[GhostVII]

Their backend consists of hundreds of microservices that are frequently breaking, so it's more complex than just an app and a basic backend on AWS. Also they have been doing a lot of massive refractors in the last couple years, so they need lots of people for that.

[passiveincomelg]

How much of that is self-imposed complexity from chasing the hype of the week?

Also:

1. Software is all about automation and increasing efficiency!

2. Let's hire thousands of programmers!!1!12!

Empire building much?

[GhostVII]

I would imagine most of the complexity is from handling a massive number of requests from around the world, and needing all of their data to be backed up and secure. They have their critical data backed up to like 10 different servers, when your dealing with scale like they are things get complex really quick.