The video game industry is notorious for the concept of crunch, where developers are required to work long hours to meet deadlines. The director of Baldur’s Gate 3 and CEO of Larian Studios, Swen Vincke, recently admitted that the team experienced crunch in order to complete the highly anticipated Dungeons & Dragons CRPG. While Vincke claimed that the crunch was less severe compared to previous Larian games, the fact remains that it did occur.
During a Q&A session at the Digital Dragons developer conference, Vincke addressed the issue of crunch and defended the studio’s approach. He mentioned that the overtime was paid and that the team did not have to work late nights or weekends, for the most part. While Vincke emphasized that Larian did not overly crunch, he did admit that some overtime was necessary to bring the complex game together.
Despite Vincke’s assertion that the crunch was minimal, the reality is that any form of crunch can have detrimental effects on the well-being of developers. The video game industry has been under scrutiny for its poor treatment of employees, with stories of excessive overtime and burnout becoming all too common. While Larian’s efforts to minimize crunch are commendable, there is still room for improvement in creating a sustainable work environment.
As Larian Studios prepares for future projects, it is crucial for them to prioritize the well-being of their employees. While the completion of Baldur’s Gate 3 may have required some crunch, it is essential for the studio to find ways to eliminate this practice entirely in their upcoming games. By fostering a culture of work-life balance and prioritizing the mental and physical health of their team, Larian can set a positive example for the industry as a whole.
While the reality of crunch may be unavoidable in some instances, it is essential for game developers to prioritize the well-being of their employees. The success of a game should not come at the cost of sacrificing the health and happiness of those who create it. As the video game industry continues to grapple with the issue of crunch, it is up to studios like Larian to lead by example and strive for a more sustainable and ethical approach to game development.
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