CD PROJEKT RED Reviews

Pros

I joined CDP few months before E3 2019, before I worked at a several AAA game development studios in North America and Europe. I was there for a crunch period before the show, getting the demo ready. Anyways, the pros: -You got to work on the most anticipated game -There is some really advanced tech under the hood to work on -People are MUCH more motivated than at my previous jobs -26 days of paid vacations + paid sick leave -Paid overtimes: 150% during weekdays, 200% on weekends. I've never seen anything like that in North America - you get 100%, in best case, or it's "but you're getting bonus/some random time-off". Here you get a fair pay AND a bonus. -Overtimes are optional: we had a meeting with a producer, who reiterated, that though they'd appreciate if we help, they don't want us to get tired and overworked. Few people of the team (including me) did some overtime, few didn't, I felt no peer-pressure. And again - I don't mind at all doing a few hours during a weekend for a DOUBLE money -Salaries are HUGE in the local purchase power (even without a bonus). If I were to live in UK, I'd need 6 figures yearly salary in pounds, so I could afford the same life quality. I am not sure you can get this at any other gamedev studio working on a AAA single-player title -The onsite gym and canteen are REALLY good and save a lot of time on commute - I was working out regularly even during crunch periods -The feedback system is very transparent and you get feedback every month -Last but not least - I really enjoy working with people which mean what they say, and which really need the work you do

Cons

There hasn't been many for me so far, despite I've been very concerned reading the Glassdoor reviews :) But apparently, it's either they are too emotional, or the company has changed A LOT. Anyway, if I were to nitpick something to try to be objective: There were a few hiccups during the recruitment process: particularly, there were some delays in the interview process and a confusion for the starting date. Also, the immigration process for the spouse was not very clearly explained, but it worked out well in the end.

Pros

Good work ethic Good people Good equipment

Cons

rumours and lies fill the office

Pros

+Great, talented and hard-working people from all over the world. + Good for CV, people outside of industry are impressed to hear of someone working there. + Good pay for locals. Ex-pats get some bonuses to match western paychecks. + Cheery atmosphere on the work floors, people bringing snacks from trips, jokes etc. Active off-topic channels. + Free Gym, with a qualified trainer and a Multi-Sport card if someone wants to go swimming etc. to other places in the city. + Multiple lunch options: Sandwiches in the morning, breakfasts, vending machines, We have a vegan canteen and a REGULAR one just next to it. Food trucks on daily rotation if someone wants something different. No one goes hungry in CDP building. + Very cool parties organized by HR. + 20-26 paid leave days...

Cons

- ...but often trouble to find time for vacation. - Crunches for years. People staying for 10-12h/day and coming in on weekends, just so they can meet the required dates. And that's not during approved crunch. During "real" crunches some people tend to stay till 2 or 4 am, then show up next morning to do the same. After some time, the project is redesigned and a lot of effort goes into the bin, while new deadlines and design decisions make people shake their heads. Might be good for the game, but holy crap - where's the prototypes and preproduction? - Lack of decisions. Often we show multiple approaches, get some critique and go back to the drawing board without clear direction. Sometimes the critique is: "Make it cooler" or "Oh, I like this idea, can we implement this as a new system". People are scared to be creative, as someone from the management might see a feature and wish it to be implemented into the game, without giving more time to do so. - Lack of pro-active HR. You really have to have a breakdown or turn into a fish for someone to notice and set up a quick meeting. Promises of keeping an eye out are just promises. - Multiple leads changes in a short time. - As Seniors and Leads disappear, plan is to replace them with 2-3 Juniors, expecting them to do the same job. Can't really complain as i suspect that's how i got in, thrown into deep water [good exercise though].