Contracting vs. Permanent Roles—What Game Studios Need to Know

For studios navigating shifting demands, contractors are a game-changer. Offering:

Agility: Ideal for scaling up during peak production phases.

Specialized Expertise: Perfect for projects requiring niche skills like procedural animation, shader development, or advanced AI.

Cost Efficiency: While daily rates might be higher, there are no long-term obligations like pensions or holiday pay.

However, contracting isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Contractors are by nature temporary, which can limit their alignment with a studio’s broader vision or culture.

Permanent roles bring their own value, including:

Knowledge Retention: A committed team develops deep familiarity with studio workflows and tools.

Long-Term Growth: Full-time employees can be nurtured into leadership positions.

Culture Building: A core team fosters collaboration and cohesion.

Yet, studios must weigh the costs—permanent hires involve benefits, training, and long-term commitment, which can strain budgets during quieter periods.

The key to success often lies in a hybrid approach:

Core Stability, Peripheral Agility: Maintain a strong base of permanent staff supported by contractors for bursts of high demand.

Specialized Projects: Leverage contractors for unique tasks, ensuring your core team focuses on the studio’s big-picture goals.

Navigating the intricacies of contracting versus permanent hiring doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Whether you need flexible, project-based talent or a long-term hire to shape your studio’s future, Skillsearch has the expertise to help.

📩 Contact us today to discuss how we can match you with the talent you need to bring your next project to life!