Cyberpunk 2077 is only a month away at this point. Nearing its November 19th release rapidly, it seems meeting the deadline is impossible without the much dreaded crunch. And after revealing that CD Project RED are enforcing mandatory crunch on the game, despite promises they wouldn’t, that has understandably upset a lot of fans.
Crunch is something that has become increasingly controversial lately. The amount of horror stories related to crunch are large. Burnout and high stress is a common factor in these. Especially in similar large development studios, it seems unavoidable.
There has also been revelations such as studio CEOs taking larger cuts. And leaving workers not only on overtime but also underpaid. It has shown how unfair the industry can be.
And it’s therefore understandably disappointing to learn that CD Projekt RED have gone back on their promise to not force crunch. This isn’t something people want. Several people on Twitter have responded that they would not mind another delay if it meant avoiding crunch.
Promises Compensation
Though those who worry that CD Projekt RED are using unfair crunch may be relieved. CD Projekt RED head Adam Badowski released the following statement after the studio received some serious backlash.
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, but everyone is well compensated for every extra hour they put in. And, like in recent years, 10% of the annual profit our company generates in 2020 will be split evenly among the team.”
This is a silver lining on this big cloud that suddenly appeared in the skies over Night City. And a lot of responses echo that compared to several other major studios, the crunch time on Cyberpunk 2077 is nothing. And considering the game is right around the corner, the amount of crunch is going to be fair.
It seems for most major titles, crunch is unavoidable. But it can be minimized. It might not be the best work environment that we hoped for, but it is an improvement. Hopefully, the industry will take notice and give workers better deals and less stress on future projects.
UPDATE: Polish Law Protects Workers
It is important to also remember that Polish law will ensure the workers are properly compensated for any overtime. Polish law also requires workers to be given proper rest if working Sundays. So it is unlikely CD Projekt RED could force its workers to work longer than the law allows.
Workers will be given 100% remuneration in addition to regular for working at night, on Sundays or holidays, and on days off work in exchange for work on a Sunday or holiday. So we probably shouldn’t worry that CDPR is pushing their workers too far. They pretty much can’t without breaking Polish law.
What do you think? Would you wait longer if it meant no crunch? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Bloomberg