Employment in the video game sector: a dream career or temporary madness?
In recent years, video games have become a very important industry worldwide, and Spain is no exception. The video game sector has experienced significant growth in Spain in recent years. The video game industry in Spain represents 14.3% of the publishing sector, 9.6% of the audiovisual production sector (cinema, video, television and music), 3.8% of the programming and data processing sector. data and 3.2% of the telecommunications sector.
According to the Spanish Video Game Association (AEVI), the first economic report that analyzes the impact of the video game industry on national accounting, in the style of those prepared by the American employers' association of the sector, the video game industry is equivalent to 0.11% of Spanish GDP. Furthermore, for every euro invested in the video game sector, there is an impact of 3 euros on the economy as a whole and for every job generated by the video game industry, 2.6 are created in other sectors. The video game industry directly employs 9,000 people, with a total impact of the sector on the economy of 3,577 million euros and 22,828 jobs.
With this data on the table, we see how video games can help young people get their first job in several ways.
- Creation of jobs in the video game industry.
Jobs created by this industry range from video game developers and graphic artists to marketing and public relations specialists. Therefore, video games can be a viable option for young people looking for their first job.
- Development of technical skills.
Video games can also help young people develop technical skills that are highly valued in the job market. For example, programming games and simulation video games can help young people learn to program, solve complex problems, and work as a team. These skills are highly valued by employers and can help young people stand out in the job market.
- Development of social and emotional skills.
Video games can also help young people develop social and emotional skills. Online multiplayer games, for example, can help young people learn to work as a team, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts. These skills are essential in any job and can help young people succeed in the job market.
- Building a network of contacts.
Video games can also help young people build a network of contacts in the video game industry. For example, attending video game industry events and joining online communities can help young people meet other professionals in the industry. This can be especially helpful for those seeking employment in the video game industry.
What is the profile of video gamers?
Currently, according to the AEVI, the number of users has exceeded the figure of 15 million video gamers, almost half of Spaniards between 6 and 64 years old, with a significant presence of the number of female gamers, which increased to 42% of the total and esports enthusiasts, which rose to 2.9 million.
Furthermore, regarding the figures for time dedicated, it is reflected that Spaniards dedicated an average of 6.7 hours a week to this activity. It may seem like a very high figure, but it is still slightly below neighboring countries such as United Kingdom with 11 hours, France with 8.6 hours or Germany with 8.3 hours.
What does the future hold?
The Government expects that the video game industry will have a turnover of 2.3 billion euros in 2024, in line with the sector's 20% annual growth. Likewise, an employment growth of 8.5% is estimated, reaching more than 11,000 direct jobs in that same year.
What role does the human resources department play in this sector?
The Human Resources area will play a fundamental role in the following functions:
- Recruitment of personnel in areas such as game design, programming, animation, sound among others.
- Talent management: Developing career plans, identifying training, promotion and talent retention needs.
- Working environment: The creation of a positive culture and work environment by human resources professionals is going to be key in a dynamic and competitive sector such as video games.
Are you interested in the sector?
In Spain there are powerful companies in the sector, we encourage you to investigate the market and see what professional profiles they demand. In the same way, numerous festivals, workshops, contests, tournaments and game jams that can serve as a reference to approach the sector.
The job search can be an obstacle course, but don't give up because your dream job could be just around the corner.
If you are interested in training and developing professionally in the field of human resources, you can find out about our Master in HR: People Management, Talent Development and Labor Management.
