The Last of Us and Assassin's Creed, two prominent video game franchises, have been associated with an animation support studio that is now under scrutiny due to allegations of "crunch", physical, and verbal abuse. The studio in question, which has not been named, has been accused of maintaining a work environment that promotes excessive overtime, also known as "crunch," and tolerates instances of physical and verbal abuse.
These allegations have surfaced from multiple anonymous sources, who claim to have been employees of the studio. They allege that the studio has encouraged a culture of overwork, with employees often expected to put in long hours to meet tight project deadlines. This practice, termed "crunch", is a controversial topic within the gaming industry, with critics arguing that it leads to employee burnout and impacts the quality of work.
Further allegations suggest that the studio not only fostered an environment conducive to "crunch" but also turned a blind eye to instances of physical and verbal abuse. The anonymous sources claim that the management failed to intervene or provide sufficient support in cases of such abuse, implying a lack of concern for employee welfare.
These allegations have sparked controversy and raised questions about the working conditions in the gaming industry. Both The Last of Us and Assassin's Creed are globally recognized brands, and the studios behind these games have a significant influence on industry practices. The associations of these franchises with a studio facing such serious allegations could potentially impact their reputation and lead to calls for greater scrutiny of employment practices within the industry.
The gaming industry has been plagued with controversies related to "crunch" and poor working conditions in the past. These new allegations highlight the persistent issue and the urgent need for reform. Industry stakeholders, including game developers, publishers, and players, need to come together to address these issues and create a work environment that values employee well-being while still maintaining high standards of performance.