Pros
• Cutting edge tech and full support for such at all levels
• Games that are treated as art, not as a mere product. The company is run by a creative, not a horde of cynical marketing/business types.
• Exciting creative atmosphere. Feeling of working on something truly special.
• Friendly, collaborative energy within the art team and between departments
• Ridiculously high level kitchen serving breakfast, lunch and weekly dessert surprises. Ri-di-cu-lous...
• Some hybrid work possible. Management very generous with negotiating special arrangements for people who request it.
• All manner of perks and help provided, from free financial advisors to physio to self-improvement events (courses, conferences and the like)
• No overtime ...not even the wink-wink 'it's up to YOU' type
Cons
• Projects last 8+ years, requiring epic levels of psychological endurance and limiting 'upward mobility' for those seeking leadership roles (this in itself does not however limit salary)
• Upper management distant and lacking transparency. As the company grows, the under-communication becomes more of an issue
• Art and gameplay style are hard to grasp and bar is very high, which creates its own kind of pressure