Really great start, but increasingly dysfunctional as they struggle to become a big company - Anonymous employee Niantic Employee Review

3.0
26 May 2019
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Really smart coworkers Engineering culture is still amazing Work-life balance issues have been fixed

Cons

Recent chaos emanating from the top level - team needs have been ignored for half a year and recent wild priority shifts. John sometimes takes pointless stands that clearly undermine his own goals. Managers spread too thinly Understaffed teams. Some teams totally neglected while others soak up attention and power Penny-wise, pound-foolish / stingy with reimbursements and equipment Overcrowded and noisy offices (^ and they will not reimburse headphones) New team members are always announced at the very last minute; no way to prepare

avatar
Niantic Response
6y
Thank you for sharing this. - D

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.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All