In this episode of The Talent Game Podcast, I speak to Andy Ross, an experienced recruiter with over 13 years in the tech and gaming industries. Andy discusses his career journey, from working with tech startups to transitioning to leading a headhunting firm in the rapidly growing video games sector. The conversation dives into the nuances of hiring in tech versus games, the evolving traits of top talent, and the industry's future, highlighting trends like web gaming, AI, and the democratization of game development tools. Andy also shares his perspectives on fostering creativity, collaboration, and adapting to the changing landscape of recruitment and technology in gaming.

Key Takeaways

• Top talent values empowerment, ownership, and autonomy, with hiring practices differing significantly between tech startups and game studios.
• The games industry is shifting from a historically secretive culture towards greater collaboration and accessibility.
• Trends like web gaming, AI, and cloud technology are reshaping the future of gaming and game development.
• Andy focuses on strategic recruitment and advisory roles, using open-ended questions to uncover candidates’ career stories.

In this episode of The Talent Game, we hear from Emma Gomersall, Lead Talent Partner at Multiplayer Group (MPG) and member of their Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee. Together, we explore practical steps companies can take to foster a diverse and inclusive culture in gaming, emphasising how even small actions can make a significant impact. Emma shares examples of both cost-effective and budgeted initiatives that help drive inclusion, like using gender decoders in job descriptions and establishing employee resource groups. The conversation underscores how MPG’s approach to diversity not only cultivates a more equitable environment but also supports higher productivity and profitability.

Takeaways

• Building a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging is essential in the gaming industry to drive innovation, creativity, and employee well-being.
• Simple and affordable initiatives, such as applying gender decoders in job descriptions and forming employee resource groups, can promote inclusivity.
• Data indicates that gaming companies with gender-diverse leadership are 21% more likely to see improved profitability and productivity compared to less diverse competitors.
• An inclusive culture significantly boosts employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity, ultimately benefiting the company’s financial performance.
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are increasingly valued by candidates, with 76% of job seekers prioritizing these factors when evaluating job offers.

In this episode, we hear from Ido Naim (currently Senior Director of Monetization at Zynga/Gram Games) and explore his strategies for building high-performing teams. Ido reflects on his time in the Israeli military and his transition into the gaming industry, drawing parallels between both fields. He highlights the need to balance data-driven decisions with creative vision in game development and underscores the value of continuous learning. Emphasising the importance of surrounding oneself with a diverse team united by shared values, Ido also advocates for openness and humility as essential qualities in the gaming industry. The episode wraps up with Ido's go-to interview question, aimed at uncovering a candidate’s critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Key Takeaways

• Balancing data with creativity is vital to innovative game development.
• A commitment to lifelong learning propels individual and team growth.
• High-performing teams are built with diverse individuals who share core values.
• Open-mindedness and humility foster effective collaboration and drive innovation.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are fundamental for success in the gaming industry.