UK games industry
We're suffering from a skills shortage, reveals training company.
09 June 2010
Research released today by open learning provider Train2Game highlights a lack of relevant expertise among aspiring new recruits to the game development industry. The survey reveals that over half of industry respondents perceive a considerable gap in skills existing within their areas of business, with over 80% of them citing a lack of experience among prospective employees as being the main barrier to them being recruited.
The survey aimed to examine the game development industry’s attitudes towards education and recruitment, looking at whether new starters are in possession of the abilities required to support the continued growth of this ever-changing, multi-billion pound industry. Respondents were also questioned about their recruitment habits and average starting salaries for entry-level staff.
Key findings of the survey:
Attention to detail, creativity and being a good team player were named as the most valuable skills that developers look for in entry-level staff. Over half (55.8%) of respondents agreed strongly that developers need to be more involved in helping ensure games students have the relevant skills for the industry. The majority (68.4%) of industry respondents hired up to two entry-level staff per year, with over half (56.4%) offering work experience or internships to students. Over half (52.5%) of those surveyed stated that entry-level staff could expect to progress to a more senior position within 12 to 18 months of starting at a company. Fair starting salaries for different entry-level positions in the industry were quoted by the highest percentage of respondents as follows: o Games designer: £16,001 to £19,000o Games programmer: £18,001 to £20,000
o Games animator: £19,001 to £22,000
Train2Game Course Director Tony Bickley of DR Studios, commented, “Companies involved in an industry as dynamic and fast-moving as game development clearly need a steady flow of talented new recruits to ensure they can keep up with the competition. The results of our survey highlight the need for aspiring game developers to demonstrate a good level of knowledge and expertise in their chosen field, in order to help fill the perceived skills gap and really make an impression on potential employers.”
Train2Game offers open learning courses for people who would like a career in the video games industry. Its Games Design, Games Developer and Games Artist & Animator courses include input and involvement from experienced industry professionals, and are supported by the UK video games trade association, TIGA, who act as the independent awarding and examination body for Train2Game. Further information can be found at http://www.train2game.com
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For further information about the survey results, or about Train2Game, please contact Ricky Davison on 020 7479 4310 or email ricky@kazoo.co.uk