**Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer Discusses Hiring Practices and Crunch Culture in Game Development**
In a recent interview with *The Game Business*, Joe Brammer, CEO of Bulkhead Interactive, the studio behind the first-person shooter (FPS) success *Wardogs*, opened up about the company’s approach to hiring and its stance on the contentious issue of crunch in game development. Crunch, which refers to the practice of working extended hours to meet deadlines, has been a significant topic of discussion in the gaming industry, often criticized for its impact on developers’ well-being.
Brammer revealed that Bulkhead actively checks the social media profiles of potential hires for any public statements expressing criticism of crunch. He emphasized that the studio tends to avoid hiring individuals who vocally oppose crunch practices, suggesting that those who do carry a negative perspective on the issue may not fit well within Bulkhead’s work environment. “If you’re constantly tweeting anti-crunch messaging: ‘This should never ever be a thing’, we know that and go, ‘Look, you’re not going to be happy here’,” he stated.
This approach underscores Bulkhead’s desire to cultivate a work culture perceived as one that honors hard work and dedication. Brammer expressed that the studio is dedicated to maintaining a level of perseverance that, while it may at times result in crunch, is part of the game development process. He acknowledged the reality of crunch, stating, “It is going to happen at some point,” despite the studio’s efforts to minimize it.
Brammer framed the studio’s philosophy around work as a matter of valuing dedication to project outcomes. He mentioned that those who care about the results of their work will feel valuable and satisfied, while those who do not may have a discontented experience at Bulkhead. Critics of this viewpoint suggest that Brammer’s comments imply a disregard for the well-being of employees who advocate against crunch, hinting at a narrative that positions those voices as less committed to their work.
In defending his stance, Brammer argued that the commitment to hard work and potential crunch is balanced by competitive compensation for the developers. However, reports indicate that not all staff at Bulkhead benefit from stock ownership or bonus structures, raising questions about equitable responses to their contributions.
Additionally, Brammer addressed concerns about work-life balance within Bulkhead. He noted that the studio has given its employees the month of December off and operated with a four-day workweek for half of the development period for *Wardogs*. In a subsequent social media post, he expressed that discussions surrounding his comments had been taken out of context, indicating a desire to clarify Bulkhead’s broader working practices without entering a contentious public debate.
Furthermore, Brammer disclosed that Bulkhead has made redundancies annually over the past six years, although he noted that this year marked the first instance where no layoffs would occur following the success of *Wardogs*.
As the gaming industry continues to grapple with the implications of crunch culture, Bulkhead’s strategies and perspectives on hiring practices serve as a case study in balancing productivity, employee satisfaction, and the pressures of game development.
This insightful discourse brings to light the challenges and ethical considerations game studios like Bulkhead face as they navigate the complexities of workplace culture and performance expectations in an industry known for its demanding nature.
