About Frontier Developments
What is Frontier Developments?
Frontier Developments describes itself as "an independent video game developer and publisher", based in Cambridge in the UK. Its website says Frontier Developments plc is a public limited company listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange under the stock symbol FDEV, and LinkedIn lists it as founded in 1994 with 501-1,000 employees. Its portfolio includes Elite Dangerous, Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, Jurassic World Evolution and Jurassic World Evolution 2, and the ads describe a focus on creative management simulation titles. The careers page says it has "roles spanning development, publishing and support functions".
Where will I work?
The studio is on the Cambridge Science Park (26 Science Park, Milton Road). The careers page describes a spacious, open-plan studio with "sit-stand desks, well-equipped meeting rooms and informal break-out areas" and a subsidised on-site canteen, and says London is "only 50 minutes by train". On working pattern, it says "our Cambridge roles are offered on either a fully in-studio or hybrid working basis (typically 3 days per week in the studio)", and each of the current ads says "minimum 3 days per week in the studio". The ads add that Frontier "can provide a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer".
What is the Frontier Developments team like?
The careers page says "Frontier is a place where people thrive" and talks about "a culture of ambition, teamwork, and collaboration". It lists teams in animation, art, audio, creative services, game design, production, programming, publishing, quality assurance, support functions and UI, and the current ads are for animation, character art, 3D art, design and programming roles. Feedback is a stated priority, through "our annual Staff Survey and employee-led feedback groups". Outside work there are studio socials that celebrate game launches, summer and winter parties, and staff-run groups such as badminton, basketball, running and a book club.
Work-Life Balance
The hours policy is spelled out on the careers page under Flexible Working: "The Frontier Flexitime system is intended to give people greater freedom over their working hours. Our working week consists of 37.5 hours, with core hours being 10am – 4pm. With Flexitime you have the option to work flexibly around those hours." Every current ad repeats it in the benefits list as "flexitime working hours". The ads also say "We encourage a healthy work/life balance and provide a range of wellbeing activities, initiatives and sessions to support both mental and physical health." Holiday is 25 days of paid holiday a year from the first day, plus public holidays, rising by 1 day for every 2 years of service to a maximum of 31 days, with the option to carry over or sell 5 days.
Perks and Benefits
- Flexitime: a 37.5 hour week with core hours of 10am to 4pm and the option to work flexibly around them
- Hybrid working in Cambridge, with a minimum of 3 days a week in the studio
- 25 days of paid holiday plus public holidays, rising to a maximum of 31 days with service
- Company bonus scheme based on company profit and individual performance, and share option schemes
- Pension with automatic enrolment at 5% of basic salary, matched by Frontier up to 5%
- Private medical insurance paid by Frontier and extended to your partner and children, plus a health cash plan
- Life assurance and critical illness insurance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Employee assistance programme, wellbeing activities and an annual distance challenge
- Free regular bike servicing, the Cycle to Work scheme, a subsidised on-site canteen and relocation support