Cloud Imperium Games is a new kind of independent studio dedicated to delivering AAA experiences outside the established publisher system, founded by Chris Roberts, creator of the best selling Wing Commander and Freelancer series, Cloud Imperium is currently developing Star Citizen, a record-shattering crowd funded title that combines classic space sim gameplay with Hollywood-caliber visuals.
Cloud Imperium aims to pave new ground in game development by sharing the process with the players. Where game development was once hidden, Cloud Imperium has opted to share the process with those backing Star Citizen. Supporters come to know the team and follow them every step of the way as the game created. The community is closely engaged and their feedback Is considered in all aspects of game development, avoiding standard publicity to put Roberts’ epic vision directly in players’ hands.
Cloud Imperium has studios in Los Angeles, California ; Austin, Texas ; Manchester, UK and Frankfurt, Germany.
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
8
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: The funding for Star Citizen is huge, so it feels relatively stable compared to some other places in the game development industry. As a Game Developer, you get to work on cutting-edge tech. There's always something new to learn.
Cons: Project timelines are really long, so you need a lot of patience. While not terrible, job security can feel a little uncertain sometimes with big project shifts, even for an AAA game studio. You don't always know what's coming next.
Advice to Management: Try to be more transparent about long-term project planning and how team changes might impact people.
Show more
Pros: Working as a Game Designer, I usually had pretty solid 40-hour weeks. The hybrid work setup in our Los Angeles office was definitely a plus, making it easier to manage personal stuff. It's not always a crunch fest, which is good for a big gaming company.
Cons: But let's be real, when deadlines hit for our AAA titles, it's crunch time. Sometimes you're really pushing hard, and it can feel tough to totally disconnect. That ideal work-life balance you hope for in game development doesn't always happen here.
Advice to Management: Try to plan better to avoid those intense crunch periods, especially for core game development roles. Consistent communication about project timelines would help manage expectations for the team.
Show more
Pros: Working on Star Citizen is a huge resume builder for any Gameplay Programmer. You get to tackle really complex problems in large-scale game development. The experience in the game engine is invaluable, especially in our Austin, Texas office.
Cons: Career progression for individual contributors isn't always clear here. Sometimes it feels like you're stuck doing the same thing. You might struggle to diversify your skills beyond your specific area within this massive project.
Advice to Management: Define more explicit career paths for technical roles. This would help a lot with retention and employee motivation.
Show more
What is the day-to-day working culture like at Cloud Imperium Games for a game developer in Los Angeles?
No answers yet.
What is the general work culture like at Cloud Imperium Games for game developers in the UK?
No answers yet.
What is the day-to-day working culture like at Cloud Imperium Games for a software engineer?
No answers yet.
What's the general working culture like at Cloud Imperium Games, especially for roles in game development?
The culture at Cloud Imperium Games is very passion-driven, with many employees deeply invested in the Star Citizen and Squadron 42 projects. You'll find a collaborative environment where open communication is encouraged, though it can be fast-paced given the ambitious nature of the games.
What is the typical work environment like at Cloud Imperium Games, especially for roles in game development in the UK?
The work environment at Cloud Imperium Games is generally fast-paced and collaborative, reflecting the demanding nature of large-scale game development. Team members often work closely together on complex projects, fostering a dedicated atmosphere among those passionate about creating expansive gaming universes.
What is the day-to-day working culture like for game developers at Cloud Imperium Games in Los Angeles?
The culture at Cloud Imperium Games is fast-paced and collaborative, typical for a large-scale game development studio working on ambitious titles like Star Citizen. Developers often find themselves working closely with cross-functional teams, requiring strong communication and a passion for iterative development.
What is the general working culture like at Cloud Imperium Games for game developers in the UK?
The working culture at Cloud Imperium Games tends to be collaborative and passionate, with a strong emphasis on shared goals for their ambitious projects. Many developers appreciate the close-knit feel, though it can be fast-paced given the nature of game development.
What is the day-to-day working culture like at Cloud Imperium Games for a QA Tester?
The culture at Cloud Imperium Games is very collaborative, especially within the QA team. You can expect a fast-paced environment with frequent communication, as everyone is passionate about developing Star Citizen and Squadron 42. It's common to see team members actively sharing feedback and working together to identify and resolve issues.
