Terrible Workplace and Work Ethos - Content Creator 29Studios Employee Review

1.0
9 Apr 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Was kind of allowed to tackle the project how I saw fit, but poor management and communication meant I was given the blame when it went wrong, even though I honestly believe I done the best job possible within the constraints I was given.

Cons

Was hired on a freelance basis but when it came to invoicing for my work it all of a sudden became very hard to get a hold of people and then they eventually told me they wouldnt pay as their client wasnt happy with the work. I am experienced in my role and I know full well I did a good job that hit every note of the brief and they were even very happy with my work up until asking to be paid. They are taking advantage of freelancers in Covid because they know everyone needs the work right now and if you don't do it someone else will take your place. The owner even said so himself on a call. Bad business practices aside on a personal level, management are so full of themselves even though they have achieved very little, and extremely rude such as interrupting you while you speak, belittling you and openly insulting you in front of the team. They play it off as joking and banter but you know under the surface they really mean it. They are quite nasty people actually.

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29Studios Response
1y
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are disappointed to hear that your experience with us did not meet your expectations. However, we must firmly clarify that the description of events regarding invoicing and client work is not an accurate representation of the situation. We have robust processes in place around contractor agreements, project scopes, and invoicing, and all work is reviewed thoroughly against agreed deliverables before any disputes are raised. Respect and professionalism are fundamental to how we operate, and while we acknowledge that not every working relationship will be the right fit, we are committed to treating everyone employees, freelancers, and clients with fairness and integrity. We continue to grow and evolve as a business, and we remain focused on fostering a positive, respectful environment for all those we work with. We wish you the best for your future endeavours.

Explore other reviews about 29Studios

5.0
9 Jul 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Have worked here for many years and have always been encouraged to strive for success and to be accountable for my contribution. The culture has always been empowering and the business is, like many agencies of a high impact nature. It is a family business and you are made to feel valued and part of the companies success. This is a company that appreciates your input and rewards accordingly. Lots of travel opportunities and working with a world class global client base which many agencies struggle to achieve. The company seems now to be focused on quality senior talent rather than junior employees. The culture is more mature and more fitting for people who take their career seriously. This is reflective in the company culture.

Cons

There has been some junior team members that didn't stay long. The company try to give young people opportunities but it often backfires on them. A few bad and short term employees left and then took to Glassdoor with negativity, frustrating as this was not the reality in this company.

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29Studios Response
11mo
Thank you for your thoughtful review — it means a lot to hear from someone who has experienced the journey with us over time. We’re proud of the culture we’ve built: one that empowers individuals, encourages accountability, and rewards meaningful contribution. As you’ve noted, our evolution over the years has helped shape a more mature, focused environment — one that attracts senior-level talent and delivers high-impact results for a world-class client base. We also appreciate your honesty about the challenges we’ve faced in nurturing junior team members. While we remain committed to giving opportunities to emerging talent, we’ve learned that success requires the right mindset, resilience, and alignment with our fast-paced, high-standard environment. Thanks again for your continued commitment and for being a valued part of the 29ERS team. We’ll keep building — together. — Gillian O'Neil
1.0
26 Jun 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

None that outweigh the overwhelming negatives.

Cons

Promises made during onboarding like reward schemes were quietly scrapped or never delivered. There’s no recognition or appreciation for hard work. Expectations are sky-high, but there are no benefits or incentives in return. Work-life balance is non-existent. The culture expects you to treat the job like a personal mission, with little regard for boundaries. The working environment is outdated and poorly maintained, it's hard to believe clients are invited in. Management culture is toxic and often hostile, with poor communication and erratic decision-making. Client work suffers due to an over-reliance on AI, leading to impersonal, low-quality results. Staff turnover is extremely high, which speaks volumes. People leave quickly after realising the reality doesn't match the pitch. You're unlikely to find support or stability here. Many former employees share the same experience, it's a pattern, not an exception.

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29Studios Response
12mo
Thank you for your feedback. We’re disappointed to read such a negative review, and while we respect your right to share your experience, we believe this description mischaracterises both our culture and our commitment to our team and clients. 29studios is a fast-paced, high-performance environment where we expect a lot — because we are building something ambitious. That level of focus, energy, and drive isn’t for everyone, and we’re transparent about that from day one. We value creativity, ownership, and results, and we stand by the work we produce and the clients we serve. That said, we’re not above feedback. We continuously refine our processes, communication, and culture, and we care deeply about the people who grow with us. Many of our team members have been with us for years and take pride in what we achieve together. We reject the suggestion of a “toxic” environment — it’s an unfair generalisation that doesn’t reflect the reality of the business we’ve built or the talented team driving it forward. We wish you all the best in finding a company that aligns with your values and approach. Gillian O'Neil
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