The Dev Talk Chronicles: Lost XP: Why Junior Game Developers Quit and How to Help

 Dear Game Producers Connection Community,

We hope this message finds you well and brimming with curiosity because we have an exciting announcement to share. As part of our "The Dev Talk Chronicles" series, we're thrilled to invite you to an lecture by a renowned game developers.

The game industry, a realm of endless creativity and innovation, is often seen as a dream career destination for many. However, beneath its glossy exterior, it faces a persistent conundrum—the perceived "lack of experienced talent." Paradoxically, this issue persists despite a significant upswing in graduates from postsecondary game programs over the last decade. The question we must address is not about filling the pipeline with fresh talent, but rather about retaining highly skilled workers once they've entered the industry.

The Developer's Dilemma

A significant portion of the game development workforce is in a state of perpetual transiency. According to the 2021 Developers Satisfaction Survey, a staggering 38% of employed developers anticipate leaving their current employers within three years, while nearly 60% expect to move on within six years. Even more telling is that 21% have no idea how long they intend to stay. This perpetual flux doesn't spare any group, but it's particularly pronounced among members of marginalized communities.

This begs a vital question: What can educational institutions and the game industry at large do to improve recruitment, training, and, most crucially, retention? It's a multifaceted challenge, and addressing it demands a comprehensive and nuanced approach.

Empirical Insights and Industry Interventions

In upcoming lecture, we delve into the heart of this matter. This panel will present recent empirical data that sheds light on the realities of talent retention in the game development industry. Authors will examine the existing interventions that various game companies have undertaken to mitigate the transiency issue. While these interventions have made strides in keeping developers engaged, we need to delve deeper into finding more effective solutions.

Exploring New Pathways

This panel discussion won't just dwell on problems; we're committed to uncovering and exploring innovative solutions. Authors believe that there are novel approaches and strategies that can change the narrative for game developers. Whether it's reimagining onboarding and mentorship programs, implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, or crafting better work-life balance policies, there is untapped potential to improve the industry's work environment.

Authors

Authors are Pierre-Luc Labbe, Sarah Spiers, Jakin Vela, Johanna Weststar from companies such as: rhum.hr, Electronic Arts, International Game Developers Association, Western University