Naughty Dog, the renowned game developer behind the critically acclaimed The Last of Us series, has found itself in a familiar yet uncomfortable position: facing scrutiny over its work culture, specifically the prevalence of crunch. In a recent interview, former senior game designer Benson Russell shed light on the studio's approach to game development and the underlying reasons behind its persistent crunch culture.
Russell's insights reveal a deeper-rooted issue within Naughty Dog's workflow. He explains that the studio's tendency to treat internal deadlines with equal importance as external ones is a significant contributor to the crunch culture. This mindset, he suggests, is ingrained in the company's DNA, especially after the development of the first The Last of Us game.
The narrative around Naughty Dog's crunch culture has evolved over the years. After the release of The Last of Us Part II in 2020, the studio made public commitments to eliminate crunch and repair its reputation. They hired producers specifically to address workflow issues and seemed optimistic about a new direction. However, a recent Bloomberg report from December 2025 paints a different picture. It suggests that many of these producers have already left the studio, and Naughty Dog is now reportedly falling back into its old habits, including demanding late hours and overtime for the development of Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
Russell's comments highlight a concerning pattern. He argues that the studio's internal deadlines are often set when they feel the project has strayed from its intended vision, leading to a sense of urgency that results in crunch. This approach, he believes, is a remnant of the early days of The Last of Us development, where the team prioritized meeting deadlines over employee well-being.
The question remains: How can Naughty Dog break free from this cycle? Russell's perspective offers a starting point for discussion. It underscores the need for a fundamental shift in the studio's mindset, prioritizing employee welfare and sustainable development practices over the relentless pursuit of deadlines. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for developers like Naughty Dog to lead by example, demonstrating that success and quality can be achieved without compromising the well-being of their talented workforce.
