Naughty Dog, the acclaimed game development studio, is diving into a new era with its highly anticipated franchise, “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.” However, recent reports highlight concerns over the studio’s working practices as it embarks on this ambitious project. The buzz centers on mandatory overtime imposed on employees, a move that has sparked discussions about the studio’s ongoing crunch culture.
Crunch Time Begins for Intergalactic Demo
Reports suggest that since late October, Naughty Dog has enforced mandatory overtime to develop a demo for “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.” However, this demo isn’t intended for gamers. Insiders reveal it’s a crucial milestone check-in with Sony Interactive Entertainment. Employees, speaking anonymously, describe the extra workload, with their weekly hours extended by eight, capping at 60 hours. Additionally, the team was called back to the office five days a week instead of the usual three.
Concerns Over Development Practices
While “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet” is scheduled for a mid-2027 release, the current crunch raises concerns about the development process’s sustainability as the launch date approaches. This scenario isn’t new for Naughty Dog, known for its crunch culture, a trend prevalent in many triple-A development studios. Previous backlash from players and employees has pushed studios to reconsider their practices, though changes remain inconsistent.
Looking Ahead
As the year ends, reports indicate that the overtime requirement has lifted for most employees, with a regular schedule resuming in January. However, the roadmap beyond January 2026 remains uncertain, awaiting release post-holiday break. The industry continues to debate how studios like Naughty Dog can balance ambitious goals with healthy working conditions, especially as they approach the crucial polishing stages of game development.
