10 Things I Learned Working In The Gaming Industry
9. For The Biggest, Most Profitable Media Format Of All, The Game Dev World Is A Small One
I'm constantly finding myself joining a new studio for a project or two, only to discover a lot of my ex-colleagues are there, too. The narcissist in me likes to think it's just so they can be closer to me, but the truth is probably just that, beyond a certain point, everyone just knows everyone.
You may have heard that there's a AAA "senior shortage" - it's true... to an extent. That's because developer migration (from one studio to another) occurs so freely now, often at intermediate level, so many don't have a chance to promote to seniority. This is because studios, eager to get the best talent, will offer good developers incentives to migrate (and if it's a more exciting project for the individual, it's a temptation too big to ignore).
So then, it's not a big shocker that eventually you'll end up in this big career waltzer-spin, cyclically meeting the same faces over and over again as they meet you for a new exciting project. So, then, it makes sense to be as kind, honest and hardworking as possible - the chances are, you'll be meeting them again very soon.
... though I still think my irresistible charisma is the main driving force for all the reunions.