Ratchet and Crunch? Well, actually…
PlayStation’s latest PS5 exclusive, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, looks to be a wondrously fun time that truly utilises the capabilities of the PS5 hardware. And with near-unanimously positive reviews from critics, we can’t wait to get out hands on it.
However, as crunch becomes a worryingly common practice within the games industry, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart brought a little extra sunshine yesterday: it didn’t require any crunch. (At least, according to two developers who worked on the game.)
Upon the embargo lift for reviews, an Insomniac game designer, Grant Parker, took to Twitter to celebrate the game, and the company’s work ethic:
“#RatchetPS5 is at 89 avg score & I can’t speak for anyone on the team but myself, but I didn’t crunch once. 40h weeks the whole time.”
This tweet was then followed up by animator Lindsay Thompson who stated:
“I didn’t crunch once, entire production. A couple late nights here and there finishing something up, but COMPLETELY CRUNCH FREE. It is possible. Team wellness lets the creativity flow free.”
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart looks incredible graphically, and despite solid reviews for Returnal, may be titled the new reason to own a PS5. In a world of Cyberpunk 2077, Dying Light 2, and The Last of Us Part 2 all being criticised for their work practices it is nice to see a major studio not only takes its time but treat its staff well – and still manages to look this jaw-dropping.
We’ll be ripping up the multi-dimensions when Rift Apart launches on June 11 with a smile on our face, knowing that no one apparently suffered for its creation.
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