'This Is a Place You Come to Work Hard' — Wardogs CEO Justifies Crunch as a Balancing Act

Wardogs CEO Joe Brammer explains that the studio does not hire individuals who are unwilling to engage in crunch, a concept he values but not in the typical sense. Instead, the team will work intensively for a few months, followed by a period without excessive pressure. Currently, Wardogs is deeply immersed in game development, impacting their personal lives significantly.

However, the company aims to eventually ease the workload. Brammer emphasizes the importance of balance and ensuring employees feel comfortable stepping away from work without fear of repercussions. He notes that the team's age and desire to start families have made crunch more challenging. To address this, Bulkhead offers two weeks of paternity leave and provides half-days to facilitate the transition for families.

The company does not employ individuals who publicly criticize crunch on social media, as they believe such candidates may not fit well within the company culture. Brammer believes that hard work is highly valued at Bulkhead; if the team doesn't appreciate the work, they might perceive it as exploitative. To incentivize dedicated employees, Bulkhead offers bonuses and shares in the company to select members, though eligibility is not universal.

Brammer insists that employees who put in extra effort receive substantial returns, which he believes can be life-changing. Wardogs has already sold over two million copies within its first week, and the game is among Steam's most-played titles. The studio plans to release the game on consoles in 2028, taking its time to ensure quality.