Joe Brammer, CEO of Bulkhead and executive producer for the popular multiplayer shooter Wardogs, has issued a statement to address what he describes as out-of-context reporting regarding crunch culture at the studio. Following initial reports from outlets such as Game Developer, PC Gamer, and IGN, which cited comments made in an interview with Chris Dring on The Game Business, Brammer took to X to present what he terms "the other side."
Wardogs has achieved significant success since its recent launch on Steam, selling over two million copies and topping the platform's charts while still in early access. Brammer stated that he did not say crunch is mandatory at Bulkhead. He also highlighted that 80% of the studio's shares are owned by half of its staff, indicating a significant level of employee ownership. Furthermore, Brammer noted that half of Wardogs' development was completed on a four-day working week, and the entire studio is scheduled to receive the month of December off.
"This is the other side of the honesty and transparency we have been commended for," Brammer said in his post, framing his clarification as part of the studio's commitment to open communication.
Crunch, characterized by extended periods of overtime, has been a persistent issue within the gaming industry, leading to widespread concerns about employee burnout and morale. Recent events, such as the labor disputes surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 development, underscore the ongoing challenges faced by developers seeking better working conditions.
Brammer asserted that when crunch is necessary, it is compensated accordingly, both financially and through additional time off to recover. "If we're going to be a company that says 'we do crunch,' then we also have to say 'but you get something for it,'" he explained. He also stated that he "expects people to crunch," but this expectation is tied to these compensatory measures.
Brammer pointed to Bulkhead's past transparency initiatives, such as the "10 reasons not to buy Wardogs" video, as evidence of the studio's candid approach. This video openly discussed potential drawbacks, including the status of previous titles and future monetization plans. This openness, while appreciated by players who have engaged deeply with the Wardogs community, also means more public scrutiny when the game achieves significant popularity. Brammer believes this level of candor from senior development team members is a refreshing approach, allowing players to have greater insight into the studio's operations.
The full interview with Brammer reportedly delves into more nuanced topics, including generational differences in crunch perception at the studio, challenges in providing paternity leave, and bonus distribution. The clarification suggests that the initial media coverage may not have fully captured the complexity of the studio's approach to work-life balance and compensation.