A while back I wrote about how my start date at Petroglyph had been delayed (see Setback). Unfortunately as of today they aren't any closer to knowing when I can start the position, and the official word is that it could be anymore from a day to another month (it's already been close to a month since I was originally to have started in the first place).

My feelings are mixed. I still think I would enjoy working there immensely, and I still think the people are great. Being offered a position there was a dream come true! On the other hand, this is the 3rd in a series of delays (the first was after I interviewed when I was informed they would have to wait until the new year, the second was the 2-4 week start date push-back, and the third is the revelation that they just don't know for sure at all now). After having to explain to everyone I know why I wasn't actually starting my new job as planned, I'm frankly having a hard time maintaining excitement about the whole thing. Many people have asked me if the delay made me nervous, and yes, it did. Very disappointing to find out that my nervousness was validated today.

Since I was notified of the 2-4 week delay (one month ago), I put in an additional portfolio/application to Blizzard, but with no response. I never did hear from EALA either. What is really frustrating is the fact that I know I have the skills, but getting noticed at these big companies must be REALLY hard. Some HR person probably saw that I had no prior industry experience and chucked my application even before taking a hard look at my demo and abilities.

An additional problem is the fact that I'm picky. I don't want to go work for just any game company--I want to be passionate about the types of games they create. I really don't want to end up at a lame company that makes lame games (and there are plenty out there!). The whole reason I left my web programming job was to get out of the mindless grind and do something I can enjoy. I don't believe that any random gaming company can fulfill that.

To be clear, I still hope things work out with Petroglyph, and soon. I'm sure they are just as disappointed as I am in the way things have turned out (my understanding is that they had no control over the situation), and all it would take to get me super excited again would be a firm start date in the very near future. In the meantime, my sanity and self-interest require that I look seriously at other options. I've allowed plenty of time to hear back from my 1st choice companies, and now that the window of response for Blizzard has closed, it's time to move to my 2nd choices. I'll be mailing out more portfolios and Red Rover demos soon.