Crunch on video game production: practices to avoid for healthier workplaces in Game Development

Based on a scoping review, this paper identifies the organizational factors contributing to crunch in game development. A search string was applied in ten information sources, resulting in 2,922 entries and 45 studies included in our analysis. Results were inductively categorized into four broad categories of organizational factors that may contribute to crunching: people management, environment and culture, time management and product management. Knowing what organizational factors are associated with crunch, managers and professionals may avoid them and promote a healthier workplace with sustainable and ethical work practices.