Mandatory Crunch Report Reveals Work Conditions at MercurySteam, Developers of Metroid Dread and Blades of Fire

Concerns Over Working Conditions at MercurySteam

A recent exposé by 3DJuegos has highlighted troubling reports regarding the work environment at MercurySteam, the developer known for titles such as Metroid Dread and the newly released Blades of Fire. Interviews with current and former staff suggest that the studio has fostered a grueling ‘crunch’ culture, where longer hours have become the norm, overshadowing the traditional eight-hour workday.

Crisis of Overtime and Work Hours

The issues reportedly began prior to the launch of Blades of Fire with the introduction of a new scheduling system known as “Distribución Irregular de la Jornada (DIJ).”This scheme forced teams into extended working hours under ambiguous overtime compensations. Initially, management indicated that these extra hours were compulsory; however, the HR department later clarified that the overtime was not mandatory, following employee scrutiny regarding the implementation.

Management Practices and Employee Feedback

One employee voiced concerns, stating, “

At first, they said the extra hours were completely mandatory, without distinguishing between the DIJ hours and the new ones, and they talked about the need for overtime as if we were in some kind of crisis…

The Disconnect in Team Experiences

It is notable that the DIJ schedule has not been uniformly implemented across all teams within MercurySteam. Reporting indicates that some groups have adapted to the new ten-hour workdays, while others have reportedly remained unaffected and continue with a more traditional schedule. This inconsistency raises questions about fairness and transparency in how labor practices are applied within the studio.

The Fallout of Crunch Culture

The crunch culture became even more pronounced after Blades of Fire was deemed a commercial failure, with reports indicating that the game “underperformed”according to its publisher. Following months of intense work leading up to release, many developers have felt that their extensive overtime was becoming the new status quo. By mid-2025, layoffs began, impacting teams unevenly, with some studios reducing headcount while others continued to hire.

Impact on Morale and Communication

Communication among staff has reportedly been curtailed, a move further isolating employees. Non-work-related discussions have been restricted, and physical partitions have been erected in the workplace. The combination of layoffs, an overwhelming crunch environment, and conflicting messages from HR has significantly impacted employee morale. Despite these challenges, reports indicate that the team is currently working on an unannounced project, raising additional concerns about the sustainability of such practices.

For ongoing updates regarding working conditions in the gaming industry and more on MercurySteam, stay tuned to sources like WCCFTech.