10 Amazing Perks Of Being A Game Developer Nobody Talks About
4. Absolute Security, Or Living On The Edge
The video games industry is one of the very few in the world which sees near unanimous growth, year after year. As such, it’s a great field to get into if you’re after job security.
However, that really only goes for AAA - though that space carries with it some huge perks in terms of health insurance, retention bonuses and a more tangible career ladder, the independent space is the complete opposite - a dangerous thrill-ride with all the security of using clingfilm as birth control.
Having worked for a huge AAA studio and a tiny independent team, the benefits for me have been numerous on both sides, but job security is the one thing that differs greatly. Whilst working for the man your work is consistent and assured, but whilst working for yourself, you’re only ever as safe as the connections you make.
It’s a tradeoff between complete creative autonomy (but having to fear not making rent next month) or being creatively limited (but getting a pay packet without fail).
I think it’s down to the individual which one you’ll gravitate towards, but it’s good knowing there’s a game dev route for both the Beige Brians and the Daredevil Dorothys out here.