Bulkhead, the studio behind the recently released FPS Wardogs, actively screens the social media profiles of potential hires for public commentary against crunch, according to CEO Joe Brammer. He stated that the studio generally avoids bringing such individuals into the company, viewing mandatory overtime as an occasional inevitability despite efforts to mitigate it.
In an interview with The Game Business, Brammer explained that candidates who express strong opposition to crunch, even if understandably so, often do not make it through the hiring process. He characterized Bulkhead as a workplace where employees are expected to "work hard" and that those who are passionate about their work and its outcomes will feel valued, while others might feel "slave-driven."
Brammer indicated that this vetting process extends to checking social media for what he described as "anti-crunch messaging." He believes that individuals consistently tweeting against crunch practices might not find Bulkhead to be a suitable work environment. This approach suggests a preference for employees who are less likely to question or critique the studio's working conditions regarding overtime.
The CEO argued that any necessary crunch at Bulkhead is counterbalanced by compensation, though reports indicate that not all staff receive shares or bonuses. Following criticism, Brammer claimed his comments were taken out of context, highlighting other studio practices like a month-long holiday in December and a four-day work week implemented during 50% of Wardogs' development. He also mentioned that Bulkhead has made staff redundant annually for the past six years, but this practice has ceased following Wardogs' initial success. Maze, a soldier dragging a downed comrade to safety in Wardogs.
Wardogs has seen players engaging with its gameplay, with some finding success as pacifist rideshare drivers, while the developers have also focused on preventing exploits related to experience farming and in-game currency acquisition.