Conflicted startup - Anonymous employee Niantic Employee Review

2.0
8 Apr 2018
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- They are going to be even more successful than how much they already are, that is without a doubt. - Pay is quite competitive (but this does not matter as much when you consider how much you are actually going to be working once you begin). - The people here are some of the most intelligent people you will ever met. You will make great friendships and learn much from them everyday.

Cons

- The most significant con: no work life balance at all. On one hand, this might depend on the manager you have, but on the other hand, everyone in the company is constantly under pressure and there is an overlying sense of tension across the entire company. Though people may talk about attaining work life balance, the fact is that it does not exist here as of yet. - Lackluster medical care options and PTO. 15 days off per year in Silicone Valley. This is just one example that points towards how they do not have the employees in mind. - Incredibly stingy for a very successful startup. No guests allowed to have lunch at headquarters, snacks are lackluster at best, and no company happy hours or events aside from the annual holiday party.

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Niantic Response
8y
10-4 on the pros AND cons and much appreciated on sharing all these insights with us.

Explore other reviews about Niantic

5.0
20 Jan 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people, the amazing office, the work life balance, the benefits, 401k match

Cons

Niantic had few flaws and none that come to mind currently

3.0
12 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Niantic has a unique mission and works on products that blend technology, gaming, community, and real-world exploration. The people are generally smart, passionate, and collaborative, and there are opportunities to work on creative projects with global impact. The company also offers a good learning environment for those interested in gaming, AR, live operations, and location-based products.

Cons

Priorities can shift frequently, which sometimes makes it difficult for teams to stay focused or understand how their work connects to the broader company strategy. Communication from leadership could be clearer, especially during periods of change. Some processes feel reactive rather than proactive, and cross-functional alignment can vary depending on the team.

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