Plenty of companies recognise contributions by handing out tokens that can't be cashed in immediately, that have a value that depends on the fortunes of the company, and that might fall in value precipitously. Just usually they name the tokens "stock options" or "pre-IPO shares"
I agree there are plenty of shitty practices in the games industry, of course.
I agree there are plenty of shitty practices in the games industry, of course.