PopCap Games Reviews

Recently hired studio GM is business savvy, but has minimal experience building games and fostering a culture where game teams are empowered and positioned for creative success (although he thinks he does). GM will frequently play armchair designer with game teams resulting in high stress, uncertainty, chaos and churn within the teams themselves, often resulting in significant changes or resets of creative direction on products (live & in development). I would caution anyone female, or in a creative/lead position from joining PopCap until there is a studio leadership change, or studio can stabilize itself behind a successful new game.

- Some real weirdos mixed in with the nice people. Like, no eye contact, don't reply to "Good Morning" weirdos - Intentionally stagnant creativity. Used to be known for making creative, innovative, quirky, fun games. Strategy for the past 6 years: do nothing except PvZ and Bejeweled sequels, no new IPs. The original PvZ would never have been invented in such an environment. - Less than ideal office layout. Spreading company over 3 non-adjacent floors does not facilitate teamwork or camaraderie, keeps people in silos. - In the space of 10 months, my last team hired 7 consecutive mid-20s white males as programmers.