The gaming industry is packed with creativity and passion, but it’s people, not just ideas, that drive success.
After 10 years in HR in the gaming industry, I’ve learned just how important the right HR support, recruitment strategies, and people management in gaming are to building strong, sustainable teams. For smaller studios, getting HR right can be the difference between thriving and just surviving.
Gaming industry insights
Having spent 10 years working in HR at Games Workshop, I was able to really learn about the gaming industry, the people that are attracted to working in this industry and the considerations and opportunities they face working in this sector.
In my first interview, I was told, “You don’t have to be a hobbyist, but you have to have empathy for the hobby and the people”. Ever since, I’ve remained passionate about supporting what I still see as “my people,” despite never having the patience to play or the dexterity to paint!
I was lucky to be involved in supporting people and people initiatives in most parts of the global business and navigating everything from global visas and US payroll to HR systems rollouts and day-to-day HR queries, and gaming business HR support.
Understanding the gaming industry
My understanding of the creative and passionate people working in this industry has deepened now that I’m married to a Designer, too!
I’ve worked in various industries since leaving GW at the end of 2019 - from a small, scaling-up tech firm to a FTSE 100 fashion retailer - but I’ve always missed supporting creatives and building company culture in gaming and the wargaming industry more broadly.
HR to support growing gaming businesses
Based in Nottingham, you could say I’m in the heart of the lead belt, and having recently branched out from corporate HR after nearly 20 years to become a Consultant with My HR Hub, I now have the unique opportunity to combine my history in and passion for the gaming industry with my professional HR skills to support multiple, smaller scale businesses and I can’t wait!
Taking the pain out of HR issues and compliance, supporting recruitment, developing great cultures and building manager capabilities in an industry I’m truly passionate about supporting, particularly in these challenging economic times, feels like a bit of a calling.
Now backed by a consultancy with 10 years’ success, already providing HR support in this industry, this feels like the perfect time to put my knowledge of HR best practices in gaming to good use!
Top people tips for SMEs in the gaming industry
Effective HR in the gaming industry is a must for the success and growth of gaming companies. Whether you're focused on gaming industry recruitment, employee retention or HR compliance in gaming, it's important to have a clear strategy in place.
People management in gaming requires a thoughtful approach to building company culture and implementing HR best practices.
With the right business HR support and recruitment strategies for gaming companies, you can create a thriving, diverse, and engaged workforce that drives innovation and long-term success.
Here are some key points to remember to help you stay on top of your game:
Compliance
Employment laws are rapidly changing at the moment, so make sure you’re ahead of what’s coming next and are getting the right support to prepare your business.
Up-to-date contracts, policies, people processes and a simple to use, low-cost HR system like Breathe, that’s specifically designed for SMEs, can really help take the admin burden out of ensuring you’re legally compliant.
Recruit wisely
know what kind of skill sets and personality will fit your business, yes, but build in diversity to really leverage generating new ideas and driving them forward.
Use your networks
This is a growing industry. Build your community links for recruitment, mentorship, and learning from each other’s mistakes.
Encourage open communication
1-2-1s, progression conversations and employee surveys with your teams are key to encouraging great performance, growth and idea sharing.
Make sure you’re compliant and seek advice when you’re not the expert in a situation with your people
It may feel easy when you know how, but why take unknown risks or put pressure on yourself by trying to be an expert in employment law when your time could be better spent focusing on growing your business!
Empowering creative talent through strategic HR
The gaming industry is powered by passionate, creative individuals and supporting them with smart, empathetic, and future-focused HR practices is key to long-term success.
From recruitment strategies tailored to gaming companies to compliance that protects both people and business, great HR doesn’t just solve problems, it unlocks potential.
As the landscape continues to evolve, small and medium-sized gaming businesses have a unique opportunity to build thriving cultures that prioritise employee retention, people management, and growth. With the right support and strategy, HR in the gaming industry can be a true game-changer.
