I work in games. Ive avoided specific companies and had a great career so far. For the last maybe 15 years the games industry has pushed against crunch and bro culture. The places that are famous for crunch are even relaxing because devs realized they have high paying options that don’t require it.

There are a number of big name studios that operate with compassion, at least toward their employees. (Did you know that EA is actually not a horrible place to work? Ive never worked there but have worked with plenty of people who have in the socal office) theres an insane amount of small to medium sized studios that are amazing places to work though.

Your son, with a little luck at the start and practice will make 6 figures easily as a programmer early in his career. Engineers make a lot and are always needed. The biggest hurdle is breaking into the industry.

The industry is changing for the better. I wouldn’t worry too much. Hopefully unions will come back in all industries - but so far for me Ive managed to do very well even with out them (but would join one in a heartbeat).

> My 11 year old wants more than anything to be a video game programmer and stuff like this kills me.

bruh, tell him sure you can do that just got to learn C++.

Then eventually he'll turn 20 and be like "oh wait these normal tech companies offer 4x the pay and equity, lol fuck video games".

Video games outside of indie startups or companies like Epic (who make engines) dont offer the same pay. Mainly because they cant because revenue is so hit or miss and overhead costs are higher.

> union thing catches

ehhh unless our laws change to more nordic style union laws where unions are less rent seeking and more okay with efficiency improvements.....i'd say nah to a US styled union.