The video game industry has long been plagued by the issue of crunch, where developers are required to work excessive hours in order to meet project deadlines. The director of Baldur’s Gate 3, Swen Vincke, recently admitted that his studio, Larian, also experienced crunch during the development of the game. While he claimed that it was less severe than on previous projects, the fact remains that crunch was still a present reality for the team.
Vincke stated that any overtime worked by the developers was compensated, and the studio made an effort to ensure that staff did not have to work late nights or weekends. By utilizing Larian’s other studios around the world, the workload was spread out across different time zones, allowing for a more manageable schedule for employees. This approach helped to minimize the impact of crunch on the team, although Vincke did acknowledge that some level of overtime was still required to complete the project.
Despite the challenges faced during the development of Baldur’s Gate 3, Vincke maintained a positive outlook on the situation. He argued that Larian did not overly rely on crunch and that any additional hours worked were not as extensive as in other studios. While he admitted that some overtime was necessary to bring the complex game together, he emphasized that efforts were made to keep it to a minimum.
Looking towards the future, Vincke expressed hope that Larian’s upcoming projects would continue to improve in terms of managing crunch. While the studio has no plans for a Baldur’s Gate 4 or DLC, there is a commitment to finding ways to eliminate crunch entirely from their development process. By learning from their experiences with Baldur’s Gate 3 and implementing strategies to better support their team, Larian aims to create a healthier work environment for their employees.
While crunch may still be a reality in the video game industry, studios like Larian are making strides towards minimizing its impact on their developers. By acknowledging the issue, compensating overtime work, and actively seeking solutions to reduce crunch, progress is being made. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for studios to prioritize the well-being of their employees and strive for a more sustainable approach to game development.