Cover Letters:
Emily’s take? Keep them short.
"It doesn’t need to be long—just 1-2 paragraphs explaining why you’re a great fit for the role."
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Recruiters on LinkedIn
Many candidates instinctively ignore recruiter messages, assuming they’re spam or irrelevant. But Emily argues that responding—even if you’re not looking—can open doors later.
"You never know when a recruiter might have the perfect opportunity for you down the line."
Even a polite “Not looking right now, but happy to connect” keeps you on their radar for future roles.
Career Growth in Gaming: What’s Next?
For those in client success, sales, or recruitment, what’s the career trajectory?
Emily outlines two primary paths:
The Traditional Route – Moving up to Director, VP, or Chief of…
The Lateral Move – Shifting to game scouting, business development, or platform partnerships.
"Sales and recruitment teach transferable skills—you’re always learning about new industries and roles."
For developers, designers, and artists, it’s crucial to stay adaptable and keep learning—as gaming evolves, new career paths emerge.
Key Takeaways: Winning the Talent Game in Gaming
For Studios:
Hire strategically, not reactively.
Avoid over-hiring and plan for long-term sustainability.
Invest in strong hiring practices to prevent turnover.
For Job Seekers:
Network early—don’t wait until you need a job.
Optimize your LinkedIn, resume, and cover letter.
Be open to recruiter outreach—you never know where it might lead.
For Everyone:
Be proactive, not reactive.
Keep learning. Keep networking. Keep growing.
The gaming industry is dynamic, competitive, and ever evolving. Whether you're hiring, job-hunting, or simply navigating your career, the key to success is preparation, adaptability, and a strong professional network.
🚀 Looking for your next role in gaming? Check out Skillsearch or connect with Emily Scahill on LinkedIn!
Introduction: The Gaming Industry’s Talent Evolution
The gaming industry is in a constant state of flux—booming one year, cutting back the next. As studios scale up, hire aggressively, and sometimes contract due to market realities, job seekers and employers alike are forced to adapt.
With the rise of remote work, increased competition, and shifting hiring trends, navigating the job market has never been more complex. For professionals in the industry—whether they’re hiring or looking for their next role—understanding the nuances of recruitment is critical.
To unpack this, we sat down with Emily Scahill, Head of Client Success for Games at Skillsearch, a talent acquisition firm specializing in gaming and interactive tech. With a background in HR and recruitment, she brings a unique perspective on how studios can build better hiring processes and how candidates can position themselves for success.
The Challenge of Finding (and Keeping) the Right Talent
The post-pandemic job market in gaming has been volatile. During COVID, studios over-hired, expecting gaming’s boom to last indefinitely. Once players returned to pre-pandemic routines, the industry saw massive layoffs, exposing flaws in short-term hiring strategies.
As Emily puts it:
"It was so short-sighted… studios had this gold rush for talent during lockdowns, but the writing was on the wall—people weren’t going to stay home forever."
The lesson for studios: Hire strategically, not reactively. Over-hiring leads to instability and laying off talented employees can harm a studio’s reputation, making future hiring more difficult.
The lesson for job seekers: Be proactive about market trends. Understand that industry hiring trends are cyclical, and staying adaptable is key to long-term career stability.
From HR to Recruitment: The Importance of Hiring Right
Emily’s journey from HR management to game industry recruitment gave her a unique lens on hiring. One of her biggest takeaways? The importance of long-term thinking in recruitment.
What Studios Get Wrong About Hiring
Rushing the Process – Hiring too quickly leads to poor cultural fits and avoidable turnover.
Overlooking Risk – Not preparing for employee departures can create production bottlenecks.
Narrow Talent Searches – Casting too small of a net means missing out on diverse talent.
Failure to Assess Long-Term Fit – A great candidate on paper may not thrive in the studio’s unique environment.
"A lot of performance issues don’t come from bad employees—they come from studios not hiring with the right expectations in mind."
What Candidates Get Wrong About Job Searching
Not Researching the Role’s Real Challenges – Do you really want this job, or just the idea of it?
Ignoring Networking – Most opportunities come from who you know, not just applying online.
Not Showcasing Transferable Skills – Hiring managers value soft skills and adaptability.
Underestimating Social Presence – Recruiters check LinkedIn and social media—make sure it reflects your best self.
Networking: The Secret Weapon in Gaming Careers
One of the strongest themes from Emily’s insights was the power of networking.
