Warhammer 40k Inquisitor Martyr developer NeocoreGames has shone a light on the brutal schedules that those in the games industry keep, with the game’s producer saying that the studio will work 90 hour weeks as an “apology” to players for delaying the release of the game. Many have now pointed out the health risks associated with putting in such lengthy hours, using the game as an example of the pressure that workers in the game industry find themselves put under in order to meet deadlines.
Warhammer 40k Inquisitor Martyr producer Zoltán Pozsonyi posted a Steam update today, in which he stated that the game’s 1.0 launch had been pushed back from May until June 5th. While delays are common in the industry, it’s inevitable that developers will be eager to dissuade any backlash, with Pozsonyi assuring those looking forward to the game’s release that the time would work around the clock to get it released.
In a statement that has since been altered, Pozsonyi wrote: “Again, sorry for this as we kindly ask for your further patience and hopefully it won’t be a deal breaker for any of you. In return, we promise we’ll push this extra three weeks in 90+ hours per week so it’ll be very-very useful for Martyr.” The statement now excludes the admission that the team would be working such an extensive amount of hours.
Warhammer 40k Inquisitor Martyr is highly anticipated by those who enjoyed the game’s Early Access period, with it set to offer a Diablo-esque take on the Warhammer universe. However, many have reacted negatively to Pozsonyi’s comments, with Twitter user @MllePilgrim pointing out that this isn’t the first time that NeocoreGames has openly discussed pushing its staff beyond reasonable limits:
Been reading NeoCoreGames’ Steam updates and it seems like it’s a practice they have been doing (and openly saying it) since December.
THIS. IS. NOT. OK. pic.twitter.com/Tujn0KeuaH
— Myriame Pilgrim (@MllePilgrim) April 19, 2018
Developers working endless amounts of hours before their game releases is an open secret in the games industry, with many studios requiring its staff to work around the clock in order to meet release dates. However, rarely do companies openly discuss these practices, making NeocoreGames an unfortunate outlier. Hopefully, the studio takes these criticisms on board, though given the pressures put on developers in the gaming industry, that seems unlikely.
