A place where sucking up to management is the only way to get ahead. - Senior Software Engineer Zynga Employee Review

1.0
Apr 11, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

They do provide benefits and salary and (rather mediocre) free food. You can work on social games, which some people think is cool. If you work really long hours and suck up to everyone possible, you can get ahead. You can get lots of free t-shirts, free pizza, and free beer. It's a good place if you want to do nothing in your life but work a lot.

Cons

You're basically forced to work 60-80 hour weeks. You can't actually take advantage of the unlimited vacation policy. It's impossible to know what's actually going on if you're not on the inside. Pay is not actually that high. Managers are completely inept and are only using you to get ahead. Not possible to get promoted on self merits, only by using other people. Engineering is laughable and of poor quality. There is a culture of blame and trying to avoid blame at all costs. Upper engineering is basically management, but is still called "engineering." Advancement within the company on the engineering track is a dead end, people invariably switch to being managers to keep going up, whether it's official or unofficial.

Explore other reviews about Zynga

5.0
Jun 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing Company - people are great, the work is fun, and everyone is happy to be here.

Cons

None. fun company, good people.

2.0
Jul 10, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Working at a leader in the mobile gaming industry is a huge plus on your resume. Plus, having the opportunity to work in gaming is fun. - Collaborating with some of the most smartest, creative and innovative people in the gaming/tech space - It's a great opportunity to learn mobile gaming and hone your skillset. Zynga has a strong inclusive culture and it can be very welcoming initially. You should always be learning at every stage of your career and you can definitely do so at the company - You can connect with some really cool people

Cons

- Pay was slightly below average and not always congruent/1:1 to your skillset and experience - Limited opportunities and typical corporate rhetoric/structure holds the company back from the next levels of success. Once you realize that you have no one really advocating for you to move up and or take on more responsibilities, you have to be honest about your future at the company. - Some management/teammates are egoistical and passive aggressive in their behavior towards certain employees and clear favoritism is shown. - The relationship you have with your manager will make or break your career, which is frustrating. If you have a manager that will look out for you/advocacte your career, you'll do fine. If you don't, you're stuck

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