Pros
I am very thankful for my job at Compulsion Games as well as to the kind-hearted and inspiring coworkers I have the chance to be working with. At Compulsion, I know that I am trusted and that whenever I want to develop a specific skill — or even a branching career path, I will be supported by my producer, director and lead. I have seen it on many occasions, being presented with many opportunities for growth: career, social skills, personal development, financial, etc. I have grown so much from my experience at Compulsion. The CEO Guillaume Provost truly has a heart of gold. This is not something that can be faked and I have a huge amount of respect for him. Employees are very well taken care of. Stellar benefits across the board: Generous salary, mouth-dropping bonuses, true work-life balance, extensive vacation, unlimited sick/personal days, health insurance, paid OPUS public transit, education, RRSP matching, mental health, surprise gifts sent throughout the year, thoughtful support in difficult times, multiple opportunities to go to game developper conventions (MIGS, PAX, GDC, etc.). Also I’m definitely forgetting some benefits; it’s hard to keep track. Oh yes, we get an Xbox Series X & Microsoft Game Pass subscription. The social dynamic with my colleagues has been very positive. For the most part, they are very friendly and passionate about their job. They have given me much help and support. I am very grateful for them. I have found the company to be very responsive to feedback, provided it is brought forward in a clear, positive manner. Throughout the years, I have had multiple concerns. I was encouraged to bring them forward and they have been very well received and — keeping in mind change takes time — I have seen many improvements. There is a lot to like about Compulsion. Provided you have a positive mindset and step forward to contribute to the team to the best of your abilities, you will be recognized and appreciated for your work. Ask yourself what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you. Help your peers, become invaluable and grow as a person.
Cons
Whilst the studio is clear about which kind of games it is making, it is still figuring out the process of building them. It has been tedious on the team because development and progress pace could be better handled. The studio has grown massively, which has unfortunately led to some growing pains. The most prominent issue being the clash between (in simple words) the “old, indie crowd” having shipped We Happy Few and the “new, senior AAA crowd” hired after. The conflicts that arise between both mostly fall on differences in how people are used to work: indie being more organic and free-flowing and AAA being more methodic and structured. Whilst most colleagues have been a true pleasure to work with, there has also been some with a very toxic, negative energy. Whilst at first, I have been very sympathetic to them and understanding of their struggles, I came to realize that they were emotionally immature people with inflated egos. These people have been projecting their own shortcomings onto others, blaming them and refusing to be accountable for their own situation. These toxic individuals were entitled, convincing themselves that they were better than others. They got jealous about other employees’ successes — such as promotions, pay grades, bonuses, etc. They were unable to trust superiors and were paranoid to the extent of thinking that everyone was out there to punish them. Instead of trying to make the project better, they were so frustrated about feeling under-appreciated that they spread their negativity onto others. Some even ignored good-willed coworkers only trying to help. The reason I am bringing the above point about toxic people is that I am unsatisfied with management’s reaction towards them. Whilst these despicable people are found everywhere, more drastic measures should had been taken to weed them out, before they did extensive damage. Management should put their feet down more and stop allowing blatant disrespect. Thankfully, those negative people pretty much all left, being unsatisfied and looking for greener pastures. Sadly, not without their contempt lowering the team’s morale and tarnishing the studio’s reputation in the process.