Naughty Dog's Crunch Culture: A Troubling Report

short-reviews Dec 20, 2025

A recent report reveals that Naughty Dog has enforced mandatory crunch to prepare a demo for their upcoming title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. This situation raises serious concerns about the studio's work culture and the well-being of its employees. The pressure to meet deadlines often leads to burnout and affects creativity. - Crunch should not be normalized in game development. - The industry must prioritize sustainable practices for long-term success. While the demo's quality is crucial, it shouldn't come at the cost of employee health. For more details, check the full report here. The future of gaming hinges on re-evaluating such practices.

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