It’s obviously more rare in 2026, especially within a creative technology space like games, to have an on-site interview as part of the process, but they do still happen and I would argue they should be encouraged whenever possible.
There is nothing more settling than walking into a studio, meeting the team face-to-face, and discussing plans in person with the people you’ll actually be reporting to. You pick up on nuances that video calls cannot capture, and you get a real sense of the building, the commute, and the location, all of which matters when you’re considering a potential move.
It may just be me, but if I were interviewing for a job where I would be on-site in a new location regularly, I would not feel comfortable accepting an offer without experiencing it first. From a candidate perspective, it helps you gauge the environment, the energy, and whether you can picture yourself thriving there.
From a hiring perspective, meeting someone in person allows teams to understand energy, cultural fit, and communication style in a much clearer way than over video. The difference can be huge in a positive sense.
Even with all these benefits, on-site interviews still carry a cost for both studios and candidates. Travel, accommodation, and lost time in transit are all considerations, so these interviews are often avoided. If you find yourself in a position where an on-site is scheduled, knowing exactly what to expect will make a massive difference.
Studios will often have a plan for the day with different meetings, tours, lunch, and debriefs, so being aware of the schedule allows you to plan your energy, timing, and preparation in advance.
Here are, in my opinion, the must ask questions before walking into an on-site conversation
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Dress Code It may seem obvious, but every studio is different. Asking about the dress code beforehand will not make you look silly. It shows that you care about aligning with studio culture. If the studio is casual and you turn up in a full suit, it can send just as awkward a message as the other way around in some cases. Dress to fit the environment, not to impress arbitrarily.
The Building A lot of games studios share buildings with other companies or are based on floors of multi-tenant office blocks. Having just an address often is not enough. Knowing which entrance to use, which buzzer to ring, and who to contact if something is not working will save you stress on the day. It takes one worry off your mind and lets you focus on the conversation.
The Plan This is probably the one candidates are most hesitant to ask about. Nobody wants to seem like they are trying to cheat the process, but asking who you will be meeting and what you should prepare for demonstrates interest and enthusiasm. Knowing the structure of the day allows you to allocate energy, prepare notes, and avoid surprises, like being expected to deliver a presentation you were not told about.
The simple point here is that asking these questions is not negative. On the contrary, being proactive and prepared gives you the space to show your best self, reduces nerves, and ensures you can get the answers you need from the team. The more clarity you have going in, the smoother your day will be, and the better impression you will leave.
Jay McDougall is a Principal Recruiter at Skillsearch, a leading global games, XR and immersive technology recruitment company, specialising in game art talent.
