**Naughty Dog’s Overtime Crunch: A Return to Industry Norms?**

Sony and Naughty Dog have reportedly reinstated the controversial practice of mandatory overtime, reminiscent of past trends in the video game industry that raise concerns about employee well-being. According to a recent report by Jason Schreier of Bloomberg, developers at the Santa Monica studio have been under significant pressure to complete an internal demo for their upcoming sci-fi action game, *Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet*.

Since late October, team members at Naughty Dog have been tasked with working a minimum of eight additional hours each week. This shift in work expectations includes a move from a hybrid work model—where staff could work from home three days a week—to a requirement for in-office attendance five days a week. Employees have also been asked to log their overtime in an internal tracking spreadsheet, leading some to make quick adjustments to personal childcare and pet care arrangements. While Naughty Dog has tried to mitigate the impact by advising against exceeding 60 hours of work weekly, this situation highlights the pervasive issue of “crunch” within the industry.

The push for overtime appears to be a response to missed deadlines, aiming to pull *Intergalactic* back on schedule, with an anticipated console release targeted for mid-2027. Naughty Dog has a notorious history of crunch; the studio’s previous releases have led to severe stress and burnout among developers, with reports indicating that some employees have required hospitalization due to the extensive demands placed on them. However, this current instance represents a resurgence in enforced overtime for a large segment of the studio, marking a notable shift from recent practices.

In 2021, Naughty Dog had taken steps to alleviate such pressures by introducing a team of producers dedicated to supporting developers and managing workloads, particularly following the exhausting development cycle of *The Last of Us: Part II*. Yet, insiders indicate that many of these producers have since departed the studio, potentially contributing to the renewed crunch culture.

As of this week, reports indicate that most Naughty Dog employees have returned to standard working hours, and management has reinstated the option for staff to work remotely two days a week until the end of January. A more comprehensive working arrangement for 2026 is planned for discussion following the holiday season.

*Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet* centers on a stranded bounty hunter exploring the mysteries of a forgotten planet. This project marks Naughty Dog’s first foray into a completely original title in several years, indicating heightened expectations and pressure from Sony to deliver a standout product.

The industry continues to grapple with the delicate balance between creative ambition, project timelines, and the impact on developers’ mental health. As the gaming landscape evolves, the recurrence of practices like enforced overtime raises significant questions about sustainability and care for those who create the experiences that audiences cherish.