Crunch
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Rockstar Games Forced Crunch to Appease Executives, Says Former Red Dead Redemption Designer
A former designer for Rockstar Games, Kris Roberts, has detailed the studio's history of mandatory crunch, particularly during the development of Red Dead Redemption. Roberts explained that work hours expanded to include full Saturdays and encouraged Sundays, often driven by executive visits rather than genuine development needs. He also mentioned that the studio is currently facing accusations of encouraging crunch again, alongside issues with bonus payments and pay inequity.
"That's unacceptable": Red Dead Redemption dev says crunch at Rockstar was to "put on the show"…
Former Rockstar Games developer Kris Roberts described the crunch during the development of Red Dead Redemption as the worst period of his career, arguing it was performative for executives rather than necessary for game improvement. Roberts detailed how expectations for working hours escalated significantly, leading to extreme sleep deprivation and a feeling of artificial pressure, especially when executives like Sam Houser and Leslie Benzies visited. This experience, coupled with the difficulty of communicating such demands to his team, was a major factor in his decision to leave the studio.
Nintendo's stinking "nap room" for overworked devs haunted legendary Super Metroid director for years: "It’s quite sad only having these kinds of memories!"
Former Nintendo director Yoshio Sakamoto reflects on the intense development conditions for Super Metroid, including a lack of sleep and a poorly maintained nap room at the company's old headquarters. Despite the hardships, the game became a classic, earning praise even from Gunpei Yokoi, who initially questioned the team's extreme dedication. Sakamoto now finds the memories of crunch bittersweet, acknowledging the negative aspects in light of modern discussions about developer well-being.
Rockstar Games Workers Union say their first meeting with the GTA 6 studio's management was "a step in the right direction"
The recently formed Rockstar Games Workers Union, part of the IWGB, has described their first meeting with Rockstar management as a positive step towards voluntary recognition. The union has secured a roadmap for negotiations and plans to address issues like crunch, pay transparency, flexible working, and AI usage if recognized. They can pursue statutory recognition if voluntary agreement is not reached.
After claiming GTA 6 devs have crunch "built into" their contracts, union says "first meeting with Rockstar management" was "a step in the right direction"
The Rockstar Games Workers Union has had its first meeting with Rockstar management following its bid for recognition, calling it a step in the right direction. The union aims to negotiate terms including no crunch, paid overtime, pay transparency, flexible working, no layoffs, and protection against AI job replacement. Rockstar has requested negotiations before agreeing to voluntary recognition, and the union is working to define the bargaining unit.
22 trade union leaders have signed a letter joining the call for GTA 6 developer Rockstar to recognise the IWGB Game Workers union
Twenty-two trade union leaders have signed a letter urging Rockstar Games to recognize the IWGB Game Workers union. The letter, addressed to studio director Jennifer Kolbe and head of HR Rob Spampinato, emphasizes the right of all workers to unionize and calls on Rockstar to begin bargaining with the IWGB. This action follows reports of alleged crunch, a widening gender pay gap, and union-busting tactics at the Grand Theft Auto 6 developer.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Is Looking More Troubled Than Ever
Recent layoffs at Xbox-owned studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, are raising concerns about the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. The article suggests that the removal of experienced personnel and reliance on contractors could lead to further delays and negatively impact the game's quality. This situation is viewed as a "spreadsheet decision" by Xbox, prioritizing cost-cutting over the franchise's long-term success.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Team Worried About Delays and Crunch Following Layoffs – Rumor
Recent layoffs at Bethesda, impacting key personnel working on The Elder Scrolls 6, have reportedly caused concern among the development team regarding potential delays and increased crunch. The departures include programmers, artists, and designers, with fears that contract labor may be used to fill the gaps. The Elder Scrolls 6, announced in 2018, currently has no release date, but is estimated to be at least two years away.
Rockstar workers hit back, PlayStation ditches physical discs, and chipmakers accused of price fixing - Patch Notes #59
Several significant developments have occurred in the gaming industry, including Rockstar Games facing accusations of pay inequity and crunch, Sony's PlayStation preparing to discontinue physical software production in January 2028, and major chipmakers being sued for alleged price-fixing. Additionally, Ubisoft has hired Christoph Hartmann to oversee its Tom Clancy franchises, while Krafton has agreed to pay bonuses to the Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds following a legal dispute and CEO resignation. Microsoft is also reportedly testing a disc-to-digital feature for its Xbox consoles.
GTA6 devs accuse Rockstar of crunch and pay inequity, Spanish Ubisoft devs go on strike
Developers at Rockstar Games have accused the studio of crunch, pay inequity, and using legal loopholes to bypass UK labor laws, amidst the development of Grand Theft Auto VI. Meanwhile, Ubisoft Barcelona developers in Spain have gone on strike over restructuring and job losses, demanding better working conditions and job security. A new fund has also been established to financially assist game developers who have lost their jobs.
