The feedback comes as we get closer to the December 2 release date of The Callisto Protocol.
Glen Schofield, the director of The Callisto Protocol, has apologised for previous comments implying a possible crunch culture at his studio Striking Distance.
Schofield, as spotted by Ian Walker, tweeted a statement stating that he and his team are working 6-7 days a week for 12-15 hours each to complete The Callisto Protocol. While he stated that no one was “forcing us” to do so, many of the issues in crunch studios stem from the top and can create a silent expectation for others to work as much as they do.
In the now-deleted tweet, Schofield stated, “I only talk about the game during an event.” “Nobody is forcing us to work 6-7 days a week. Covid, we’re exhausted and tired, but we’re working. Bugs, glitches, and performance improvements One more pass through audio. Days of 12-15 hours. This is a game. Work is required. Working at lunch and dinner. You do it because you enjoy it.”
Schofield then apologised for his previous tweet, saying that he values “passion and creativity, not long hours,” and that his previous comment was written incorrectly.
Schofield wrote, “Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about the people I work with.” “I had previously tweeted how proud I was of the team’s efforts and long hours. That was incorrect. We value enthusiasm and creativity over long hours. I apologise to the team for coming across in this manner.”
According to Bloomberg Jason Schreier, who has previously reported on crunch issues, responded to Schofield’s original tweet with some context.
“This is crunch culture defined from a studio head,” Schreier wrote. “Of course, no one is ‘forced’ to work ridiculous hours. But consider the reduced bonuses and lack of advancement opportunities if you don’t. ‘You do it because you enjoy it.’ Passion weaponized. This is why people get bored of gaming.”
Crunch at game studios and beyond has gotten a lot of attention in recent years, thanks to reports about unhealthy working conditions for those who create the entertainment we love. Metroid Prime, Destiny, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe are a few examples.
Striking Distance Studios is currently planning to release The Callisto Protocol on December 2, 2022.