Not living up to its potential
Pros
The Sony PlayStation network is huge network, presenting many challenging engineering problems. Coworkers are a great bunch of people who, while very diverse, get along well and are respectful of each other. There’s always a fun social event to participate in. Benefits are pretty good (I don’t know what other companies are offering but I’ve been happy with the benefits).
Cons
Over the past three years, the San Diego office has seen a new senior VP, two additional VPs, multiple directors and senior architects and managers all come in from the same company (Intuit). At the same time, the existing senior Sony people have been squeezed out, quietly encouraged to leave, or just fired. No one from the original Sony Network San Diego in any position of responsibility and no one from the original Sony days has been promoted. There have been many new senior level positions filled, but none from within the company. Some have been given new titles, but no real promotions. Existing engineers have not been allowed to participate in the technical direction of the network. They are seen as hindrances and not as contributors. A closed environment of fear and distrust has been created where people cannot question direction or voice honest opinions. It’s a dreary engineering environment lacking in excitement or peer collaboration.