So what happened?
I had a similar situation when I got into Architecture, my friend had an even worse situation in the animation industry back home in L.A. He worked on.. a primetime Fox cartoon... for 2 years out of college for NO PAY. $0. 2 years. Eventually he got hired on full time hourly. Now that the show's cancelled, he's focusing on freelance and personal projects.
I got hired at what turned out to be an architectural sweatshop for a year. It was horrible though (in contrast to your experience). I eentually and left and created my own potfolio for architecture (brandtpileggi.com) but more importantly found out that I wanted to start doing comedic stuff like websites (awesomeology.org) and improv and standup. I woiuld have never figured that out if I stayed I think because by the time I got off work my mind, body and soul were spent on someone else's needs. I'm much happier now. Have pretty much all I need and want.
I believe we all go through the shit we go throuh for a reason. That year of hell for me made me really appreciate what have now and work my ass off. My friend learned the same. If I have any advice to impart it wouldbe that whatever decision you make wil be the correct one. I know that can't possibly solve anything for you but just know that people have gone through this same thing and come out better for it either way. If you stay the company will do well and you'll do well with them (not guarunteed), or they'll continueto take advantage of your abilities until they sink. What the pattern seems to be with friends n the game industry is that with small groups, someone eventually embezzles the money, everyon gets screwed and people that really got along and enjoyed working together split off to do their own thing.
If you leave however... I understand that in the previous year you believe your production was pretty low with 2 games but let me ask you this. Does the process speed up witheach game you make? Is it likely to assuem that trend will continue and you'll get more production out of the same time spent doing it? Did you spend 10-12 hours/day AND weekends doing your games as you are theirs? If you did, do you think your production go up? I tend to think that if you want to get out of this place, and had the discipline to put in the same hours on your own work, not only would the production climb higher than you expect but obviously the quality would as well.
I think you have a hard choice in a hard industry. I think you are undervaluing a great portfolio. I know most of them want shipped titles and all that, but I've seen people with rediculous portfolios and no indutry experience get $75k jobs with good companies.
Me? When they said that they could get someone to come in and do it for free, I wouldhave asked if they could do it as well as you, and if they said yes, I'd say, "Well why the fuck aren't they here right now helping us get this shit out asshole!?"
Make your connections. Work on the weekends with people you like on your own shit. Build up your portflio, and when you have something good, portfolio or product, take your friends and bounce. While you're at it, leave a deuce on the bosses desk with a toothpick and a small sign that reads, "Resignation Letter"
I hope that helps somewhat. If you need any help, I'd be happy to brainstorm, write or record omething for you. Games with alot of humor do well (mastermind?). And you clearly have a good sense of humor. Hit me up.
blamallmorons
Oh hey remember me? I left comment on robot dinasuars. No i don't mean RAWRSOME!!!!!!!!!!!! But that was ironic and funny tho.