Global Gaming

The gaming landscape

The games industry is home to thousands of budding creative enterprises alongside established multi-billion dollar companies. The market has exceeded all expectations; it has become a global phenomenon with sales reaching well over $100billion per year. It is a market with sales and expected growth far larger than the music industry, but has in the past struggled to gain global recognition and respect.

With more than 2.2 billion obvious applications in other consolidation periods drive gamers across the planet industries, it is the gaming hyper-competitive talent spending over 6 hours a week industry that is likely to benefit acquisition plans, not just to on online gaming, this is an in the short-term from this new attract and retain the best in industry that needs to keep technology. At the same time, the industry but to appeal to evolving to keep up with its the growth and popularity of a broader range of skills and audience. The move from esports is generating interest experiences from outside boxed products to games from mainstream media the sector to bring fresh as a service has had a huge companies and brands, albeit perspectives and new ideas. impact on strategies, business the ‘counter-cultural’ nature of These are situations for which models, marketing activity and esports may well prove an initial Odgers Berndtson is very well the cultures of organisations barrier to entry for many. placed to help. operating within the industry. Finally with 1,902 video gaming Whilst VR and AR remain companies listed in the UK Video games nascent, the impact of both alone, and with the recent on the gaming industry, mergers of several larger foster the mind-set particularly VR is going to be brands, it’s almost certain that allows creativity significant. Players are calling that this global industry will for ever more immersive see some consolidation over to grow. experiences and whilst VR has the next few years. These – NOLAN BUSHNELL

Our expertise Deep gaming Unparalleled access Our position Our passion industry knowledge, across all industry particularly the senior sectors through our In this environment, gaming Working with organisations who talent trends international network businesses need especially agile, value the insight and advice we affecting it. – our candidate innovative and digitally focused give and the honest approach profiles could, leaders. As ever in the gaming that we take. Organisations that depending on the industry, a leader’s cultural fit listen to us as much as we listen search, come from any industry. remains as important as the to them. competencies and skill-sets he or she possesses. Handling appointments that A vast international A robust, rigorous, have a genuine impact on the database and project-managed, To identify and attract these way a business operates and are network of senior transparent and people requires a global search intrinsically linked to its success. contacts inside the honest search partner that is: gaming sector. process. One that is Engaging with businesses built and honed on Connected to all parts of this and people that bring fresh client feedback. changing market. ideas, concepts, products and perspectives – a willingness to Collaborative with a very strong challenge the norm. internal team ethos that is mirrored in the way we work with Thinking creatively and laterally A trusted brand with A range of services our client partners. about potential candidate pools, a reputation for including; targeted fits and profiles. integrity and search, talent Innovative, always looking to find confidentiality. mapping/succession new ways to improve. Operating in an industry that planning and excites us. As gamers, we have a candidate genuine interest in the sector. We assessment through enjoy being able to play a part in our team of in-house impacting its ongoing success. psychologists. A depth of understanding

Odgers Berndtson has built a dedicated global practice to support the multi-billion dollar gaming market. It has been established to respond to the growing global demand for directors, senior executives and non- executive directors in the industry. We cover all senior functional role appointments as well as industry-specific roles in sales & marketing, studio management and product development.

We partner with: In addition, the practice (in conjunction Our clients include: with our Global Technology and Media ■■ video gaming publishers and distributors practice) is well positioned to lead senior ■■ talent searches in the emergent VR and AR ■■ social/casual gaming operators spaces. ■■ Sony Interactive Entertainment

■■ platform providers as well as In these changing times the need for ■■ ZeniMax Media organisations involved in esports. passionate, customer and technology-led executives will undoubtedly influence the ■■ Gameforge GmbH We are unique in being the only global success of a business. As a team, we aim to search firm with a dedicated gaming team. reflect the current trends in technology and ■■ CCP Games Our aim is to support organisations in the innovation in our shortlists, by providing industry of all shapes and sizes in planning you with well-rounded, insightful and ■■ Innogames for, identifying and securing the next wave innovative leaders who will play a vital part of quality senior talent. in guiding the gaming industry towards the ■■ ESL next generation of players and fans. A global approach

As an international search firm with over 50 offices around the world we are incredibly well placed to support the international expansion plans of businesses in the gaming industry.

Our global network allows us to conduct international searches quickly and efficiently. With APAC territories contributing close to 50% of gaming industry revenues, our firm’s nine offices in the APAC region are likely to play a part in the growth of our gaming practice.

Equally, our office is vitally important in helping us build relationships with key board members and senior executives within US-headquartered publishers. Our offices in Canada, Scandinavia and Germany area also critical to our growth. Your team

Andrew Bulloss Caroline Lacey PARTNER & HEAD OF GLOBAL GAMING PRACTICE CONSULTANT IN GAMING

Andrew is the practice head within Odgers Berndtson Caroline handles senior executive and non-executive director responsible for promoting the firm’s global capabilities within positions for international social gaming and gambling the gaming market. Based in London, he co-ordinates the Odgers Berndtson businesses. Focusing specifically on areas such as online gambling, video international network to deliver local and global searches whilst also leading gaming, esports, and augmented reality. on all searches within Europe. E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: https://twitter.com/caroline_laceyO T: https://twitter.com/ABullossOdgers LI: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/caroline-lacey-70ba11102 LI: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andrew-bulloss-b495651 DD: +44 (0) 20 7529 3068 | M: +44 (0) 7809 846 925 DD: +44 (0) 20 7529 3953 | M: +44 (0) 7793 528 580

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