Naughty Dog is reportedly imposing mandatory overtime for developers working on their upcoming game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. According to a recent report, developers must log an additional eight hours each week, totaling no more than 60 hours. The overtime initiative aims to prepare an internal demo for a review by Sony, following previous missed deadlines. The in-office work requirement has also increased from three to five days a week, causing logistical challenges for employees.

This push for additional work comes as the studio prepares for what has been described as their most ambitious project to date, currently targeting a mid-2027 release. The pressure to meet these deadlines has reignited discussions around studio crunch culture, which Naughty Dog has been criticized for in prior projects.

What are the implications of crunch culture in game development?

Crunch culture can lead to employee burnout, diminished work-life balance, and decreased overall morale within development teams. While some argue that intense periods of work can spur creativity and project completion, the long-term effects often hinder productivity and employee retention. Industry dialogue continues to evolve around finding healthier practices for game development.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet marks a significant title for Naughty Dog, known for their previous acclaimed series like Uncharted and The Last of Us. This new venture promises to showcase the studio's commitment to expansive storytelling and innovative gameplay, although its path to release has been tumultuous due to reported work conditions.