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The Top 7... Worst jobs in the games industry

Fun and games don't always go together

Words: Tyler Wilde, GamesRadar US

3. Mascot

You don’t see them very often, but grown adults are in fact paid to walk around in giant game character costumes (though we still aren’t sure if they’re hired contractors, interns or PR specialists being punished). We’ve seen them at a few industry events, at tournaments, and even occasionally in our own office.


Above: Nintendo editor Brett Elston poses with Aiai and Sonic in front of GamesRadar’s giant cookie wall – we don’t know why we have a giant cookie wall either

Looks fun, standing in a costume, hot as hell, pretending to be happy for the enjoyment of a bunch of hyperventilating geeks. We certainly appreciate their dedication to making us squeal with glee, but we wouldn’t want to do it.

2. Executive of a Console Manufacturer or Major Publisher

Make loads of cash, jet around the world and have a major impact on the future of the games industry - what the hell is better than that? Er, what the hell is worse?

Sure, times can be good, like for Satoru Iwata, CEO of Nintendo. But would you really want to be in the shoes of Sony's Kazuo “Riiiiidge Racer” Hirai or Jack "I'll give you $1200 for a PS3" Tretton right now? With stockholders breathing down their necks and constant public scrutiny, everything these industry leaders say and do will be scrutinized, misinterpreted, and lampooned.

It's a hard job, and we don’t envy them. Though we do like to quote them when they say stupid things.


 
9 Comments
Order Comments: Newest First | Oldest First
GamesRadarCharlieBarratt  - 1 year 2 months ago 
That picture of Paul never gets old. They're both wearing glasses!!!
abovedefault  - 1 year 1 month ago 
I currently work full time at NOA, and I happen to love it there, and I couldn't imagine a better job for myself right now. If you want a more informed view so you can correct your article, let me know.
PiplupChimcharTurtwigOhMy!!!  - 1 year 1 month ago 
cool
scbyfn4evr  - 1 year 6 days ago 
Abovedefault....have you worked at EVERY game company?
If you have, feel free to "correct" their article.
Otherwise, enjoy your job, and leave theirs to them.
KirbyCupcake  - 1 year 3 hours ago 
You've just turned me off working in gaming, lol.
SilverWerewolf  - 11 months 23 days ago 
Retail Employee? Are you kidding me?

I work at Gamestop and nine times out of ten the customers are quite nice. Jerks do come in, but they don't stick around long and they even provide a good laugh from time to time.

The last jerk I dealt with was at the Lich King midnight release.
NullG7  - 9 months 28 days ago 
The things you guys at gr do post are always informative and fun to read thanks guys
D1n0cz4r  - 9 months 14 days ago 
Yeah i work at an independent video game retail store non corporate, i work with 2 other like minded guys my age, and its the best job ive ever had.
Romination  - 8 months 30 days ago 
i came back for the Paul Ryan picture.
it's worth my time.
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