Nothing about this job seems equitable. There appears to be literally 0 reward for making added sacrifices and taking on the additional duties called for.
Financial gain? Nope. World class technological challenges? Still no. Work life balance? Obviously not. Solving meaningful problems? No. Name recognition or industry stepping stone? Maybe, but highly mitigated by the fact that any serious applicant would be qualified for more valuable positions elsewhere.
Is this job squarely aimed at die hard PA fan-people? What about them as an organization is particularly exciting?
Im personally not interested, but PA is something of a cultural zeigiest in the same demographic as most of the people who would meet this skill set. They are a big name in gaming, running PA, PAX(the largest video game expo out there), and the childs play charity. They are considered leading commentators in gaming, being both insightful and involved with gaming for over a decade.
They have zeitgeist in the gaming world, not the software engineering world. They aren't doing anything remotely cutting edge software wise. I don't see why an engineer would think it's such a special place to work, other than just because they like video games, and by extension Penny Arcade.
I think it would be more accurate to say "as most of the people who wish they met this skill set". I don't know anyone who approaching meeting those requirements who thinks anything better than "meh, they made a couple funny comics over the years" about PA.
You'll notice the PA guys themselves are technologically illiterate. Most of their fan base is too. They appeal to people who want to be labeled as gamers more so than they appeal to people who play games.
Financial gain? Nope. World class technological challenges? Still no. Work life balance? Obviously not. Solving meaningful problems? No. Name recognition or industry stepping stone? Maybe, but highly mitigated by the fact that any serious applicant would be qualified for more valuable positions elsewhere.
Is this job squarely aimed at die hard PA fan-people? What about them as an organization is particularly exciting?