Introduction

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of FiringSquad or Gamers.com

Working within the 3D graphics industry is a career that appeals to many. In fact, many often dream about it as I once did. At one time, it was one of my primary goals in life, and one that I eventually achieved. However, with a great deal of expectations, I came in practically setting myself up to be let down. That isn’t to say I was disappointed or that I regretted it, but that I simply had placed my hopes too high. So what is it like? Is it all fun and games, or is there real work involved?

The graphics industry is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. While rather cheesy, that is the best description one can give. This comes from not only the experiences I have gathered at my employers, but also the many stories that are passed throughout the industry. Some were both funny and greatly encouraging, while at times they were just down right frustrating.

The Wonderful World of Politics

Love it or hate it, politics are a part of life. Politics exist not only in government but also in business. All too often, who you know is more important than what you know when it comes to business. The 3D graphics industry is no exception either. Consider a few events that have taken place. In some places, names may have been changed.

Our first story involves a graphics company and two sound companies. 3D1 manufactured graphics chips and boards, where SoundA and Phils produced sound chips and boards. Certain persons high up in the 3D1 organization were heavily interested in diversifying the company by entering the audio market. With SoundA on the brink of going out of business, their purchase was being heavily weighed by 3D1.

On the opposite side of the coin, Phils had produced a high-end audio solution, approaching 3D1 with an offer of exclusive distribution at a very high margin. The deal consisted of Phils producing the part, selling it to 3D1 at a very low price and them packaging it and distributing it under the 3D1 brand name. So what happened?

Well those who were intent on the purchase of SoundA finally came to a realization that this option was not feasible. The cost was simply too high and 3D1 was suffering financial difficulty as it was. Thus, these executives, disappointed in their unfulfilled expectations, determined that it was not in 3D1’s interest to enter the audio market. The deal with Phils was then rejected and an audio solution was never released. And why? It was all because a few people didn’t get what they wanted.