At first glance, EVE Online might seem like just another sci-fi game — but look closer, and you’ll find one of the most complex leadership and organisational simulations in existence. In this blog, we explore how EVE’s in-game corporations mirror real-world workplaces, complete with recruitment processes, onboarding, team management, leadership development, and conflict resolution. These corporations are run entirely by players, many of whom take on roles equivalent to HR professionals — often without even realising it. From managing remote teams across time zones to fostering inclusive digital cultures, the skills developed in EVE are not only transferable but highly valuable in today’s HR landscape. If you’ve ever led a fleet, trained new recruits, or navigated alliance diplomacy, chances are you’ve been building professional competencies along the way. It’s time we recognised gaming as a legitimate space for developing the next generation of leaders — and EVE Online is leading the charge.

Gaming and HR may seem like unlikely companions, but the skills developed in immersive gaming environments — from leadership and communication to data analysis and strategic thinking — are highly transferable to the world of human resources. In fact, gamers often take on roles that mirror HR responsibilities: leading teams, resolving conflict, building communities, and making quick, informed decisions under pressure. As modern HR becomes more digital, analytical, and people-focused, it’s time to recognise that professional development doesn't just happen in the office. It happens in guilds, fleets, campaigns, and co-op missions. This blog explores the deep and often overlooked overlap between gaming and HR, and makes the case for why employers should take this kind of experience seriously. If we want to build more inclusive, skills-based workplaces, we need to expand our definition of what valuable experience really looks like.