How to Train Employees Fast in Game Dev Tycoon

Learn optimal hiring, training, and team management strategies for each game phase

Design vs Tech Specialist – What's the Difference?

Learn when to specialize staff and how many employees you need for each phase. Understand all staff roles explained in detail, discover how to hire better employees, and compare employee stats like design, tech, research, and speed. This guide also covers staff burnout and vacation management and shows you the balanced team setup explained step by step.

Background & Rules in the Manual

Learn the detailed team mechanics, hiring rules, and training strategies in the game manual.

Work Solo in the Garage
Critical

You cannot hire staff in the garage phase. Focus on building your skills and saving money for your first office.

Hiring
Years 1-5
Balance Your Skills
Critical

Train yourself in both Design and Technology. A 700/700 split is optimal for making quality games.

Skills
Years 1-5
Save for First Office
Important

You need 1 million dollars to unlock the first office. Save aggressively in years 4-5.

Hiring
Years 1-5

Train Immediately
Critical

New hires have low stats. Use training to boost their skills quickly. Prioritize their weakest areas first.

Training
Years 6-10
Hire Your First Employee
Critical

Hire someone with complementary skills. If you're strong in Design, hire someone strong in Technology and vice versa.

Hiring
Years 6-10
Specialists vs Generalists
Important

Early game: hire generalists who can do multiple tasks. Later: specialists for specific roles in larger teams.

Specialists
Years 6-10
Team Size Tips
Important

Small games: 1-2 people. Medium games: 2-3 people. Match team size to game size for best efficiency.

Hiring
Years 6-10

Expand to 6 Employees
Critical

The second office allows up to 6 employees. Gradually hire as your cash flow allows.

Hiring
Years 11-20
Assign Roles
Critical

Designate 2-3 employees for Design tasks (Art, Story, Sound) and 2-3 for Technology (Engine, AI, Level Design).

Skills
Years 11-20
Large Game Teams
Important

Large games need 4+ people. AAA games need 6 people. Ensure you have enough trained staff.

Hiring
Years 11-20
Hire Specialists
Important

Consider Graphics Specialists, Sound Engineers, and Writers for better game quality in specific areas.

Specialists
Years 11-20

R&D Lab Benefits
Critical

The R&D lab allows you to research new engines and hardware. You need at least 4 employees to use it effectively.

Hiring
From Year 15
Dedicated R&D Staff
Critical

Assign 1-2 employees permanently to R&D. They should have high Research speed and Technology skills.

Specialists
From Year 15

Hardware Lab Team
Critical

Creating your own console requires a dedicated team. Assign your best Technology specialists.

Hiring
From Year 25
Console Development
Important

Building a console needs 2-3 dedicated staff for 6+ months. Plan your team capacity accordingly.

Specialists
From Year 25