People looking for top creative experts are fierce. The market is spilling, demand keeps shifting, and there are few truly unique skills. But don’t worry! This guide provides recruiters with actionable strategies to attract and retain outstanding creative talent.
Beyond tradition
Sometimes the best employees come from unexpected places. Rather than being fixed on strict standards such as years of experience or formal education, passion, potential and cultural integration should be given priority.
- Embrace unconventional background: D&D Dungeon Masters may have the imaginative thinking and leadership skills that game designers need.
- Beyond resume: Give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their unique qualities through various interview stages and assessments.
Basic skills of creative experts
In the dynamic world of game development, creative experts need a fusion of expertise, core game design principles and basic soft skills.
- Adaptability: The ability to accept new technologies and trends is crucial in the evolving Gamedev landscape.
- Out-of-the-box thinking: Innovative ideas must be generated within technological limitations and genre limitations.
- Teamwork: Collaborative spirit and effective communication are essential to bringing creative vision into life.
- Tough skills: A deep understanding of game mechanics, trends and player psychology is crucial and able to apply and reimagine popular mechanics (e.g., A4 Mechanic).
Prioritize cultural fit and soft skills
Technical competence is important, but it is only part of the puzzle.
- Cultural Alignment: Observe how candidates interact with potential colleagues to assess their compatibility with team values and work style.
- Strong communication: Seek individuals who can effectively share, publicize and negotiate ideas.
- Adaptability and collaboration: Prioritize candidates who accept feedback, accept constructive criticism and promote cooperation.
- Transcendence and emotional intelligence: Understanding players’ motivations and emotions is the key to creating a engaging gaming experience.
Experience better than education
At Gamedev, a strong portfolio often exceeds a formal degree.
- Real-world evidence: Candidates who demonstrate practical skills and experience through individual projects, independent games or concept art through portfolio prioritize candidates.
- Related experience: Favoring candidates when faced with choices, their experiences are consistent with the specific needs and style of your project.
Assessing creativity: a multifaceted approach
Go beyond traditional interviews to assess candidates’ creativity.
- Test assignments: Measuring their ability to adapt to new challenges and problem solving.
- Brainstorming meeting: Observe their conception process, collaborative skills, and the ability to bring thoughts to life.
- Real life case study: Evaluate their problem-solving methods and creative thinking in real-world situations.
- Portfolio Reviews: Assess the diversity, originality and depth of its work.
Unconventional recruitment strategies
Think about it when hiring a creative expert.
- Indie Game Festival and Hackathon: Build connections with enthusiastic junior developers and observe their teamwork and problem-solving skills under pressure.
- Workshops and lectures: Interact with aspiring professionals and seek opportunities in established studios.
- Social Media: Follow industry experts and interact with potential candidates to share their knowledge and projects on platforms such as LinkedIn, Telegram and Medium.
Key points for recruiting people
- Focus on potential: Go beyond resume and standardized assessments to discover hidden talents and evaluate candidates’ true potential.
- Build a strong employer brand: Develop a reputation for creativity and innovation by actively participating in industry activities and sharing company success stories.
- Investment and development: Attract and retain top talent by providing opportunities for growth through mentoring programs and training programs.
By adopting these strategies, recruiters can navigate Gamedev’s competitive landscape and ensure the creative talent needed to build a remarkable game.
Inessa Baianova is a recruiter at Nexters with over four years of HR experience specializing in IT and game development. She leads the team, builds processes from scratch, and coaches young professionals.
