[_ah]

Not manipulation but a recognition of reality. Mission is worth something to people. Different amounts for different people, but not zero .

Why do game developers get paid less, on average, than someone doing boring business software? Because people want to make games. You have to pay someone more to do boring work. "I build games" is part of the compensation package just as much as a paycheck or healthcare benefits.

As a startup you can't always choose your cash flow. But you can choose your mission. All else being equal, you should choose an exciting mission that attracts better talent.

[cutthegrass2]

Choosing to share some of the upside in business growth with those employees would mean they're likely fully 'bought into' the mission then.

[gnz11]

> "I build games" is part of the compensation package just as much as a paycheck or healthcare benefits.

No, just no. An employee can switch companies for better compensation and still remain in the gaming industry making games.

Also, no one gives a damn about your mission statement.