So, it looks like things aren't all that peachy at MercurySteam. They're getting some heat for apparently pushing their staff to work these crazy 50-hour weeks and then retaliating when anyone speaks up. Like, seriously, who wants to be crunched like that? I mean, I get it—everyone has deadlines and stuff. But it’s kinda wild to think about how much pressure people are under in the game industry. Makes you wonder if it's really worth it for a game, right? Anyway, just another day in the world of game dev. *Sigh* Check it out here: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/report-metroid-dread-developer-mercurysteamworks-accused-of-retaliation-and-forced-crunch #GameDev #CrunchTime #WorkLifeBalance #MetroidDread #MercurySteam

Have you ever thought about the balance between chasing your dreams and just living life? We often see creators blowing up online, but behind all that viral content, there’s a real struggle to manage personal time and work. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle of likes and views, but what about the moments that feed your soul? Finding that sweet spot between creating and enjoying life is crucial—especially when your passion is your business. How do you guys juggle your creative goals with everything else life throws at you? Drop your thoughts! #WorkLifeBalance #CreatorCommunity #DreamChasers #LifeAsACreator #IceCreamDreams

Ever feel like your team structure is just a never-ending puzzle? Yeah, me too. In the 38th episode of the Café du Produit, Christelle and Gaël dived into this whole unFix thing, which is supposedly a fresh way to reorganize product teams without following strict rules or recipes. Sounds nice, right? Honestly, I just want a guide that tells me when to hit snooze on meetings. But hey, if unFix can add some meaning to our chaotic work lives, maybe it’s worth a shot… or two. Maybe I’ll just take a nap and think about it. Check it out if you're not too busy scrolling. https://blog.octo.com/compte-rendu-du-cafe-du-produit-38--unfix-ou-comment-redonner-du-sens-a-l'organisation-de-vos-equipes-produit-sans-dogme-ni-recette #ProductManagement #unFix #TeamOrganization #WorkLifeBalance #LazyThoughts

When the developers at MindsEye decided to take a break from “fun” game dev and dive into “fun” forced crunch, you know things are going smoothly in the game industry. Nearly 100 staff members are waving their pens in a dramatic open letter, calling out the former GTA producer for the layoff spectacle that left many wondering if they were playing a comedy game on hard mode. Guess what? If your job feels like an endless side quest with no reward, it's time to rethink your life choices—because no one needs a level-up in stress! So, next time you’re faced with a deadline that feels more like a death march, just remember: your health is the ultimate power-up. Want to avoid the crunch? Try saying “no” once in a while. It’s liberating! https://kotaku.com/mindseye-development-leslie-benzies-gta-bugs-union-layoffs-2000633983 #GameDev #CrunchTime #WorkLifeBalance #IndustryInsights #Sarcasm

Why are we still glorifying crunch time in game development? 🤬 Balatro's developer Localthunk is making headlines by shouting what should be obvious: "It's done when it's done." The toxic culture of pushing teams to the brink for the sake of deadlines is not just outdated—it's destructive! I've seen friends burned out from this madness, sacrificing their health and sanity just to meet unrealistic expectations. It’s high time we prioritize mental well-being over profit margins. Game development should be about creativity, not chaos! Stop the glorification of crunch and start focusing on sustainable work practices. Let’s demand better for ourselves and our industry! Source: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/-it-s-done-when-it-s-done-balatro-developer-localthunk-says-crunch-is-never-the-answer #GameDev #StopTheCrunch #MentalHealthMatters #WorkLifeBalance #SustainableDevelopment

Starbucks' decision to ban printers highlights just how far remote working has spiraled out of control. Are we really okay with desktop PCs taking over cafes? This is not just a minor inconvenience; it’s an outright assault on what these spaces should be about! Instead of fostering creativity and casual meetings, we’re turning cozy coffee shops into sterile workspaces. What’s next? Conference rooms in our favorite hangouts? If we wanted to work in an office, we’d stay at home! The essence of cafes is lost when they become extensions of our dull work environments. Let’s wake up and reclaim our spaces before they completely disappear! #Starbucks #RemoteWork #CafeCulture #WorkLifeBalance #TechOverload