Honestly, the amount of time it takes AAA titles like this to launch is crazy. Buuut if that’s the price we pay for getting a finished, somewhat bug free experience, then so be it. I’d rather that that crunch leading to burnout and a product that gets rushed out to appease shareholders (stares in 2077).
I would agree, if that’s actually what’s happening.
However, looking at how the gaming industry does things… I think it’s more likely that it takes so long because the game has either been put on ice or they have a completely understaffed team working on it slowing, development to a crawl. And then, once the company suddenly decides they want to release it, they’re going to force crunch time, anyway.
I’d be very happy if my suspicions turn out wrong, but…