Cloud Imperium Games, the studio behind the ambitious space sim Star Citizen, is reportedly forcing its developers to work 7-day weeks in the lead-up to Citizencon, the game’s annual fan event. This intense crunch time, designed to meet tight deadlines for the event, has raised concerns about employee well-being and potential burnout.
Insider Gaming, a website known for its coverage of the gaming industry, obtained internal emails revealing the company’s demands. In one email sent out just days before Citizencon, Cloud Imperium Games stated that developers needed to “double down over the next 18 days to make sure that once again we create an amazing experience for our community.” This includes finalizing patch 3.42.2 for Star Citizen and getting the Squadron 42 demo showcase for Chapter 1 ready. The email also mandated extra work hours on weekends for those working on Citcon deliverables.
Previously in July 2024, Cloud Imperium Games pre-approved 12 hours of “SQ42 TOIL” (time off in lieu) per week for developers working on Squadron 42, the game’s single-player campaign. However, this TOIL would only be available if developers remained with the company until the game’s release, or else it would be forfeited.
To incentivize employees during this grueling period, Cloud Imperium Games is providing free food and extra days off in the future. This includes breakfast and lunch every working weekend for office-based employees. The company also encourages employees to be “mindful of the hours they work” and to ensure they have at least 11 hours outside of work each day.
In response to criticism, Cloud Imperium Games acknowledged the heavy workload and thanked employees for their dedication, stating, “To show our appreciation, all those who will in the trenches with us over the next couple of weekends, can have Monday 21st October on the company as a free holiday. This hopefully will give a little break for everyone to rest after our long Citizencon weekend and the drive towards it.”
While the company insists this is a common practice in game development, the enforced 7-day workweeks and the potential for burnout remain concerning. The situation highlights the intense pressure often faced by developers, especially when working on large-scale projects with ambitious deadlines. With nearly $1 billion in funding behind Star Citizen, Citizencon promises to be a significant event for the game’s future. The event will showcase the latest updates and features, including the long-awaited Squadron 42 demo, and will likely attract a large audience. The success of Citizencon depends heavily on the developers’ dedication and hard work, even at the cost of long hours and potential burnout.
