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Platform Games

The Guide > Technology > Video Games > Platform Games 

Crunch culture

In the gaming industry "crunch" is a term used to describe working overtime, particularly when there is a fast-approaching deadline. Game developers commonly work 60-80, even up to 100 hours a week, typically during the months leading up to a game's release. Developers forced to crunch end up sacrificing weekends, time with their families, and their personal health in the process. Speaking up or refusing to do overtime can jeopardise current or future job opportunities. Japanese companies like Nintendo and Sega have significantly reduced crunch, but in western countries it remains a huge problem.

A former Rockstar Games employee explained, "If you're really passionate about the game and working there, and want to prioritise that over your life, it's a really great place to work. But if you want to prioritise your life, it's not."

In some cases overtime isn't paid, which has led to lawsuits. In 2006 Electronics Arts paid out US$30 million to settle two class action lawsuits that claimed the company underpaid its graphic artists and programmers for overtime. Rockstar Games settled a similar lawsuit in 2009 for US$2.75 million.
  • Learn more at   [Digital Trends]
  • Game Workers Unite is calling for the game industry to be unionized. Learn more at  [Game Workers Unite]
BRAND COMPANY OWNED RATING
Mirror's Edge  Electronic Arts   USA  Praises, some criticism4
Rayman  Ubisoft   FRA  Praises, some criticism4
Sonic  Sega   (Sega Sammy) JPN  Criticism, some praise5
Crash Bandicoot  Activision Blizzard   USA  Criticisms6
Skylanders  Activision Blizzard   USA  Criticisms6
Spyro  Activision Blizzard   USA  Criticisms6
Donkey Kong  Nintendo Australia   (Nintendo) JPN  Criticisms6
Kirby  Nintendo Australia   (Nintendo) JPN  Criticisms6
Super Mario  Nintendo Australia   (Nintendo) JPN  Criticisms6
LittleBigPlanet  Sony Interactive Entertainment   (Sony Group) JPN  Criticisms6
Ratchet & Clank  Sony Interactive Entertainment   (Sony Group) JPN  Criticisms6
Lego  WB Games   (Warner Bros. Discovery) USA  Criticisms6



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