The gaming industry is booming, but building a strong game development team isn’t as simple as hiring someone with unreal engine experience or a killer portfolio. Game studios today are more strategic, intentional, and people-focused in their hiring approach.

Last month we were at Nordic Game 2025 and got to see firsthand how fast the gaming industry is evolving with so much talent, technology and innovation.

So what do studios actually look for when building high-performing teams? Here’s what we’ve learned from working with some of the most innovative names in the industry:

6 tips for who is hiring in gaming industry

1. Passion for Games — not just skills

You can teach tools and workflows, but you can’t teach someone to care deeply about the medium. Game studios consistently value candidates who live and breathe games — who stay up to date with trends, talk about their favorite mechanics, and genuinely love what they do.

Tip for candidates: Mention games that influenced you. Talk about what you’d build if given the chance.

2. Creative problem-solving

Game development is a constant puzzle — balancing performance, fun, and deadlines. Studios seek out talent that can think critically, adapt quickly, and find clever ways to tackle both design and technical challenges.

Creative thinking > textbook answers.

3. Collaboration and communication in game studios

Making games is never a solo act. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or tester, your ability to communicate across disciplines is essential. Game studios look for professionals who are team players, open to feedback, and aligned with the bigger creative vision.

Culture fit is often just as important as technical fit.

4. Portfolio with purpose

For artists and designers especially, quality beats quantity. Studios look for a portfolio that tells a story — not just what you made, but why you made it and how it impacted the user experience.

Highlight problem-solving, not just polished visuals.

5. Technical fluency (tailored to the role)

While soft skills matter more than ever, technical skills are still the foundation. Studios prioritize hands-on experience with the engines, languages, and pipelines they use — whether that’s Unity, Unreal Engine 5, C++, or proprietary tools.

Bonus: Candidates who are eager to learn and evolve stand out even more.

6. Cultural and community awareness

The best studios build games with their players, not just for them. Understanding player communities, accessibility, and diversity matters. Studios increasingly seek talent that brings unique perspectives and aligns with their values and vision.

Diverse teams build better games — and better cultures.

Final thoughts: hire for more than the job description

At Agile Search, we know that game studios don’t just hire developers — they hire world-builders, storytellers, and collaborators. That’s why we go beyond keywords and CVs to connect our clients with professionals who bring creativity, curiosity, and passion to every role.

Looking to grow your team in 2025?
Let’s talk about how we can help you find the talent that fits — technically, culturally, and creatively.