According to TIGA, half of game developers in the United Kingdom faced challenges in filling job vacancies in 2024

In 2024, games companies across the UK faced challenges in staffing due to a lack of skills within the industry, with half of the businesses struggling to fill open positions.

The findings are detailed in TIGA's 2024 Skills Report, which collected data from 26 gaming firms representing 13% of the UK’s games development workforce in September.

About 32% of the survey participants indicated ongoing skill shortages affecting various industry roles. Art positions were most impacted at 41%, trailed by programming roles at 30%, and design roles at 11%.

There's also a noted shortfall of experience in fields such as data science, production, audio, community management, consumer support, marketing, and quality assurance.

These skill shortages have led to broader team challenges, as 65% of respondents reported increased workloads. Additionally, 54% indicated project delays, and many have resorted to outsourcing work.

The report explored skill deficiencies within companies, finding that though 90% deemed their teams proficient, gaps in management, communication, and coding persisted due to inadequate training.

Regarding hiring patterns, the report noted that 78% of new employees come from within the industry, 21% are recent graduates, and only 2% are from apprenticeships.

"Skill shortages in the UK's gaming industry persist but are on the decline," stated TIGA CEO Dr Richard Wilson.

According to Dr. Wilson, an insufficient supply of expert professionals, along with new job roles birthed by technological and market changes, continue to fuel skill shortages. Certain roles face a drought of applicants with necessary abilities, experience, or credentials.

"While skill gaps in the development workforce are minimal, companies believe most of their teams are competent. Nonetheless, there's potential for more government assistance in education and training to bolster this vital creative sector," he added.