Ed from OC Posted November 14, 2004 Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 Here's a link to a white paper giving an inside look at Electronic Arts, the video game / software company. Those interested in software, video games, the tech industry, and corporate management may find this of interest. The author, a Carnegie Mellon computer science professor, spent a semester working at the company. The paper details his recommendations for creating a college program to train future game designers and programmers. A few points he makes about EA: * EA is bigger than Apple and Pixar combined * Between 20 and 200 people work on each game * EA is "a ruthless meritocracy with a brutally honest culture" * They are a model of how to manage people and processes * "The largest sin at EA is not delivering your game on time." * "People at EA work long hours, in large part because of their great passion for making games." * The company's stock has been an excellent investment: $1 invested in MSFT 14 years ago would be worth ~$40 today; invested in EA, it would be twice that. * Mediocre performers are not tolerated; high performers are well rewarded, encouraged, and promoted. This sounds to me like a terrific place to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McGroarty Posted November 14, 2004 Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 This sounds to me like a terrific place to work. Having spent a dozen years as a game programmer -- you pick a company based on where you want to live, not where you want to work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed from OC Posted November 14, 2004 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 Having spent a dozen years as a game programmer -- you pick a company based on where you want to live, not where you want to work. I would think wanting to work for a Hank Rearden (and wanting to avoid working for an Orren Boyle) would be more important than geography. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McGroarty Posted November 14, 2004 Report Share Posted November 14, 2004 I'm not talking about geography. Game development is more a lifestyle than a job. If you're a senior programmer or a lead for one of the other disciplines, you're going to be living in that office. You never have a leisurely 50 hour workweek, and for at least half of the year, 75-100 hour work weeks are the norm. It's a great feeling when the work's done and you see your product all over the magazines and store shelves, but it takes a huge toll on the rest of your life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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