Quote Originally Posted by cheesesteak View Post
Maybe I'm reaching, but I honestly think a positive and inclusive work environment is easier to manage when a developer is given 100% creative and scheduling freedom. When the game takes precedent over the dollar. Not always, sure, but just the feeling I get.
I agree with you cheesesteak. If their goal is providing a good work environment, supporting employees, and maintaining a productive culture provided they also have good leadership and direction, the probability of great games seems to increase. However, most are beholden to their shareholders and will do anything necessary to keep their shareholders happy.

I've seem similar situations at schools where one school has a great work environment while a similar school with similar clientele will be near-unbearable. Usually, it comes down to what the leadership at the school does and the policies that are enforced. A school that I use to dread going to seven years ago promoted a teacher to vice-principle and after a few years, I'm excited to accept assignments from that school.

Question that I keep pondering is, is there anything we can do, as a gaming community, to sway the companies into developing a better game development culture instead of this corporate monstrosity that they've become? I actually miss the days where game companies were small, they focused on making a fun game, and Corporate America wasn't investing in the industry, at the time.