Mike Zaimont, once the chief executive of Skullgirls and the studio behind Indivisible, Lab Zero Games, has resurfaced in the gaming world. After allegations surfaced in 2020 that he made several sexually inappropriate and intrusive remarks to two individuals, he has now been confirmed as an individual contributor on the upcoming summer title, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game.
Comic book artist Irene Koh, renowned for her work on the official The Legend of Korra comic trilogy, revealed Zaimont’s participation in Paramount’s forthcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender 1v1 fighting game via a Bluesky post earlier this week.
Expressing her disappointment, Koh wrote, “As an Avatar + fighting game fan, I was extremely disappointed to hear that he’s involved. I’m proud of my work on the Korra comics & contributions to the IP over the last decade, and I love the team’s history of embracing inclusivity, so taking this job felt like it wasn’t in the spirit of the IP.”
Game Developer, after reaching out to Paramount Games, confirmed that Zaimont holds a position at Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game’s developer, Gameplay Group International, where he is specifically tasked with backend programming, engine architecture, and netcode.
Attention fans: Mike Z remains on the Avatar Legends development team, a crucial piece of information for anyone weighing whether to purchase or support the title.
Zaimont has previously faced serious sexual harassment allegations from two separate individuals in 2020. Twitch streamer Bunny accused him of being “incredibly disrespectful” and “creepy” after she thanked him for Skullgirls’ portrayal of woman‑on‑woman BDSM, while fighting‑game event organizer Carbon Grey alleged that he had made “weird, sexual comments” toward her and others for years at tournaments.
“I don’t know what Mike said to Bunny, but I’m sure it was shitty, and I know that because Mike’s been making weird, sexual comments at me in and out of cosplay at fighting‑game events for actual years,” Grey recounted. “I’ve been writing a lot of it off because when I tell people, they’re just like, ‘Oh, he’s kinda like that, I’m sorry.’ And like, yeah, he is kinda like that and he’s kinda not changing for the past five years, y’all…”
These accusations prompted several staff members at Zaimont’s studio, Lab Zero Games, to resign in August 2020. The board of directors, along with the broader team, initially sought to force Zaimont to step down as the studio’s sole owner. When he demanded “unrealistically high and potentially illegal” concessions, the board rejected them, leading Zaimont to dissolve the board and assume full control. Those who remained were ultimately dismissed a few weeks later.
After the recent layoffs at Lab Zero Games, Zaimont addressed Kotaku, explaining that the studio had to cut staff because it could no longer sustain payroll commitments, while sidestepping any mention of the accusations leveled at him.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Mike Zaimont and what is his background in the gaming industry?
Mike Zaimont is a former chief executive of Skullgirls and the studio behind Indivisible, Lab Zero Games. He has a history of leading game development teams and recently resurfaced as an individual contributor on the upcoming Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game.
What role does Zaimont hold on the Avatar Legends project?
Zaimont works as a backend programmer at Gameplay Group International, focusing on engine architecture and netcode for Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game.
How might Zaimont’s past allegations impact the development or reception of Avatar Legends?
His previous allegations of sexually inappropriate remarks could raise concerns about workplace culture and hiring practices, potentially influencing public perception and discussions about the game's development environment, while his technical role could affect the game's performance and online stability.
News Source: Kotaku
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