CRA worker sacked after making video game
By Sheena Goodyear, QMI Agency


A screen capture from the game I Get This Call Every Day by David S. Gallant.

A video game-maker in Brampton, Ont., was sacked from his position at the Canada Revenue Agency after he created a video game about his day job.

"It came from a place of frustration working in a call centre," David S. Gallant said. "Being unable to leave the job for financial reasons, I decided to express that through visual media." In the game, called I Get This Call Every Day, players choose snarky responses to deal with an annoying caller.

"I'm hoping the proceeds from this game will get me a step closer to less day job and more game-making," Gallant said in the trailer for his newest creation.

His hopes came true. He was fired from the CRA on Jan. 29 and after the story went public, he said he made $3,600 off the downloadable PC game as of Wednesday. The minimum price is $2.08.

The CRA, however, isn't impressed.

"The minister does consider this type of conduct offensive and unacceptable," said Clarke Olsen, spokesman for National Revenue Minister Gail Shea.

Shea is concerned the personal information of actual Canadians may have been jeopardized. But Gallant told QMI Agency the game never explicitly identifies the CRA.

"I've worked in call centres in the private sector and the public sector and the frustration there is kind of personal," he said. "The game itself contains no personal information."

Despite the recent surge of success, Gallant -- who lives with his wife and three cats -- said he's still looking for a new day job.

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