Many people fear reaching out to others in the industry, thinking it’s intrusive. But in reality, most professionals are happy to share their experiences—if approached the right way.
"People want to help others. Unless you catch them on a bad day, they’re usually happy to have a conversation."
How to Network Like a Pro
Engage on LinkedIn – Comment on posts, share insights, and interact with professionals.
Ask for Informational Chats – A simple, “Hey, I admire your work—would love to hear about your journey” can go a long way.
Join Industry Events & Discords – Game development communities are full of professionals who can help.
Be Curious, Not Transactional – Don’t just reach out when you need something—build real connections.
Even if you’re not job-hunting today, networking builds opportunities for the future.
The Evolving Resume: Standing Out in a Competitive Market
With hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applicants for a single job, how can you make your application stand out?
Traditional Resumes Still Matter, But…
Emily notes that while LinkedIn is now a recruiter’s go-to resource, a strong resume and portfolio are still crucial.
Tips for a Winning Resume:
✅ Keep it Clear & Concise – Avoid walls of text. Use bullet points for key achievements.
✅ Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) – Many studios use software to scan resumes—ensure proper formatting.
✅ Tailor for Each Role – Generic resumes get ignored. Match your experience to the job description.
✅ Showcase Impact – Don’t just list responsibilities. Highlight what you achieved in previous roles.
Cover Letters:
Emily’s take? Keep them short.
"It doesn’t need to be long—just 1-2 paragraphs explaining why you’re a great fit for the role."
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Recruiters on LinkedIn
Many candidates instinctively ignore recruiter messages, assuming they’re spam or irrelevant. But Emily argues that responding—even if you’re not looking—can open doors later.
"You never know when a recruiter might have the perfect opportunity for you down the line."
Even a polite “Not looking right now, but happy to connect” keeps you on their radar for future roles.
Career Growth in Gaming: What’s Next?
For those in client success, sales, or recruitment, what’s the career trajectory?
Emily outlines two primary paths:
The Traditional Route – Moving up to Director, VP, or Chief of…
The Lateral Move – Shifting to game scouting, business development, or platform partnerships.
"Sales and recruitment teach transferable skills—you’re always learning about new industries and roles."
For developers, designers, and artists, it’s crucial to stay adaptable and keep learning—as gaming evolves, new career paths emerge.
Key Takeaways: Winning the Talent Game in Gaming
For Studios:
Hire strategically, not reactively.
Avoid over-hiring and plan for long-term sustainability.
Invest in strong hiring practices to prevent turnover.
For Job Seekers:
Network early—don’t wait until you need a job.
Optimize your LinkedIn, resume, and cover letter.
Be open to recruiter outreach—you never know where it might lead.
For Everyone:
Be proactive, not reactive.
Keep learning. Keep networking. Keep growing.
The gaming industry is dynamic, competitive, and ever evolving. Whether you're hiring, job-hunting, or simply navigating your career, the key to success is preparation, adaptability, and a strong professional network.
🚀 Looking for your next role in gaming? Check out Skillsearch or connect with Emily Scahill on LinkedIn!
Introduction: The Gaming Industry’s Talent Evolution
The gaming industry is in a constant state of flux—booming one year, cutting back the next. As studios scale up, hire aggressively, and sometimes contract due to market realities, job seekers and employers alike are forced to adapt.
With the rise of remote work, increased competition, and shifting hiring trends, navigating the job market has never been more complex. For professionals in the industry—whether they’re hiring or looking for their next role—understanding the nuances of recruitment is critical.
To unpack this, we sat down with Emily Scahill, Head of Client Success for Games at Skillsearch, a talent acquisition firm specializing in gaming and interactive tech. With a background in HR and recruitment, she brings a unique perspective on how studios can build better hiring processes and how candidates can position themselves for success.
The Challenge of Finding (and Keeping) the Right Talent
The post-pandemic job market in gaming has been volatile. During COVID, studios over-hired, expecting gaming’s boom to last indefinitely. Once players returned to pre-pandemic routines, the industry saw massive layoffs, exposing flaws in short-term hiring strategies.
As Emily puts it:
"It was so short-sighted… studios had this gold rush for talent during lockdowns, but the writing was on the wall—people weren’t going to stay home forever."
The lesson for studios: Hire strategically, not reactively. Over-hiring leads to instability and laying off talented employees can harm a studio’s reputation, making future hiring more difficult.
