13 months ago I left the game industry to work at Amazon on non-game software. Now I’m getting PIP’d out of Amazon. I’m not sure what to feel or what to do next. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Was it a mistake to leave?
Where’d you work before?
Been PIP'd for stupid political reasons before and survived. If you want to stay, just do your best to hang on and reset expectations. Sometimes non game companies don't understand how self taught and adaptable game devs are and don't want to wait to see you adjust. Definitely start looking either way.
I left the industry twice and regretted both times. First was to get a much needed raise and sane hours so I could actually spend time with my new son. Second was during the last recession that started with a layoff, and I found gambling companies to be more stable, less hit driven. I have been stuck in it for 10 years now, and I have been pigeonholed as a gambling game dev by the game industry despite 20 years in console and PC games. I do miss video games.
I think it really depends on what company outside of game dev you're leaving for. Most problem domains would feel boring after game dev but there are definitely exceptions and experience in game dev may help you find these more interesting opportunities, e.g. VFX studios, real-time systems, system programming, AR/VR.
You can always go back to work at gaming industry right?
Not really. It could be good for sometimes, but not for most of time of your career as you thoughts.
Let's swap places because I'm regretting leaving Amazon.
Would love to hear your thoughts on why.
Less pay to do just as much BS project. Not once did I feel like I'm making the game.
Yes, happened to me. I regretted it. I'm at Unity now, much better.
Roblox is hiring like crazy! DM me for more information.
Curious, what’s your favorite Roblox game?
Reason for being PIPed?
Stack ranking? Bad manager? I didn’t work the required 60 hours a week? Not really sure.
How can you honestly not know? I mean, maybe you don't know the "real" reason but what reason were you given? Not trying to be facetious, I'm genuinely curious if they straight up don't tell you at Amazon.