My primary insight from the recent iGB-Pentasia Salary Survey is a sense of stability. After years marked by rapid escalation, salaries within the gaming industry have now leveled off, indicating a more sustainable market environment.
This newfound stability allows businesses to manage expenses more predictably, while still offering competitive pay packages to attract skilled professionals.
### How Have Gaming Salaries Evolved in 2024?
Growth in salaries throughout 2024 has been consistent, averaging a 3.33% increase across all roles and functions. However, the demand for specialized talent remains fierce, with the most significant increases seen in roles that require sophisticated technology and data expertise.
Cautious recruitment strategies can result in missed opportunities, cautions Pentasia MD, Alastair Cleland.
“Roles in technology and data remain highly sought after,” says Alastair Cleland, managing director at Pentasia. “As gaming increasingly incorporates cryptocurrency, professionals with expertise in web3, crypto, and data algorithms are becoming particularly valuable.
“These positions are crucial for fostering innovation and providing companies with a competitive advantage as they explore new markets.”
Nonetheless, many firms have been hesitant in their hiring approaches over the past year, resulting in prolonged recruitment processes. Tightened budgets and strategies for post-pandemic scenarios have led companies to take extra care to ensure new employees align with their long-term objectives.
This caution, according to Cleland, involves certain risks. “While it’s understandable for companies to be careful, extended hiring processes might lead to missed opportunities.
“Delays often result in losing top talent to swifter competitors. Moreover, prolonged hiring periods can negatively affect internal morale and strain existing teams, impeding progress.”
### Are Retention and Succession Emerging as Key Challenges in Gaming?
The survey also highlights retention challenges in the igaming sector.
Flexible work models play a crucial role in tackling this issue. Cleland notes, “Businesses that have adopted hybrid or fully remote work options are finding it easier to develop strong retention strategies. Conversely, those enforcing mandatory office presence are witnessing higher attrition rates, as employees increasingly value flexibility in their work environments.”
This aligns with the growing need for effective succession planning, which Cleland identifies as “a pressing issue.”
“With an intense focus on immediate business needs, developing long-term leadership is often neglected,” Cleland explains. “This oversight can result in leadership voids when senior executives leave, exposing businesses to potential vulnerabilities. To maintain future stability, companies must invest in their workforce, ensuring they cultivate their next generation of leaders.”
The comprehensive 2024 iGB-Pentasia Salary Survey will be available next week. [Last year’s report can be reviewed here](https://igamingbusiness.com/tag/igb-pentasia-salary-survey-2023/).