Crunch Culture Creates Union Interest
01. November 2023Crunch or Explotation?
A recent article in the Jacobin shows why crunch culture is raising interest in unionization in the video games industry.
Crunch culture in video game industry: Crunch is an extended period of strenuous unpaid work in the months on either side of a game launch. It is promoted as a rite of passage, but it is really exploitation of game workers.
Crunch effects on workers: Crunch can cause physical and mental health problems, such as heart attacks, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, and relationship issues. It can also reduce productivity and morale, and lead to attrition.
Crunch causes and solutions: Crunch is often the result of mismanagement, cost-cutting, and shareholder pressure. It can be challenged by collective bargaining and unionization, as well as better project planning and scoping.