Bulkhead CEO Admits Filtering Candidates for Anti-Crunch Views
Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer stated that the studio reviews candidates' social media accounts and rejects those who publicly criticize crunch culture. Brammer acknowledged that while the studio tries to avoid crunch, it is inevitable, and argued that employees who oppose such practices would not be happy at the company. The studio, which recently released the hit game Wardogs, offers financial bonuses to shareholding employees but has also conducted annual layoffs for six years.
Key points
- Joe Brammer, CEO of Bulkhead and executive producer of Wardogs, confirmed that the studio checks potential employees' social media accounts during the hiring process.
- Candidates who post anti-crunch messages are rarely considered for roles, as Brammer believes they would not fit the studio's work environment.
- Brammer admitted that crunch is inevitable at Bulkhead, stating, 'I own that. I don't try and hide it,' despite efforts to avoid it.
- The studio offers bonuses to employees who own shares, which Brammer described as potentially 'life-changing,' but The Game Business reported that not all staff receive these benefits.
- Bulkhead has laid off employees annually for the past six years and was named a 'Best Place To Work' in the UK in 2023 and 2024, but not in 2025.
Background
Crunch culture remains a contentious issue in the gaming industry, with many studios facing criticism for demanding long hours from developers. Recent high-profile cases at studios like Rockstar Games and Bethesda have intensified scrutiny on labor practices. While some companies have moved to reduce crunch, others continue to normalize it, often justifying it with financial incentives or performance-based outcomes. Bulkhead's recent success with Wardogs, which has sold two million copies, highlights the commercial impact of such practices, even as the studio faces ongoing questions about its workforce stability and employee satisfaction.
Why it matters
This disclosure highlights a growing trend in the gaming industry where studios explicitly screen candidates for alignment with their labor practices, potentially excluding those who advocate for healthier work conditions. It raises questions about the balance between commercial success and employee well-being, and whether financial incentives can justify the normalization of crunch. The practice may also signal a shift in hiring standards, where ideological alignment with company culture becomes a decisive factor in recruitment.
What to watch
Bulkhead may face increased scrutiny from industry watchdogs and labor advocates over its hiring practices and the extent of crunch at the studio. The studio's response to ongoing layoffs and the distribution of financial bonuses among employees could influence its reputation in the coming months. Additionally, the broader industry may see further debate over the ethics of screening candidates based on their public stance on labor issues.
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