Intelligence agency Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and TMP Worldwide are launching a recruitment campaign to run on Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE service, targeting the online gaming community.

The six-week campaign features graphic video clips and static advertisements designed to help potential candidates experience GCHQ’s work, which can range from tackling hackers to fighting organised crime.

The project aims to help fill around 250 predominantly IT and technical roles at graduate and professional level.

Caroline Waterfield, press officer at GCHQ, says: “We can offer excellent training and careers for people with specialist technical skills. However, the fact remains that many potential candidates remain unaware of GCHQ and what we do. Using video on Xbox LIVE helps carry our message to the right people in a creative and innovative manner.”

Clare Horbury, digital team manager at TMP, says: “GCHQ is keen to recruit a diverse range of people – many of whom will not have considered this type of work, or even be aware they might be in demand by the intelligence services. Many gamers have the right skills and we know they’re particularly receptive to advertising within their space. With this in mind we hope we can encourage even more people to investigate the many career opportunities at GCHQ.”