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Naughty Dog required employees to work mandatory overtime on its next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The Sony-owned studio pushed staff to log extra hours to complete a demo before a December internal review. Sources say this step aimed to get production back on track after missed deadlines. While the period has ended, it has renewed concerns about the studio’s demanding work culture.
Staff Workload and Seven-Week Crunch
Starting in late October, management asked employees to work at least eight extra hours per week. They also had to log overtime in an internal spreadsheet. Total weekly hours were capped at 60. Staff returned to the office five days a week, up from three. Many scrambled to arrange childcare and pet care.
The mandatory overtime lasted about seven weeks. Teams focused on finishing the demo for Sony’s review. Management told staff the period would end once the milestone was complete. Sony and Naughty Dog declined to comment publicly.
Crunch Culture and Past Efforts
Excessive overtime, or crunch, has long been part of game development. Public criticism has pushed many studios to reduce such practices. Naughty Dog, known for The Last of Us and Uncharted, has kept a reputation for demanding schedules. That reputation grew after The Last of Us Part II, which caused burnout and staff departures.
In 2021, the studio hired additional producers to manage workloads and reduce stress. Many of those producers have since left. Some employees worry future projects may face overwork again.
Intergalactic Timeline and Workplace Symbolism
Teams previously worked long hours on the game’s debut trailer, shown at The Game Awards 2024. Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is slated for mid-2027. Some employees worry crunch could intensify later. Naughty Dog has returned staff to three-day in-office schedules through January. The studio plans to release detailed 2026 schedules after the holidays.
Earlier this year, staff received custom metal coins. One side showed the studio logo. The other featured a quote from the game: “The suffering of generations must be endured to achieve our divine end.” Whether intentional or not, the coin reflected the studio’s current workplace pressures and sustainability concerns. For more updates, follow their official X account.
