Was all right but the company changed - Artist ArenaNet Employee Review

3.0
17 Oct 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Relaxed, progressive atmosphere, comfortable working hours. Until 2019 everyone seemed so excited to create things. The future seemed bright.

Cons

Wages could have been better, massive layoffs and subsequent people quitting changed the vibe. It felt more corporate and passionless. Hopefully this has improved.

Explore other reviews about ArenaNet

5.0
22 Sept 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Let me be the first to write a review since there hasn't been any recently. I've been with the studio for a few years and have worked at many others in the video game industry. High-level, this studio is the one to work for. They have a great team, the leadership is great, and the studio is pretty secure from existing products that are still doing well. * Great work-life balance * Zero crunch mentality * Encourage mental health days * Management is very transparent * Management is open to feedback * Bonuses are actually a thing here * Raises are also a thing here * Very SOP driven to support you * Constant reviews of policies to ensure success

Cons

It's hard to find a con here. I would say the only thing is a little too much freedom for team members. They give you a few inches, some people may take a mile. But, that's on you to manage and ensure you are successful. As with most studios, it may often be hard to advance in certain teams, but on the other hand, they do pay well, do raises, bonuses, and ensure you are happy too. Other than that, been in the industry for 10+ years, have seen some really poorly managed studios and been through over 15 layoffs. This is not that studio. Layoffs have happened here, but they make sense, and management is dead set on reducing loss.

2
4.0
2 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Sense of community, diversity, co-workers.

Cons

Micro-management, toxic environment within certain departments, difficult to advance.

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