Relative to Activision and Microsoft, Electronic Arts and Sony Computer Entertainment America have the misfortune of poorly timed geography. As mega-publishers and game platforms, all four are rich with proven game talent and invaluable experience, but also saddled with institutional hierarchy and now an ironic shift in employment stability. However, only EA and SCEA are a stone’s throw from the social mobile revolution, whose epicenter is San Francisco. Zynga, Kabam, and in full disclosure, the companies that Shawn and I work at, hire liberally from these and other traditional game companies in driving distance. Even with these rich resources at arm’s length, there’s scarcity in certain specific areas, causing recruiters to adopt increasingly audacious tactics to hit their target. The Bay Area is not enough. Seattle and LA are now fair game. Enter the Valve Handbook for New Employees. Please take a moment to read the recently released pamphlet, it’s a quick read, available here. I’ll wait.

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