The crunch culture is real. The cycle of burning out and overworking developers in the video game industry has been around for decades. However, developers are trying to change this even if it means having to prolong the development cycle. It also helps that issues with the biggest games like Cyberpunk 2077 have come to light in recent years.
But, while we've heard developers making statements about improving workplace culture, it's different seeing it in action.
For example, what Naughty Dog is doing with The Last of Us Part 1.
The remake of the 2013 title has been rumored since last year but it was only confirmed last month at the Summer Game Fest. Since then, we've been hearing more about The Last of Us Part 1, such as an animator defending the game and saying that it's not just a "cash grab."