Hiring Unpaused: A Guide to Conference-Proofing Your Recruitment

Hiring Doesn’t Have to Stop at Gamescom

Hiring around major conferences in games is always a tricky balancing act. Finding the right candidate while keeping communication clear becomes even more challenging when people are out of the office, schedules shift, and priorities are pulled in multiple directions. Candidates expect updates, transparency, and timely responses, yet the reality of conference season can slow recruitment to a crawl.

Delays frustrate candidates and can even cost you top talent if the process drags. It’s a challenge every studio faces during events like Gamescom, but with a little foresight and planning, you can keep pipelines moving without creating extra stress for your team or leaving candidates in limbo.

From an external perspective, Gamescom is of course an exciting time. The prospect of new business, industry insight, and networking opportunities makes it a focal point for many studios. However, it can be the killer of communication around hiring pipelines. Processes can slow to the point where candidates are snapped up elsewhere simply because hiring managers are unavailable. Without a clear plan, the excitement of the conference can unintentionally create delays and frustration in the recruitment process.

To help studios navigate this period, we’ve put together our top three tips for maintaining a fluid interview process whilst out of the office for major conferences like Gamescom.

Tip 1: Book follow-up interviews in advance

Transparency with candidates is key. Let them know you will be away for the conference but take the extra step to pre-book a follow-up interview for when you return. This shows intent and interest without creating false expectations. Often this simple gesture is all a candidate is looking for to feel valued and considered, Especially if they have other processes on the go.

For example, if a candidate has just completed an initial screening, send a calendar invite for the next step the week after Gamescom with a clear note explaining the schedule and any materials to prepare. It communicates respect for their time and keeps the momentum alive.

Tip 2: Complete interview stages with people not attending the conference

While the conference is on, consider pushing forward with interviews involving team members who will remain in the office. This may create an alternative running order, but it keeps candidates engaged rather than leaving them in limbo.

A perfect example is using mid to senior team members for culture fit or portfolio review discussions in place of team leads who are away. A “meet the team” phase with people who have a broader understanding of the studio’s culture can be surprisingly effective and ensures candidates remain connected to the process. Scheduling these for the time the hiring managers gives such a good impression of respect for the candidate’s time.

Tip 3: Pass on process details to a temporary handler

Even if your team is away at a conference, assigning a temporary handler can make a huge difference. This could be someone who books a conversation, shares interview feedback, or simply lets candidates know the team is out of office. Organising this pre-trip will make a big difference to keeping things moving.

Radio silence is the worst scenario and can cause top talent to slip away. Having someone maintain contact ensures continuity, keeps candidates engaged, and signals that your studio is organised and respects their time.

Tip 4: Use the conference itself as an opportunity

Conferences are all about communication and networking, so why not see if the candidate will also be attending? Face-to-face time during the event can replace a traditional interview slot, and it demonstrates both flexibility and initiative. We are often asked by candidates whether such an option exists, and it is a rare chance to make a genuine impression in person while everyone is already in the same space.

Even a 30-minute coffee chat can go a long way in strengthening engagement and showing commitment.

Conferences are essential to the games industry. We work in a communal space where ideas are shared and conversations matter. That said, these events should not come at the cost of losing good candidates or bringing hiring processes to a standstill.

With a little forethought and planning, following these tips can keep your recruitment pipeline moving smoothly, even amid the chaos of one of the year’s busiest industry events.