STAFF PROFILE: STEVE, GAME DESIGNER (cont.)
What is it like to work at Rare?
The people:
For me, the most notable thing about working with other folk here at Rare is that almost everyone shares at least one major thing in common – a love of video games. Because of this, there's a good chance of being on the same wavelength and getting on with people right from the outset. This may not sound like that big a deal but when you spend most daylight hours around the people you work with, I think it can make all the difference between really enjoying your job and not.
The environment:
I don't need to say much about the Rare environment as the photos of it on this website speak for themselves. Having previously worked in a city centre, the tranquility of working in a wide open space is literally a breath of fresh air (unless you happen to suffer from hay fever)! Of course there are downsides to working in such a rural spot, i.e. your car being perpetually plastered with tractor crud and the obvious lack of facilities that working in a major city offers. Having said that, the three nearest cities (Birmingham, Nottingham & Leicester) are all within acceptable commuting distance and the bulk of rush hour traffic is headed in the opposite direction. Indeed, any road congestion to and from work is typically only caused by the aforementioned tractors.
So I guess to any of you out there reading this with a love of games (including those already stuck in the rut of an unfulfilling career and looking to escape) and harbouring a secret desire to work alongside like-minded people, all I can say is "why not apply? It's worth a shot. What's the worst that can happen?" |
