There's not many of us who've been developing games since the Dexterity days and are still active now. Sad to see you go, but congrats landing a position in Google. I'm hitting close to 9 years of game development, and the last 4 years was mostly creating Hidden Object games aka light adventures. I definitely felt the burn, but I'm here to stay - this year my goal is still to expand the company, but only come to office Monday, Wednesday, and maybe Friday
Good luck in the new job. I take it your sister will be running Mystery Studio from now on. While you may not be working at it full time it would be a good idea to keep in the loop, even only slightly as this means you at least have a fall back. Maybe even in a year or two you may decide you want to go back into game dev so it will still be there for you. Maybe even just to do 'your own thing' and bring something new to the company.
9 years? 9!? Am I the only one posting on this good-bye thread that suddenly feels old. Now I have to figure out how long it's been for me. ... ... 7 years? Anyway, I'm with ya - I've certainly felt the allure of stability and "less caring" - oh to be a cog in the machine Well, best of luck to you in Zurich and beyond. We'll probably still be here when you come back a decade later. Jack will be back making sports games, SteveZ will once again be trying to make a platformer, and Keith will be making another game 10 years ahead of its time with a clever name. Because in the end, we all come full circle eventually. (yeah yeah, and someone will say something about me doing press releases again. lol) -Joe
Back!? I AM making a sports game right now! Just... I discovered is better to partner with great coders than trying to do something beyond your skills! (yeah took me 8-9 years to get that lol)
I've been making games since 10 years and well, 2001 seems like a century behind to me. I've always had this impression that time passed sluggishly (could change opinion in the future I guess...)
What an exciting turn of events, Gabriel! I think changing things around every 10 years or so is a good idea for mind and spirit, so kudos for seizing your moment to do something new. Zürich? Nice choice! Clean mountain air, fondue, great skiing and watches... Sounds like a lot of fun.
Wow, well good luck Gabriel! Shame to see one of the old Dexterity guys moving on Hope everything works out for you with the big G! Iain
Hey Gabriel, Just wanted to wish you the very best with Google. Wouldn't it be ironic if they put you to work in the Android game development (or developer relations) department?!
Congratulations for all of your success and commitment in gamedev, and for you new job! After "only" 5 years of professional gamedev, I can pretty much understand (and sympathize) why all those database-jobs look like a relief. Or, in case of Google databases - like a challenge ;-) And... remember, Luke, never optimize - use the force!
Congrats. I'm in a similar boat, 30 now and first inspired to work on indie games by Steve Pavlina back when I was 21. I too have just started a new job, still working on games though! I guess 30 is a good age to try something new.
There's an irony. Steve Pavlina convinced me that I could make a living out of it all back in, hm, 2002. Now here I am 9 years later having just achieved minimum wage finally. I've only just gotten started! Cas
Heh, yeah he convinced quite a few of us I think, and of course at the same time Steve Pavlina now isn't doing games he's a motivational speaker/personal development coach... I'm sure there's a moral there somewhere Iain
Wow, Gabriel! Sorry to see you leaving the game industry, but I completely understand. I'm turning 30 in a week and I'm from the same indie generation as you. The last decade has been a rollercoaster. I've been fortunate enough to carve out a tiny piece of the pie that allows me to keep developing games mostly on my terms. However, I've been developing/maintaining a MMO for basically over 3 years and I'd like to move on to something else. Developing a few odd Flash games here and there has given me the only relief. While I'm content with game development, I don't see myself working on games at the same rate 10 years from now. I have other interests as well and I hope I have enough financial security and free time by then to pursue them. I just hope Gabriel that your new job isn't too stressful and demanding, so you can still pursue the other interests you mentioned in the previous topic. Either way congrats and good luck with the next stage in your life.
Wow, I would have done same thing if I was in your position. I would only sell 100% of my soul if it's to Google + Switzerland . Good luck with your new job in Zurich.
Yep I read Pavlina's "Cultivate Burning Desire" back in late 2004 and that's when it started. Maybe I'll stop professionally making games one day (when I'm a gazillionaire) and just garden and play the guitar, but I still think I'd like to make little games for a hobby because I'm not sure I could ever get bored of it...
Thanks all for your kind words, I'll miss you guys Which is why I'll continue to haunt the forums Yes, it is The onsite interview included a mini-tour of the office (and lunch at the new sushi restaurant, not seen in the pictures), and it's as amazing as it seems. The "aquarium" is even more impressive in person!