CRUNCH IN THE VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY
A SCOPING REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14244/2179-1465.RG.2026v17p247-274Keywords:
crunch, video game, work hoursAbstract
“Crunch,” or “crunch time,” in the digital gaming industry refers to the extension of work through long hours, often unpaid, which can be permanent or temporary. This study sought to systematize knowledge about this phenomenon through a scoping review. The search was conducted in ten sources of information, resulting in 48 included studies. The thematic analysis identified the main characteristics of crunch, and the antecedents and consequences that operate at the individual, organizational, and social levels in maintaining crunch. The results enable a greater understanding of the phenomenon, highlight gaps, and provide suggestions for future research.
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