Gamedev Relocation: Understanding Mobility Trends

Gamedev relocation has become a crucial factor in hiring and workforce planning, as the industry continues to operate on a global scale. With studios and talent scattered across continents, relocation preferences vary widely depending on work mode, whether hybrid, on-site, or remote. However, when it comes to relocation, not all game developers share the same level of willingness to move, especially when factoring in their current work mode. Our Gamedev Salary Pulse 2025 data provides a unique look into how hybrid, on-site, and remote developers approach relocation.

As game studios refine their hiring and retention strategies, understanding these trends can be key to attracting and retaining top talent while aligning with evolving workplace expectations.

How Work Mode Affects Gamedev Relocation

Our findings from the Gamedev Salary Pulse global industry survey highlight significant differences in relocation preferences based on work mode:

Hybrid Workers: A Balanced Approach to Relocation

• 40.65% prefer to stay where they are.
• 36.45% are open to relocating anywhere in the world.
• 15.48% would move within their continent.
• 7.42% are willing to relocate within their country.

On-Site Workers: The Most Globally Mobile Group

• 24.19% want to stay put.
• 43.55% are open to relocating anywhere in the world.
• 16.67% would move within their continent.
• 15.59% prefer to relocate within their country.

Remote Workers: The Least Willing to Relocate

• 47.78% want to stay where they are.
• 32.45% would move anywhere in the world.
• 11.37% would relocate within their continent.
• 8.40% would move within their country.

These numbers suggest that on-site employees are the most mobile, while remote workers are the least likely to consider relocating. Hybrid workers fall somewhere in between, with a relatively high percentage willing to move internationally.

Why Do On-Site Workers Show the Most Mobility?

It may come as a surprise, but on-site workers show the highest global relocation rate (43.55%). Many assume that because they work on-site, they are bound to their location, but our data proves otherwise. Apparently, studios that require on-site work may naturally attract employees who are more open to moving, either for career growth, better opportunities, or access to top-tier projects. This challenges the misconception that on-site professionals are less mobile than their remote or hybrid counterparts.

Employers often overlook on-site workers in international hiring when considering gamedev relocation because of the assumption that they are unwilling to relocate or that hiring them would require costly relocation packages. While relocation support does indeed come with additional costs, it may still be a worthwhile investment, especially for studios looking for highly specialized talent.

Why Are Remote Workers the Least Likely to Relocate?

With nearly 48% of remote game developers preferring to stay where they are, this group is the least mobile. The rise of remote work in game development has allowed professionals to settle in locations that suit their lifestyle and cost-of-living preferences.

Since game developers have some of the highest levels of geographic flexibility, relocation incentives may need to be substantial to persuade remote workers to move.

The Growing Influence of Digital Migration

The concept of digital migration, as outlined in the World Economic Forum’s whitepaper The Rise of Global Digital Jobs 2024, highlights that remote workforces are reshaping the global job market. This shift presents opportunities for employers to tap into international talent pools while enabling workers to relocate in ways that align with their career goals.

With 70% of organizations reporting productivity gains from remote work, and a growing global workforce, digital migration is expected to continue reshaping the job market. According to the above-mentioned whitepaper, 73 million people worldwide are currently employed in jobs that could transition into fully digital and global roles.

By 2030, this number is projected to increase by 25% to around 92 million, driven by changes in workforce demographics, the expansion of digital job categories, and ongoing technological advancements.

For companies looking to master remote work, the World Economic Forum’s whitepaper Realizing the Potential of Global Digital Jobs 2024 provides a comprehensive analysis of the key areas requiring attention, including workforce policies, technological infrastructure, and global hiring strategies.

What This Means for Game Studio Hiring Strategies

On-Site Studios Have More Relocation Flexibility

Game studios requiring on-site work can target international talent pools more aggressively, as a significant portion of their ideal candidates are open to global relocation. However, according to the growing digital mobility trend, stricktly on-site gamedev companies will become more and more rare, possibly giving the potential employees a bit outdated, old-school vibe.

Leave Those Digital Nomads Alone

Reaching out to digital nomads with an “amazing offer they may consider because they will be willing to relocate again” is often a waste of time. These professionals have already embraced a location-independent lifestyle, choosing their current setup intentionally. Many fully remote and hybrid workers who have settled into their current routines may not see the appeal in uprooting for a new opportunity, even if it includes relocation perks. Instead, game studios should focus on candidates who have explicitly signaled a willingness to relocate rather than assuming that past mobility predicts future decisions.

Remote Leadership Requires a New Management

Approach in remote-first studios needs to adjust their leadership approach. A Harvard Business Review article highlights that remote leadership “may require a more intense and targeted effort to really understand what each team member and colleague needs and how to help them be successful.” For studios embracing remote work, understanding these dynamics is crucial. We recommend checking out additional resources on effective remote leadership and team management to ensure that fully remote teams remain engaged and productive. 

How On-Site Workers Can Leverage Their Mobility in Job Searches

There is a common misconception that on-site workers are less willing to relocate, but our data shows the opposite. 43.55% of on-site game developers are open to relocating anywhere in the world. This mobility can be a powerful asset when searching for new job opportunities.

Highlight Relocation Readiness in Applications

As an on-site professional, make it clear in your LinkedIn profiles and resumes that your are open to relocation. Including phrases like “Open to international relocation” or “Willing to relocate for the right opportunity” can truly catch the attention of both recruiters and hiring managers.

Target Global Studios with On-Site Requirements

Many major game studios still operate with on-site teams. Take a moment to reflect on your relocation dream destinations. Checking whether these locations are game development hubs or at least home to significant, high-quality studios can help you narrow down a targeted job search. Once you identify suitable regions, you can include well-established studios from those areas in your job applications.

Ask About Relocation Benefits

Game studios that require on-site presence often provide relocation packages, covering expenses like moving costs, housing allowances, and from time to time, visa sponsorships. Ask about these benefits early in the hiring process, rather than waiting until the final stages of interviews. Showing interest in relocation packages upfront demonstrates confidence and ensures you fully understand what support you might receive.

The Beauty of Living in the Global Village

The beauty of living in the global village is that you’re one (okay, maybe two) click(s) away from almost everyone. Attending online industry meetups and networking events can help you connect with studios that are actively hiring international talent. Use LinkedIn daily to chat with industry peers, this may really bring you closer to discovering relocation-friendly opportunities.

Gamedev Relocation: Final Thoughts

The game development industry thrives on global collaboration, but relocation preferences vary widely depending on work mode. Studios should tailor their hiring, relocation incentives, and retention strategies based on these findings.

Understanding that on-site workers are the most mobile, hybrid workers have mixed preferences, and remote workers are the least likely to relocate allows game studios to fine-tune their recruitment approaches and make informed decisions about workforce planning.

Would your studio benefit from a more targeted hiring strategy based on relocation trends? Reach out to our 8Bit recruitment team to discover how we can help you connect with the right talent, wherever they are in the world!