86% of Developers Satisfied With Their Jobs

[John Funk]

86% of Developers Satisfied With Their Jobs

Despite layoffs and economic hardships, it seems that most developers still like their jobs and the field they work in.

Making games for a living is seen by many as a dream job, but those who are actually in the field would tell you that it's tough work. Hours can be long, pay can be average, and there's always the danger that your studio will shut down. But despite that, a survey of developers found that many were satisfied with their current career.

Out of the 2,623 developers surveyed, 86% were at the least "somewhat satisfied" with their jobs. Approximately 2/3rds of respondents were "satisfied" or "extremely satisfied," and a scant 14% said they were "not satisfied" with their career. When asked whether their chosen field - that is, the games industry - was "still a great industry to work in," 88% said they agreed/strongly agreed, while only 12% disagreed/strongly disagreed.

Not all of the responses were rosy: Developers are concerned about a shrinking job market, with 80% of respondents saying that there were fewer jobs available in 2010 than there were in 2009. However, 56% felt there were more opportunities available to them, perhaps reflecting a growing awareness of positions outside of the mainstream industry.

More than half believe the industry is "gaining momentum."

So there you have it, folks: 86% of developers like their jobs, and the rest probably work at Infinity Ward. Can I get a rimshot?

(Via Gamasutra [http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28040/Study_Game_Developers_Remain_Happy_With_Industry_Despite_Job_Concerns.php])

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[LoopyDood]

Developers are concerned about a shrinking job market, with 80% of respondents saying that there were fewer jobs available in 2010 than there were in 2010.

I think there may be a slight discrepancy in these statistics.

 

[cobrausn]

I would freaking love to get in on this.

Still waiting on an answer back from Timegate Studios with regards to that internship. The waiting, it kills me.

 

[Armored Prayer]

Well obviously they are satisfied with their job or else they wouldn't be working in that field.

But its good to hear many developers are happy with their jobs.

 

[Plurralbles]

I think game developers are doing somethign they had a great interest in way before they ever got the job. It's extremely satisfying work. I hope when I get a job in the industry I'll be able to report my satisfaction as, "very satisfied"

 

[The Lawn]

Wow... right before I clicked to read this story... I did a thumbs up at my monitor...

But I'm glad to hear that the vast majority of developers are happy, because my long term goal is to be one... and it I found out it sucked... I'd probably jump off this bandwagon.

 

[Radeonx]

I'm not surprised.
Given that I'm sort of working into the development industry, it's quite fun, and even though the pay is somewhat low sometimes, it can still be a fantastic job if you are passionate about it.
Like I said, I'm not surprised.

 

[ReverseEngineered]

I wonder how many of these employees answered honestly. Were they sure their bosses wouldn't find out? Getting a job in the industry is hard enough; I sure wouldn't jeopardize it by complaining in a survey.

 

[Danpascooch]

Developers are concerned about a shrinking job market, with 80% of respondents saying that there were fewer jobs available in 2010 than there were in 2010.

I think there may be a slight discrepancy in these statistics.

Lol, I didn't see that.

The high satisfaction rate is good news for me, I am entering the Rochester Institute of Technology this fall for Game Development and Design.

 

[The Great JT]

86% satisfied with their jobs.
All of about 1 year's experience in the industry on average.

Wait, what?

 

[Twilight_guy]

So there you have it, folks: 86% of developers like their jobs, and the rest probably work at Infinity Ward. Can I get a rimshot?

Here ya go! [http://www.instantrimshot.com/]

Well that's interesting to hear. If I actually decide to gravitate towards the games industry at least I know that I'll probably be happy (in between the moments of soul crushing crunch). It's also nice to hear that people who makes games enjoy doing it. That just makes games all the more fun.

 

[Nurb]

doing something creative and new while getting paid well for it? Who wouldn't be mostly satisfied?

Well.. Bobby Kotic I guess because he can't get any of them to work for free

 

[Low Key]

Also: Coincidentally, the 14% worked for Activision and kept passing the interviewers notes reading "Help me".

Funny, except Activision is a publisher, not a developer.

My guess is most of the 14% came from Rockstar.

 

[Starke]

Damn, the actual report costs money. I mean, I understand, but at the same time, I love getting my hands on raw statistical data like this.