Wardogs checks Steam accounts for FPS passion
In the competitive world of game development, where artistic vision often clashes with market demands, some studios are taking a uniquely specific approach to talent acquisition. Bulkhead, the creative force behind the breakout hit Wardogs, has built its success not just on brilliant game design, but on a surprisingly stringent filter: a deep-seated passion for First-Person Shooter games.
For Bulkhead, this preference isn’t merely a casual interest; it’s a core philosophy. Executive Director Joe Brammer has articulated a unique, if slightly eccentric, vetting process for new developers. He insists that the team must be genuine FPS enthusiasts before they are considered for a role. As Brammer put it, if you don’t understand the world of shooters, you wouldn’t be able to make a game in that genre, prompting him to humorously suggest that someone wanting to make a role-playing epic like Final Fantasy wouldn’t understand the FPS landscape at all.
This dedication extends to their operational practices. When implementing necessary measures like anti-cheat systems, the studio acknowledges that this work is expensive and carries inherent risk. Instead of viewing these systems as hurdles, Brammer argues that the studio should be rewarded for taking these necessary precautions. The underlying message is clear: they want to support the community that fuels their success.
“We are FPS players,” Brammer explains. “We want to do right by that audience, and we want to be one of the good guys supporting them.” This commitment shapes how Bulkhead approaches hiring, prioritizing developers who share their foundational values, ensuring that the talent pool aligns with the studio’s core identity.
Senior producer Kane Allard confirms this approach is concrete. Every applicant’s Steam record is meticulously checked to ensure they possess a genuine passion for FPS games before they even begin the interview process. While this focus is intense, Brammer assures that it is not an exclusion. He makes it clear that developers are free to enjoy other genres; playing non-shooter games does not make you a worse developer.
The emphasis is not about narrow specialization, but about shared dedication to quality. The studio is looking for people who genuinely care about the intricate details of the game they are creating, regardless of the genre. It’s a strategy that positions Bulkhead as a studio that values authenticity and shared passion above all else.
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