I've worked in the AAA gaming industry for over 11 years now myself (senior software engineer now, started out in support and community). I love working in the industry but the wage can royally suck unless you establish yourself. I worked 9 years at a company that made a certain popular MMORPG (I quit last year) and I heavily played their games daily. It didn't affect my enjoyment at all. But it is true you have limited influence over the game. Even if you think the idea is terrible, the powers that be are usually delusional and won't listen to reason.