Wardogs CEO: We Avoid Hiring Devs Who Won't Crunch

Ever wondered what it takes to get hired at a game studio? According to Joe Brammer, CEO of Bulkhead, the team behind Wardogs, it might come down to one blunt question: are you willing to crunch?

In a recent statement, Brammer didn't mince words. He said the studio avoids hiring people who aren't willing to crunch. That's right—if you're not up for long hours, you might not make the cut.

But before you grab your pitchfork, Brammer framed it as a "balancing act." He described the studio as "a place you come to work hard," implying that crunch is just part of the deal. It's a philosophy that's sure to raise eyebrows, especially in an industry where burnout is a constant talking point.

For those unfamiliar, crunch is the notorious practice of forcing developers into extended overtime to hit deadlines. It's been a hot-button issue for years, with many arguing it leads to exhaustion and turnover. Brammer's comments suggest Bulkhead isn't shying away from that reputation—they're owning it.

So what does this mean for you? If you're a developer eyeing a job at Bulkhead, you now know the score. If you're a player excited for Wardogs, you might wonder how this crunch culture affects the game's development. Either way, it's a bold stance in an era where many studios are trying to move away from crunch.

Brammer's justification? It's simply how they operate. He didn't offer apologies, just a straightforward explanation: they want people who are ready to grind. Whether that's admirable or alarming depends on where you stand.

What do you think? Is crunch ever justifiable, or should studios do more to protect their teams? Will you be picking up Wardogs knowing this? Let us know in the comments.