The lesson for job seekers: Be proactive about market trends. Understand that industry hiring trends are cyclical, and staying adaptable is key to long-term career stability.
From HR to Recruitment: The Importance of Hiring Right
Emily’s journey from HR management to game industry recruitment gave her a unique lens on hiring. One of her biggest takeaways? The importance of long-term thinking in recruitment.
What Studios Get Wrong About Hiring
Rushing the Process – Hiring too quickly leads to poor cultural fits and avoidable turnover.
Overlooking Risk – Not preparing for employee departures can create production bottlenecks.
Narrow Talent Searches – Casting too small of a net means missing out on diverse talent.
Failure to Assess Long-Term Fit – A great candidate on paper may not thrive in the studio’s unique environment.
"A lot of performance issues don’t come from bad employees—they come from studios not hiring with the right expectations in mind."
What Candidates Get Wrong About Job Searching
Not Researching the Role’s Real Challenges – Do you really want this job, or just the idea of it?
Ignoring Networking – Most opportunities come from who you know, not just applying online.
Not Showcasing Transferable Skills – Hiring managers value soft skills and adaptability.
Underestimating Social Presence – Recruiters check LinkedIn and social media—make sure it reflects your best self.
Networking: The Secret Weapon in Gaming Careers
One of the strongest themes from Emily’s insights was the power of networking.
Many people fear reaching out to others in the industry, thinking it’s intrusive. But in reality, most professionals are happy to share their experiences—if approached the right way.
"People want to help others. Unless you catch them on a bad day, they’re usually happy to have a conversation."
How to Network Like a Pro
Engage on LinkedIn – Comment on posts, share insights, and interact with professionals.
Ask for Informational Chats – A simple, “Hey, I admire your work—would love to hear about your journey” can go a long way.
Join Industry Events & Discords – Game development communities are full of professionals who can help.
Be Curious, Not Transactional – Don’t just reach out when you need something—build real connections.
Even if you’re not job-hunting today, networking builds opportunities for the future.
The Evolving Resume: Standing Out in a Competitive Market
With hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applicants for a single job, how can you make your application stand out?
Traditional Resumes Still Matter, But…
Emily notes that while LinkedIn is now a recruiter’s go-to resource, a strong resume and portfolio are still crucial.
Tips for a Winning Resume:
✅ Keep it Clear & Concise – Avoid walls of text. Use bullet points for key achievements.
✅ Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) – Many studios use software to scan resumes—ensure proper formatting.
✅ Tailor for Each Role – Generic resumes get ignored. Match your experience to the job description.
✅ Showcase Impact – Don’t just list responsibilities. Highlight what you achieved in previous roles.
Cover Letters:
Emily’s take? Keep them short.
"It doesn’t need to be long—just 1-2 paragraphs explaining why you’re a great fit for the role."
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Recruiters on LinkedIn
Many candidates instinctively ignore recruiter messages, assuming they’re spam or irrelevant. But Emily argues that responding—even if you’re not looking—can open doors later.
"You never know when a recruiter might have the perfect opportunity for you down the line."
Even a polite “Not looking right now, but happy to connect” keeps you on their radar for future roles.
Career Growth in Gaming: What’s Next?
For those in client success, sales, or recruitment, what’s the career trajectory?
Emily outlines two primary paths:
The Traditional Route – Moving up to Director, VP, or Chief of…
The Lateral Move – Shifting to game scouting, business development, or platform partnerships.
"Sales and recruitment teach transferable skills—you’re always learning about new industries and roles."
For developers, designers, and artists, it’s crucial to stay adaptable and keep learning—as gaming evolves, new career paths emerge.
Key Takeaways: Winning the Talent Game in Gaming
For Studios:
Hire strategically, not reactively.
Avoid over-hiring and plan for long-term sustainability.
Invest in strong hiring practices to prevent turnover.
For Job Seekers:
Network early—don’t wait until you need a job.
Optimize your LinkedIn, resume, and cover letter.
Be open to recruiter outreach—you never know where it might lead.
For Everyone:
Be proactive, not reactive.
Keep learning. Keep networking. Keep growing.
The gaming industry is dynamic, competitive, and ever evolving. Whether you're hiring, job-hunting, or simply navigating your career, the key to success is preparation, adaptability, and a strong professional network.
🚀 Looking for your next role in gaming? Check out Skillsearch or connect with Emily Scahill on LinkedIn!
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