Wardogs CEO Responds to Crunch Allegations, Sharing Their Perspective

In a recent chat with Chris Dring, Bulkhead’s CEO and executive producer of Wardogs, Joe Brammer shared insights about the studio’s approach to crunch culture. His comments sparked discussions across various platforms, prompting Brammer to clarify the situation on social media, addressing what he termed “out of context articles.”

Wardogs, which launched on Steam just a week ago, is already making waves as one of 2026’s standout multiplayer shooters, having sold over two million copies and dominating the Steam charts while still in early access.

Brammer emphasized that he never claimed crunch was “mandatory.” He pointed out that 80% of Bulkhead’s shares are held by 50% of the staff, and noted that half of Wardogs’ development was achieved with a four-day workweek. He also mentioned that the entire studio will take the month of December off, highlighting this as part of their commitment to honesty and transparency.

Crunch, typically characterized by extended overtime, remains a significant concern in the gaming industry, with many studios facing criticism for fostering a “crunch culture.” This often leads to burnout and low morale as teams rush to meet deadlines. A recent case in point is the ongoing discussions surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6, where employees at Rockstar are advocating for improved working conditions, with crunch being a key issue.

After listening to the full 40-minute interview, it’s clear that the conversation is more nuanced than isolated quotes suggest. Brammer delves into various topics, including the changing perceptions of crunch among different generations of employees, the challenges of providing adequate paternity leave, and how bonuses are distributed within the company.

Brammer’s commitment to transparency is evident, as he and other senior team members frequently engage with the community on social media, discussing both the successes and challenges of Wardogs. This candid approach resonates with players who have embraced the game, though it also invites scrutiny, especially given its popularity.

Another instance of this openness was the studio’s “10 reasons not to buy Wardogs” video, which candidly addressed issues like the lack of regular content updates, the abandonment of a previous title, Battalion 1944, during development, and the eventual introduction of monetization, albeit at a later stage.

In the interview, Brammer acknowledged that while he “expects people to crunch,” the studio ensures that this is compensated fairly, both financially and with time off to recuperate from burnout. “If we’re going to be a company that says ‘we do crunch,’ then we also have to say ‘but you get something for it,'” he stated.