# Bulkhead studio work culture controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulkhead-studio-work-culture-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-19T13:00:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer has faced scrutiny regarding the UK-based game developer’s work culture and hiring practices. Initial controversy arose from comments suggesting the studio reviews applicants’ social media profiles and may decline candidates who post anti-crunch messaging to ensure ‘cultural fit’. Brammer described the studio’s model as a balancing act involving intense work periods offset by financial incentives, such as bonuses and company shares. Following criticism, Brammer clarified that overtime periods during the development of the title ‘Wardogs’ were voluntary. He noted that to meet a June beta deadline, staff were asked to work two additional hours per day for four weeks, adding that four employees declined to participate without facing repercussions. While acknowledging the potential for social pressure within a tight-knit team, Brammer maintained that the studio aims to avoid mandatory crunch. Despite the labor discussions, ‘Wardogs’ has achieved commercial success, selling over two million copies on Steam following its early access launch. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-19: Bulkhead CEO addresses WARDOGS development crunch controversy Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer defended the studio's voluntary overtime practices during WARDOGS development, acknowledging social pressure but noting that employees who declined crunch faced no penalties. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulkhead-ceo-addresses-wardogs-development-crunch-controversy ### 2026-09-16: Bulkhead CEO defends work culture and hiring practices Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer defended the studio's work culture, stating they may not hire applicants who post anti-crunch messages on social media, framing it as a matter of cultural fit. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulkhead-ceo-defends-crunch-as-a-balancing-act --- Cite as: Bulkhead studio work culture controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulkhead-studio-work-culture-controversy