Level-5 rewards knowledge with eye-watering pay hikes – but only if you nail the games
Level-5 is taking a decidedly unusual approach to employee motivation: quizzing staff on their own games to unlock substantial pay rises.
A test of expertise, and a shocking payback
CEO Akihiro Hino revealed that employees at the Fukuoka-based studio can add significant sums to their salaries by acing “knowledge quizzes” focused on the developer’s extensive catalog, including the beloved Professor Layton series, Yo-kai Watch, and the Ni No Kuni RPG.
The exact figures remain confidential, reportedly leaving reporters stunned, but the implication is clear: deep knowledge of Level-5’s intellectual property is now a tangible, financially rewarding skill. It’s a stark contrast to recent layoffs at gaming behemoths like Bungie and Microsoft, showcasing a different strategy for retaining talent.
Beyond the trivia: streamlining operations
Hino framed this initiative as a broader operational benefit. He argues that highly knowledgeable employees aren’t just rewarded; they’re positioned to take on more responsibilities, effectively acting as internal consultants and streamlining workflows. “If their knowledge is insufficient, we’ll need other team members to support them or review their work,” Hino stated. A demonstrable understanding of the company’s history and output translates directly into increased productivity.
A pc debut for layton
Level-5’s next major release, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, is slated for a wide PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch launch later this year. This marks the first time in the series that a Layton adventure arrives on PC and PlayStation, a strategic shift reflecting broader industry trends. The move comes amidst significant upheaval in the gaming sector, with PlayStation recently implementing drastic staff reductions at Bungie and Microsoft bracing for substantial layoffs.
The price of passion
Hino’s comments highlight a fascinating intersection of corporate strategy and employee engagement. It's a bold, almost playful, assertion that a genuine passion for the company’s games represents a valuable, quantifiable asset. And frankly, it’s a welcome change from the increasingly sterile, data-driven approaches dominating the industry. The success of Layton, and the broader appeal of titles like Yo-kai Watch, demonstrates that immersive, engaging experiences – and the people who create them – remain paramount.