Del Campbell: The Cons of Working in the Game Industry

Del Campbell, currently working at Avalanche Software, has been in the game industry for about the same amount time as I have been alive.  He has spent all those years with continued passion for what he does.  Over those years he has learned that there are a few negative sides in working in the game industry.

Cons:

                Hours – If you work in the game industry it is not rare that you work 40+ hour weeks. This is just the norm, so it is something you should get used to. Part of the reason people work so many hours is game industry is also no stranger crunch. During crunch, employees are expected to work at least 60+ weeks and that includes working on weekends. Working all those crazy hours can and will wear out people out. This will lead to many people getting a divorce.

It Actually Work – People think that getting into the game industry is all fun and games since we are making games. But they are in for a rude awaking because making games is hard and requires lots work. Many smart people work extremely hard to make a game, so making a game is not the same as playing games.

Stability – The game industry is not a very stable industry to work in. It is possible that you may work for weeks without getting paid and you will do it because you are passionate for the product you are making. Smaller companies are especially scary because you may have a job one day and the next you do because work is low. Also if the company releases a game that is not successful the company has a high likelihood of shutting down. And if you are the new guy working at a place that just shipped a product, there is a chance of you getting laid off while the work load is low.