GTA 6 developers say overtime crunch is built into Rockstars contracts

Months before the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, Rockstar Games’ developers revealed that “crunch,” or mandatory overtime periods that could stack up to 80 hours a week before GTA 6’s release, is part of their contracts at the studio.

Current employees and members of the unionized Rockstar Games Workers Union have voiced concerns over development crunch and overtime hours at the Edinburgh-based studio. According to employees, Rockstar North has normalized excessive overtime to such a degree that it is embedded in employee agreements.

Staff members also allege pay inconsistency and a widening gender pay gap. They say efforts to resolve these issues were scrapped, further painting a negative picture of gaming’s biggest studios.

Speaking to Game Developer, RGWU members in the UK detailed how the company handles overtime. An anonymous member and current developer said:

“Crunch is prevalent enough that the company built into our contracts, as standard, an opt-out of the Working Time Regulations that stops your employer from being able to ask you to do more than 10 hours extra each week.”

The developer continued:

“The union successfully ran a campaign to inform people they could opt back in to the regulations at any time, which resulted in Rockstar management simplifying the process and removing the obligation to meet with HR. Part of the problem with crunch is that there is not an agreed definition, and now it seems the company thinks that offering specific and limited compensation as an incentive for overtime means it no longer qualifies as crunch.”

Furthermore, employees complain that bonuses and pay structures are largely inconsistent and that compensation lacks equality and fairness. Many employees said their bonuses fluctuate dramatically.

According to another developer, “When the bonus is particularly good, it can be a windfall, but often the bonus is disappointing, and one can end up being paid considerably less than expected for the year. The reasoning given for this is often nebulous, inconsistent between departments, and even inconsistent between team members within the same department, and sometimes hinges on completely subjective or retroactive criticisms.”

These concerns come amid reports that Grand Theft Auto VI has generated between $3 billion and $4 billion in pre-order revenue, with total sales estimated between 40 million and 50 million copies. Meanwhile, the developers behind the game are fighting against “crunch culture” while seeking adequate compensation, bonuses, and equal pay.

Buy GTA 6 on Amazon here