I've been a game developer (specifically multiplayer at the moment), for a whole solid two months. While I have plenty of "hardcore" development experience, I am still in catch up mode to learn as much as possible about the companies source code bases, the architecture, and just "how things are done". This is translating into just shy of 50 hours a week of work. My guess is that this will last another four to six months until I'm pretty comfortable. Which should be just in time for, (drum roll) crunch mode!
I know its a cracker jack box fairy tale, but I'm kinda hoping my stuff will be pretty solid then and I won't have to work hours worthy of an epic tale, mythos, or full line of action figures. We'll see. :)
Just in case your wondering, I'm not complaining. I'm pleased as punch to be here doing this, and wouldn't have it any other way.
-Jeff
