It's like all those jobs - game developer, film jobs, graphic artist, artist, musician - too many young people want to do it and there's a lot of money if you're successful so it attracts sharks up the top who keep all the money. Just don't is my advice, unless you have a trust fund, which a large number of those successful have, you can weather out the early years then until you make a name for yourself.
I'm rather fond of the story of the Pulitzer prizewinning poet Wallace Stevens, who worked as an insurance attorney by day, and did his writing during his free time. He considered his unexciting day job to be something that enabled him to do his writing, by giving his life a stable foundation that left plenty of mental resources remaining for doing what he loved.
Some choice quotes on the subject:
"It is necessary to any originality to have the courage to be an amateur."
"It gives a man character as a poet to have a daily contact with a job. I doubt whether I've lost a thing by leading an exceedingly regular and disciplined life."
Derek Sivers had a blog entry with similar advice. Have a tolerable day job so that your hobby can remain an enjoyable pursuit rather than trying to make your passion into a viable business.
I've heard it said that Kafka never wanted his works published and, during his lifetime, they weren't. But I agree with the general sentiment. Gene Simmons had pretty good advice about it: "Even Clark Kent had a day job".
Yep, all the fun jobs have horrible work environments because people stick to it even if the job sucks. I'm a big fan of the boring jobs. If its not working out, you just leave and go somewhere else so employers have to compete by making the job more attractive in other ways.
Also, writing for lifestyle magazines/publications can be like this. Loads of 20s writers competing for few spots. I remember hearing what a friend was getting paid by a recognisable brand to interview/write - I have no idea how she could afford Sydney rent. But countless hopefuls would've fought to steal that job regardless.
I think if people are interested in game dev, it’s probably a better idea to work as a contractor doing boring business apps for income and then do games as a side project.
If you get lucky with a game, perhaps can ditch the contractor job, but otherwise at least you’ll have a nice income. Perhaps can save money for an early retirement, after which you’ll have plenty of time to focus on game dev.
Also, if your game becomes a big in this situation, you get to reap all the benefits.
