Gaming Companies Are Levelling-Up Their Workplaces

Making remote working into a success and experiencing a rapid growth period may not seem to be difficult challenges to overcome but it does raise one big issue for the sector. Remote work has become so successful that studios now need to navigate the huge rise in demand for flexibility from their employees.
Findings from a study conducted by leading European games industry recruitment agency Amiqus shows that flexible working is no longer an optional extra and more of an expectation. 41 per cent said that they would not consider a job in the future if remote working wasn’t an option.

While this is not a challenge faced solely by the gaming industry, studios are now looking for ways to reinvigorate their workplaces to draw people back to the office and bring people back together. Despite the benefits of accessing a wider talent pool and retaining productivity levels, reports have shown the negative impact remote working had had on career progression, innovation and collaboration. While flexible working and hybrid working are expected to help retain some level of flexibility, having a well-designed workplace to work from will help navigate new working trends.

The growth in the sector has seen the battle for talent become even more competitive and the demand for office space has increased to the point that companies are exploring new areas and locations to find property that suits their needs. With so much accelerated change and growth in the sector, these are some of the key design considerations that are starting to reshape gaming workplaces and studios.

Enable community and collaboration

Many of the gaming brands we’ve spoken with adopt a “one team, multiple players” concept for their offices, where social space is as essential as concentrative and collaborative work. When staff are working in the office, the workplace should be designed in a way that encourages offline gatherings and brings disparate teams or individuals together. The office has a role to play as a place to reintegrate people following an extended work from home period and rebuild the company culture.

Gaming companies are now looking at how to best build an environment that enables focused work without allowing silos to develop. Returning to the office is an opportunity to enhance the experience of work and foster the cross-pollination of ideas. While some companies have managed their company culture while working remotely, the office can be used as a tool to ensure employees feel part of the overall vision and connected to the values of the business.

Designing flexible spaces and communal areas optimised for knowledge-sharing are some of the features that are being utilised in offices to help break silos and rebuild culture. Adding in dedicated campfire meeting areas or flexible events and/or presentation spaces can be successful ways to pull down barriers and promote collaboration.

Gaming companies have an opportunity to reunite staff and assess new ways of working as they bring people back to the office. While this may initially be met with some hesitancy, it is the progressive step that is required to move forward, and companies need to be prepared for change. The office environment is a testing site that’s in a constant state of development and companies will continue to improve their offices to ensure their people have an office that helps them reconnect with their colleagues and enables them to be productive.