Is Relocation Worth It?

Is Relocation Worth It?

The games industry has changed again. Yes, there are more studios than ever, and remote options haven’t vanished, but a clear trend has reappeared. Most large-scale AAA studios, successful indies, and games-adjacent projects have moved back to some level of on-site or hybrid setup. It’s not a full return to office-only work, but physical presence has definitely become more valued. For many teams, creativity and collaboration simply flow better when people are in the same space.

The balance between freedom and focus

Remote work will always appeal to a big part of the creative community. Many people do their best work in personalised spaces where they can shape their surroundings to their liking. For some, it’s a necessity because of health, physical, or environmental needs. Having worked in both setups, I can see the benefits on each side. Remote environments encourage focus, independence and comfort. In-person setups, on the other hand, drive connection, speed and creative energy through face-to-face interaction.

Practical realities of working life

There’s also the practical side to think about. Childcare, housework, and general care responsibilities all fit more naturally into remote routines. Flexibility isn’t just about preference; for many, it’s about what makes full-time work possible. Research has shown that remote work can produce equal or even improved results depending on the team and structure. But there’s no escaping the cost factor. Travel in the UK is expensive and commuting expenses rarely factor into salary discussions. It’s simply expected that part of your income goes towards reaching the building where you earn it, which doesn’t make much sense in 2025.

The risk of relocating

Relocation brings its own challenges. Fewer people are willing to uproot their lives for a role that may only last as long as their notice period. In a volatile industry, that hesitation makes sense. Moving away from your support network, friends and family can make even a dream job feel like a gamble. Security and stability matter, especially when studios restructure as often as they do today.

Culture and creativity in person

That said, there’s a real creative spark that comes from being in the same space as your team. Culture is built through daily conversation, shared energy and spontaneous ideas that bounce between people. It’s hard to replicate that in a remote setup. Remote culture can be maintained but creating it from scratch is another story. For many, that sense of shared culture is what keeps them motivated, creative and connected to their team.

The distractions of home life

Working from home isn’t always the productivity dream either. Distractions, interruptions and blurred lines between work and rest can make focus more difficult. Leads also find it harder to track progress or offer feedback without feeling like they’re micromanaging. Remote setups rely heavily on trust, which takes time to build. That’s not always possible with new hires or short-term contracts.

The hidden cost of remote contracts

From a business perspective, remote roles often come with complications. Most international remote positions are structured as contract work, not full-time employment. There are services that make this possible, but they add a significant cost to each hire. For studios already working within tight production budgets, this extra cost can make a remote hire less likely to happen.

The reality for studios and individuals

For most employers, on-site or hybrid setups will always be preferable. Culture, communication and creative flow are simply easier to maintain in person. But employers can’t ignore the personal side of the equation either. Well-being, working environment and balance all directly impact performance. Burnout will always lead to weaker results, regardless of how skilled the team is.

In the end, relocation isn’t a simple yes or no decision. It’s about what matters most to you and the kind of environment where you can do your best work. For some, being surrounded by a buzzing studio team is what fuels creativity. For others, comfort and control at home make all the difference. The truth lies somewhere in between balance, flexibility and understanding are what make the modern workplace thrive.