Level-5 has introduced a unique approach to internal development, with CEO Akihiro Hino revealing that the company now ties salary increases directly to an employee's knowledge of the studio’s internal philosophy and game catalog. In a recent interview with Famitsu, Hino explained that staff members who excel in these content knowledge tests receive a significant pay rise, regardless of their current career level.
Hino stated that this initiative is part of a broader effort to redefine how the company selects and nurtures talent. According to the CEO, focusing on a deep understanding of the studio’s work is just as important as technical ability. "If they lack the knowledge, you’ll need other members to support and check their work," Hino noted. "On the other hand, if they have the knowledge, they can become the central figure and streamline the work."
Shifting the Focus to Internal Expertise
The testing process isn't just limited to existing staff. Hino mentioned that he has become more involved in the initial selection rounds for new hires to ensure that the company doesn't overlook candidates who align with the studio's core philosophy. By prioritizing this understanding, the developer aims to ensure that team members are better prepared to take the lead on upcoming projects.
During the interview, the reveal of these salary adjustments clearly caught the interviewers off guard. While the specific monetary value of the raise was omitted from the published article, Hino indicated that the company is considering increasing these bonuses in the future. He framed the payouts not as a simple expense, but as a strategic investment, noting that the resulting efficiency gains are "even greater" than the cost of the salary increases themselves.
A New Approach to Team Management
This policy reflects a shift in how Level-5 values its workforce. By categorizing a deep familiarity with the company’s history and creative output as a formal "skill," the studio is incentivizing staff to engage more closely with its past and present titles. For those who can demonstrate this mastery, the path to taking on leadership roles within the team appears to be a core part of the new internal structure.
The announcement follows a period of high activity for the developer, which has recently been in the spotlight for its 25th-anniversary celebrations and the development of titles like DecaPolice. As the studio continues to refine its internal operations, the focus remains on ensuring that its team is as knowledgeable about its own creative legacy as the fans who play their games.