Rockstar devs allege crunch is so common at the GTA 6 studio that it's "built into" contracts and you…
Rockstar Games developers are alleging that crunch is so common it's built into employment contracts, allowing the company to bypass UK labor regulations. Developers seeking union recognition also claim there is a culture of unequal pay and inconsistent bonuses. As Grand Theft Auto 6 nears its release, crunch reportedly varies by team, with some employees experiencing it continuously.
Rockstar developers seek union recognition and accuse studio of crunch and poor compensation
The Rockstar Game Workers Union has requested voluntary recognition from the studio, citing issues with pay transparency, crunch, and compensation. This follows legal disputes where Rockstar was accused of union busting. Workers report inconsistent bonuses, difficulty with promotions, and mandated crunch, with the company also reverting on flexible work promises.
Rockstar UK employees say the GTA 6 developer's still plagued by gender pay gaps, crunch, and vague bonuses which make them 'as pliable as possible to their boss's whims'
Employees at Rockstar Games' UK studios report ongoing issues with gender pay gaps, opaque bonus structures, and normalized crunch, despite the studio's work on Grand Theft Auto 6. Union members anonymously shared concerns about a lack of transparency and inconsistent compensation policies, with efforts made to inform staff about their rights regarding working hours.
Union raises concerns over gender pay gaps, bonus management, and crunch at Rockstar
Members of the Rockstar Game Workers Union have voiced concerns about potential gender pay gaps, inconsistent bonus management, and contractual overtime requirements that facilitate crunch. The union is seeking voluntary recognition from Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, which stated it fosters a culture of teamwork and kindness and values open dialogue. Employees highlighted issues with the discretionary and often subjective bonus system, a widening gender pay gap, and contract clauses that opt employees out of UK Working Time Regulations, potentially leading to excessive overtime.
GTA 6 devs have to opt-out of crunch, claim Rockstar North insiders, because it's baked into their contracts
Sources within Rockstar North claim that crunch is effectively built into employee contracts for Grand Theft Auto 6, with developers needing to opt-out of working hour regulations. Insiders also allege issues with pay gaps, bonuses used for compliance, and a lack of transparency in career progression. Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, stated they strive to provide world-class work environments and are open to dialogue with the union.
GTA 6 studio Rockstar "will arrange to meet" union reps following devs' request for recognition, assuring it gives teams "world-class work environments" amid demands for "fairer crunch practices"
Rockstar Games has stated it will meet with union representatives following a request for official recognition from its UK developers. The developers are seeking pay transparency, fairer crunch practices, and better flexible working arrangements. This comes after accusations of union-busting in 2025 and an ongoing dispute with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain.
Rockstar accused of ignoring pay inequity, mandating crunch, and weaponizing bonuses
Multiple Rockstar Games developers, speaking anonymously through the Rockstar Game Workers Union, have accused the company of failing to address gender-based pay inequity, mandating crunch, and using bonuses to manipulate employees. The developers claim that compensation is inconsistent and often falls below market rates, with initiatives to address pay gaps being scrapped. The union is seeking voluntary recognition and has highlighted that crunch is normalized through UK worker contracts, with employees opting out of regulations.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Studio Accused of Encouraging Crunch, Ignoring Pay Inequity – Rumor
Members of the Rockstar Game Workers Union have accused Rockstar Games of encouraging crunch, ignoring pay inequity, and withholding bonuses. The union also highlighted a lack of transparency in pay structures and career progression. Employees have been informed they can opt out of the UK's Working Time Regulations, which Rockstar Games has incorporated into employment contracts to facilitate overtime.
Rockstar union rep claims GTA 6 bosses can "easily afford" demands after reportedly generating $3 billion in pre-orders as devs call for "fairer crunch" and "pay transparency"
Rockstar Games developers in the UK are seeking official union recognition, with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain citing the reported $3 billion in Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-order sales as evidence the company can afford their demands. Key objectives include pay transparency, fairer crunch practices, and better flexible working arrangements. The union is also involved in an ongoing legal dispute with Rockstar over the firing of 31 workers involved in union activity.
Diablo 4 lead says small teams crunch "because the company is on the verge of collapsing," but even though it's not "necessary" for AAA studios, "you might still have a culture of crunch"
Marcin Undak, lead engine engineer for Diablo 4, discussed the prevalence of crunch in the game industry. He differentiated between smaller teams crunching out of necessity due to financial instability and larger companies that may have a culture of crunch despite having the resources to avoid it. Undak noted that while crunch is becoming less common, it still occurs in larger studios like Rockstar Games and Ubisoft.
