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Wardogs Success Puts Bulkhead CEO Under Fire Over Crunch and Hiring Checks

His comments have drawn industry criticism, prompting Bulkhead to promise staff ownership payouts, a full December break, a console release delay

Overview

  • Wardogs has sold roughly two million copies since its early access launch, giving Bulkhead a major commercial win.
  • In a recent interview CEO Joe Brammer said he “expects people to crunch” and confirmed the studio reviews applicants’ social posts to avoid hiring those who publicly oppose crunch.
  • Those remarks provoked criticism from game developers and outlets who say the stance risks normalizing overtime and excluding employees who speak out about work conditions.
  • Brammer pushed back on reports that he endorsed mandatory crunch and announced concessions including a full month off in December, a claimed four‑day week for half of development, and employee ownership payouts for some staff.
  • The episode has refocused attention on industry debates over crunch, hiring ethics and worker wellbeing and could influence hiring practices, staff morale and calls for stronger labour protections.