Careers: Life at RTW
Andrew Wilson
Software Programmer
Coming to Realtime Worlds as a graduate, I didn’t really know what to expect. You hear some bad things about the games industry, after all. I was worried about working long hours, poor use of modern programming techniques and a cold relationship with management. I wouldn’t say these fears were unfounded—now that I work in the industry I hear even more horror stories—but I’ve found Realtime Worlds to be a professional working environment where people care about developing software using the best methods available.
Upon starting I was set to real work straight away. It was a bit scary, but never boring. Everyone was always very helpful if I had a question, but more than that they were very receptive to everything I had to say. Suggestions for better ways of doing things are always taken seriously, and I’ve never felt that I have had less of a voice for being the inexperienced newcomer. Similarly, any time I’ve had concerns I’ve found that people are more than willing to listen and do something about them. I really feel like a valued member of the team.
I work in an office that’s very sociable, with fun, interesting and considerate people from all over the world. We enjoy varied conversations over lunch, going to the pub and even baking for each other. (I hadn’t baked a cake in years—not sure it came out great, but everybody said nice things about it!) Even the managers come and eat with us at lunch and it’s a very friendly atmosphere.
I have no regrets about coming to work at Realtime Worlds and moving to Dundee. The work is varied and challenging, the people are great, the scenery is lovely and the weather is… um… not quite as wet as Glasgow.
