TIGA says that the games industry is gradually heading back to the studio or office, but after an extended period working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals are now looking for permanent flexibility in working conditions going forward.

That is the clear conclusion of research conducted by leading European games industry recruitment agency Amiqus, which surveyed over 400 professionals about how lockdown has affected their working lives, and their attitudes to their careers going forward.

TIGA reports that according to the research, 82% of respondents said that their productivity levels have remained the same, or increased, while working from home. Respondents also highlighted the key benefits that they have enjoyed while working remotely:

• saving money on commuting – 83%;
• enhanced work/life balance – 73%;
• spending more time with the family – 61%;
• taking up new hobbies/pursuits – 40%;
• easing childcare challenges – 26%; and
• opportunity to change place of residence – 25%.

Some 20 months after the initial pandemic lockdown, 58% of respondents are still working at home all week. Meanwhile, 15% are hybrid working at their own discretion, and 13% are back in the studio/office all week.

Of those still working from home, 23% do not expect to be back in the office/studio this year. Meanwhile, 16% are never going back to the office, their employers having given them the opportunity to continue working remotely. A further 9% are never going back to the office because the companies have made their job fully remote.

Going forward, of those who have stated that they do not currently have their ideal working conditions, 79% said that they are currently considering, or are possibly considering, a career move to achieve those goals. Significantly, 41% said that they would not consider a job in the future if remote working was not an option. Some 32% said that they would “possibly’ consider a job under those circumstances. To read TIGA’s report on the research in full, click here.