Naughty Dog, the renowned game development studio behind the beloved Uncharted series, has long been criticized for its unhealthy working conditions and the implementation of crunch culture. However, the studio has recently pledged to put an end to these practices, as highlighted in their documentary about the making of The Last Of Us Part 2. This article delves into Naughty Dog’s journey towards eliminating crunch culture and the steps they have taken to create a more sustainable work environment for their employees.
Previous reports shed light on the grueling work hours and demanding expectations that Naughty Dog employees had to endure in the pursuit of perfection. Developers were known to work 12-hour days and weekends, often sacrificing their personal lives and well-being. The documentary acknowledges these past experiences but avoids dive deep into the detrimental effects of crunch culture. Instead, it portrays the implementation of overtime as a self-imposed choice by the developers themselves. The studio started offering free dinners as a way to encourage employees to stay late, rather than addressing the underlying issue of excessive workload.
A Step Towards Change
In the early stages of The Last Of Us Part 2, Naughty Dog decided to take a different approach. The studio focused on improving pre-production processes, creating a solid foundation for the game’s development. Director Neil Druckmann revealed that it was the first project to have a well-defined story and structure before starting production. Although this step was crucial for the overall organization and efficiency, it did not entirely solve the problem of crunch culture. Co-director Anthony Newman admitted that increased organization only allowed them to make a larger game; it did not eliminate crunch.
Naughty Dog’s commitment to overcoming crunch culture became evident towards the end of the documentary. Druckmann affirms their goal of eliminating crunch and mentions the first steps they have taken to achieve this. The studio internally defined what crunch meant and analyzed the issues that frequently arose during the development of The Last Of Us Part 2. The documentary highlights the importance of educating new employees about Naughty Dog’s stance on crunch culture, actively avoiding the use of overtime in their projects. The team has also discontinued the practice of “crunch dinners,” which were previously used to incentivize working late. Additionally, developers now participate in regular questionnaires to address any concerns related to crunch and ensure a healthier work-life balance.
Although it is too early to determine the success of Naughty Dog’s new strategy, developers featured in the documentary expressed optimism about the positive changes implemented. The studio’s emphasis on hybrid working, where employees have the flexibility to work remotely, and a strengthened production department have contributed to better work conditions. With the development of new single-player projects underway, the true impact of these changes will be revealed in due time. However, one encouraging note is that developers have claimed that the production of The Last Of Us Part 1 remake was completed without resorting to crunch, showcasing the studio’s progress in their endeavors to end this detrimental culture.
Naughty Dog’s pledge to end crunch culture marks a significant step in creating a healthier and more sustainable work environment for their employees. The documentary portrays the studio’s journey towards change, acknowledging past shortcomings and outlining the measures taken to combat crunch. By defining crunch internally, educating new hires, and actively addressing concerns, Naughty Dog aims to eliminate the damaging effects of excessive overtime. As the studio continues to develop new projects, all eyes will be on the implementation of these changes and whether they can successfully break free from the chains of crunch culture.
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