Funcom Reviews

I am truly sorry that you had this impression and experience at Funcom. I would like to have a chance to respond to your "Cons", first in regards to toxic management, there is a difference between studio management and team leads. Funcom's management has always been seen as supportive, communicative and they strive to make sound decisions that will never negatively impact the company or the employees. I believe that you may be referring to a team lead when you speak about toxicity and backstabbing. This issue has been resolved, we understand that people are not perfect, and we are working on making Funcom a better place to work and thrive. Secondly, to address the "toxic project" comments, linked to low morale and pivots; with any project in any industry there are changes, there are revisions and there are updates, this is no different in game development at Funcom. In general, people do not like change...change is difficult to handle, but the reality is that change is needed at times. Here at Funcom, we have to change at times, we have to adjust to what is best for our projects, customers and for the studio as a whole. I am sorry that you had a difficult time adjusting to those changes on the project, we hope that by making those changes and pivots, our game will be amazing and successful. Low morale can spawn from making changes, however, we are working on showing the value of these changes to our team. Third, regarding the mental breakdown comment, our typical workload is consistent with a 40 hour work-week. We have a Scandinavian mentality when it comes to a work-life balance, and we deliver on that. Dozens of other game development studios have employees working 70+ hour weeks, at Funcom we plan and strive for 40 hour work weeks. We also give all employees 25 days of PTO and we are flexible with life situations. Fourth, I would like to address the "severely underpaid" comment, at Funcom we align our salaries with the cost of living , location and industry standards. We pride ourselves on offering competitive salaries in addition to an amazing package that includes fully paid benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Long -term Disability, Life Insurance), 25 days of PTO, 8 Sick Days, 10 Paid Holidays, stock options, etc. Everyone always wants to be making "more" money, but here at Funcom most employees can agree that their salaries and the full compensation package are more than generous. We are making changes here at Funcom to make this studio a great place to work and to produce great games. Change is inevitable, the only question is how people deal with change. I hope this explanation helps, I am always available to talk. Paxton Galvanek HR Manager paxtong@funcom.com

I am sorry that you had such a negative experience at Funcom, so much so that you'd give the title "Beware" especially since you were employed with the studio for 8+ years. There has been some ups and downs at the studio during the past 25 years and we feel that recently the studio has been making some strategic changes for the better. 1. Salaries in the US have been adjusted recently and are absolutely competitive to other entertainment/tech companies in the Raleigh area. Salaries can be compared on Glassdoor.com 2. Funcom Inc. offers fully paid medical, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance to employees, spouses and entire families. The plans that we offer to employees are "top tier" plans, this was confirmed by multiple benefits suppliers including ADP and Insperity. 3. Funcom offers a 401K plan to employees including Roth IRAs. 4. Promotions are based on performance and need, we are a mid-sized studio (as of June 2018 we have 135 employees between Raleigh and Oslo). The studio gives employees an opportunity to grow and mentor Juniors/Associates, they can then earn the Senior title and when they are ready to manage a team they are given the "Lead" title. This model is true for most game development studios and there are absolutely opportunities for growth and promotion within Funcom. 5. We are not sure how you can say that Cost of Living increases are non-existent when studio leadership and Human Resources gave each and every full time employee a competitive cost of living adjustment in January 2018. 6. Funcom consider all employees as "IN" which is why they are employed by Funcom and they are not "OUT" which means they have the opportunity to grow within the studio and to increase their role, responsibility and their salary. 7. Employees are rewarded with stock option opportunities, promotions, salary increases and new job opportunities. This is for all employees and not just employees who are friends with the Producers. If you would like to discuss anything within this response the HR door is always open at Funcom!