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I am not from the game industry or anywhere near software mecha. Can you tell me why a company would want to pay you to work on your own pet project with their money without them owning the end result? I am just confused how this is a stipulation at any job. The place I work, if I designed a model for their products on their time, with their money, it is only acceptable that they own said product. Why would they allow me to go off an compete with them?

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There’s a misconception underlying this comment. A “personal project” is something you do on your own time, with your own resources.

the key is on their time. Parent explicitly mentions everything while employed there, in your free time as well.

How the F* can this be legal ?

Because in this country, contracts signed are almost always enforced.

It doesn't matter the unidirectional power assymetry. It doesn't matter if the contract is unconscionable. If you want the job, you sign the contract. And even if its illegal good luck going thru the courts to litigate. The companies also have more money and can outspent than you have to live.

Which country? The US?

Yes

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