You know... It has been a month since I left the game industry and I am feeling pretty free. Sort of like being let out of a Turkish Prison with the bright light hurting my eyes. I am glad to be out, but have not completely adjusted to "life on the outside". It is getting close to the time that I expected to get nostalgic for the game industry and the thrill of the chase. It hasn’t happened yet, but I am expecting it. Before this nostalgia sets in, I want to chronicle my thoughts on "was this a good move for me". I haven't gained enough perspective to have a definitive answer (as if I ever will), but I want to share my thought process with all ya'alls. If it helps anyone out there avoid the pain and heartache of the industry, it's all worth it.

With a nod to Nick Bakay, I now present "Tale of the tape: Game Job vs. Prison".

Category	Game Job	Prison	Advantage
Housing	Only guarantee is a cot in the office cube next to “Crazy Jeff”.	A solid roof over your head, but must bunk with “Rocko”.	Push
Meals	Sometimes Pizza, Sometimes Chinese, sometimes you can’t eat due to lack of time or lack of money.	3 Squares of uninspiring food served on metal trays and surrounded by thugs.	Prison
Pay	Variable, anywhere from a living wage to a promise of back pay and equity for working 14 hours in the office.	A Dollar a day for working 6 hours in the laundry.	Prison
Future	Released when the game is done.	Released when your time is served.	Push
Overheard	"I can’t believe he called another crunch, I’m gonna sneak out tonight to see my family".	"I gotta get some. Some of us are gonna break out tonight, you in?"	Push
Alcohol	Needed to get through the day, might not be able to afford it.	Strictly forbidden, but see the guard for alternatives.	Push
Sex	Are you kidding?	Not going there!	Game Job
Hygiene	Rare	Enforced	In a shocker: Game Job!
Ethics	Nonexistent	"The Code"	Prison
Penalty for screwing up	Out of the industry faster.	Must stay in longer.	Game Job
Advice	You should be happy we let you make games.	Don’t drop the soap.	Push
Sad farewells	When the company folds.	When "someone special" is released.	Push
Favorite Pastimes	Huh?	Liftin' weights, talkin’ smack.	Prison
Sunlight	None, any windows in the office are papered over or painted black.	Recreation time every day.	Prison
Free Time	Riiiiight...	At least 12 hours a day.	Push
Challenges	Ice Cream speed eating contest.	Shiv Fight!	Game Job
Likely to see on any given day	Recently discharged psychotic halfway house parolees.	About to be discharged psychotic halfway house parolees.	Push
"Whatcha in for?"	A deep need to share my creative vision with the world.[gag!]	Rape/Murder	Game Job
Best Name	Running with Scissors	Tie: Sing Sing/Gitmo	Push

It’s a Push! The Game Industry had more game than I expected.

So there you have it, it's so simple when you break things down scientifically. Until next time, I'm The Sinner reminding you: The numbers never lie.