Discover what developers say about crunch culture in the industry.

Our mission

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The issue

According to a 2019 whitepaper, 53% of game developers report that “crunch” (working more than 40 hours per week over an extended period of time) is an expected component of their employment, with less than 18% reporting overtime compensation for exceeding 40 hours a week of work. But what does it actually mean?

Prevalence

Crunch culture in the video game industry is pervasive, with over half of game developers reporting experiences with crunch. A survey conducted by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in 2023 found that 57% of respondents had recently worked on AAA games, and a significant portion reported working beyond standard hours, with some working up to 95 hours a week during peak periods. Another survey by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) highlighted that a substantial number of developers encounter crunch, with 43% of respondents experiencing it frequently.

Extent of Forced Overtime
and Unpaid Work

Crunch often involves extensive overtime, sometimes extending work weeks to 65-80 hours or more. This overtime is frequently unpaid, particularly for salaried employees who are often deemed “exempt” from overtime pay regulations. In many cases, developers work 14-hour days without corresponding compensation.

Mental Health Effects

The mental health effects of crunch are severe. Prolonged periods of excessive work can lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The IGDA has reported that many developers feel that crunch negatively impacts their mental well-being and overall quality of life. Studies have shown that the high stress and long hours associated with crunch can lead to both physical and mental health problems, reducing productivity and job satisfaction over time.

Company Initiatives
to Improve the Situation

Some companies are taking steps to address crunch culture. For instance, CD Projekt Red has implemented changes to reduce crunch by delaying game releases to ensure a more sustainable workload for their employees. Similarly, Insomniac Games has focused on better project management and realistic scheduling to minimize the need for crunch.

Support for Affected Employees

Companies are increasingly recognising the need to support employees affected by crunch. This support includes offering mental health resources, flexible working hours, and ensuring fair compensation for overtime. Some companies have also introduced mandatory time-off policies post-crunch to help employees recover.

Impact on Continuous Employment and Training

Crunch culture has significant implications for employee retention and training. High turnover rates are common, as prolonged stress and burnout lead many developers to leave the industry. This turnover necessitates continuous hiring and training of new employees, which can be costly and disrupt project continuity. Efforts to create a healthier work environment are seen as crucial for maintaining a stable and experienced workforce.

Our proposal

In the dynamic and rapidly evolving games industry, the need for specialised mid-management training is increasingly evident. The prevailing practice of promoting experienced artists, developers, and designers to managerial positions without dedicated training often proves inadequate. These individuals frequently face challenges in managing teams, organising workflows, and improving processes. This lack of preparation can lead to crunch time, for both the team and the managers. While general management courses are widely available, they fail to address the unique demands of the creative industry, including frequent project changes and the complexities of managing remote teams.

The Ethical Tentacle Initiative (ETI)

ETI addresses these gaps with a comprehensive, 100% live online training program specifically designed for small and mid-size game developer studios. Our program includes the following courses:

1. Management Fundamentals

2. Production Management

3. Game Design Team Management

4. Art Production Management

5. Development Team Management

Management Fundamentals is a 180-minute live session that provides the basics of team management in the video game industry.

The specialised courses that build upon this are structured into three 180-minute live sessions over three consecutive weeks, accommodating up to six participants per session.

Ongoing Support
and Community Engagement

The ETI program extends beyond initial training. We offer a robust support system, including:

• Up to three 1-on-1 Mentor Meetings per year: Personalised guidance to reinforce learning and address individual challenges.

• Online Community Access: A platform for networking, experience sharing, and participation in industry-related online events.

• Course Updates and Webinars: Continuous learning opportunities through updated course materials and exclusive webinars for our members.

Expert-Led Training

Our courses are developed by seasoned industry veterans and delivered by guest speakers who are currently active in the game development field. This ensures that our training remains relevant and grounded in real-world industry practices.

By subscribing to our annual membership, game development studios can ensure their mid-managers receive the specialised training they need to excel, thereby fostering a more efficient, creative, and healthy work environment.