Epic

Epic Pictures

This is Epic's state-of-the-art motion capture or "mo-cap" stage. Here, actors in specially designed full-body suits, play out the scenes scripted for the in-game cutscenes, and some of the character animations you control on screen. The room can also be used for other functions. Epic's recent Gears of War 2 multiplayer playtest was hosted here. Journalists from around the world, including our own Jordan Deam, got hands-on time with the latest build of the multiplayer game. Jordan says the game itself was very exciting, but the most memorable part of the event: "All the sandwiches."

You may not think of Epic, the studio behind Unreal and Gears of War as a family company, but quality of life is of paramount concern at this little studio made big. The company has "core hours" in the afternoon, from around 1pm to 5pm, during which everyone is expected to be available for meetings or other joint work activities. Beyond that, employees are largely left to their own devices. We asked Cliff Bleszinski what he thought about game companies that ask their employees to work 9 - 5, 40-hour weeks. "I wish them luck with that," he said.

In case you're wondering what these guys are smiling about, remember they've been playing Gears of War 2 for months now. When you're standing in line at Gamestop to get your midnight copy in November, remember these guys. Epic hopes you'll be smiling like they are.