Pros
Project Diversity: I worked as a DE, but had unlimited scope to take on non-DE projects. I could creating and deploying cloud ML solutions, delving into NLP insights, or designing infographics + pitch decks and author blog posts. ~70% of the time; I was trying new things and working on challenging projects I cared about. The work was not only challenging, meaningful, and deeply fulfilling. Constant Learning: The company culture prioritized continuous learning. Even the CTO, Robert, actively engaged in exploring, building, and showcasing things built on new tech. This, with Weekly engineering sessions where the team shared learnings, insights, or their projects fostering a culture of constant improvement. Autonomy & Risk-taking: Engineers enjoy a remarkable level of autonomy, and can undertake untested projects without fear of reprimand. Failure is treated as a valuable learning experience rather than a reason for chastisement. While there were regular check-ins, the absence of micromanagement allowed for a creative and productive work atmosphere. Shipping it Right Without Crunch: Unlike the prevalent crunch culture in the gaming industry, Gamesight prioritized delivering quality without sacrificing work-life balance. I rarely worked late nights during my three-year tenure, and Robert is committed to avoiding overtime. The philosophy of iterating quickly, breaking things, and shipping right is refreshing. Great teammates: Almost everyone working for Gamesight is excited to be there. They're all gamers, will grow to become not just great colleagues, but close friends; and are passionate about the company goal of helping great games find success. It's an environment of contagious excitement; with everyone trying to help one another out.
Cons
Backtrack on performance bonuses: During my performance review, I was told my stock options would double given all I had done. In reality- I had to keep following up for months- and after a year of unfulfilled assurances- I learned it was axed due to "bad precedence". This felt like a betrayal of my trust, especially considering my impact and contributions during challenging times like COVID-19. Secretly cut employee stocks: A subsequent promise of ~35% stock increase revealed an unsettling truth about the company issuing the same percentage of shares, resulting in stock dilution for existing employees. This move, disguised as an enhancement, required a three-year commitment with a one year cliff just to merely maintain current stock levels. Backtrack on COVID-19 Backpay: Amidst pay cuts and furloughs during the pandemic, reassurances of back pay and stock bonuses were dangled as ways of saying thanks. Some of us were furloughed, others having pay cut by 75%- so stock + being paid back was enticing. However, a year later, we learned both these promises were unceremoniously axed while the team count had tripled and the company even bringing in several industry experts. Backtrack on profit sharing: There are no annual performance bonuses or bonuses when the company does well. We had one round of profit sharing which was axed. Poor Performance Communication: Constructive criticism was shockingly absent until performance reviews, hindering personal and professional growth. Despite my role during COVID-19, my efforts were deemed unvaluable without any corresponding pay adjustment. This is despite me repeatedly asking for feedback during weekly syncs, and my work being pivotal to finding and pitching to new clients which helped keep us afloat. My departure from Gamesight was not due to a lack of positive aspects but rather a culmination of compensation-related issues that left me feeling disrespected and eroded my trust in the leadership. If Gamesight were to address the above issues- I have no doubt it would be one of the better places to work at within the games industry.