Checking social media for anti-crunch hiring signals
In a move that sheds light on the often-hidden pressures of the gaming industry, the studio behind the popular FPS hit Wardogs has pulled back the curtain on its hiring practices. CEO Joe Brammer revealed that the company actively monitors the social media presence of prospective hires, specifically looking for public criticism regarding crunch practices.
The intent behind this screening process is clear: the studio deliberately seeks to avoid bringing on developers who may have expressed anti-crunch sentiments, effectively setting a boundary for the kind of culture they aim to foster.
This proactive approach highlights a growing awareness within the industry about the intense work culture—or lack thereof—that surrounds game development. While the studio strives to maintain a positive environment, the CEO acknowledged a more complex reality regarding the grueling nature of the work itself.
Brammer conceded that working excessive or long hours to meet deadlines—what is commonly known as crunch—is an unavoidable factor in the industry. Despite their best efforts to avoid it, the executive noted that this demanding reality is something that is expected to occur at some point.
The revelation underscores a tension between corporate aspiration and developer experience. By actively filtering candidates, the studio attempts to manage the external perception of its work environment, even while acknowledging that the core reality of project delivery often involves intense effort.
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