Multiple Lab Zero staff members and companies working with them have issued statements saying they will no longer work with the company over Mike “Mike Z” Zaimont and his inappropriate behavior. Zaimont is the 100% owner of Lab Zero and is the studio head. After abusive behavior, sexual harassment, a racist joke, and other misconduct alluded to, former Art Director and Lead Animator Mariel Cartwright, Senior Animator Jonathan Kim, Art Producer Brian Jun, and Senior Artist Jessica Allen have all left the developer. In addition, Skullgirls IP owner Autumn Games and Skullgirls Mobile developer Hidden Variable Studios have committed to not working with Zaimont or Lab Zero.
Here is Cartwright’s statement about the situation and her resignation announcement.
I’ve resigned from Lab Zero Games. pic.twitter.com/I0dazMz4XB
— Kinuko (@kinucakes) August 24, 2020
Here is Jun’s resignation announcement, which also noted that Zaimont refused to leave his position.
I’m leaving Lab Zero Games.
Short version:
Mike Z creates an unsafe work environment for everyone.
He is the sole owner of Lab Zero Games, and removing him is difficult. He originally agreed to leave, but is unwilling to make a reasonable compromise, so I’m taking my exit now. pic.twitter.com/Uk4GjMt62k
— EU03 (@ClickAgain) August 23, 2020
Here is Kim’s resignation and statement on the situation.
Hey guys, I’ve resigned from Lab Zero Games. pic.twitter.com/9xlr3X0IHD
— Persona (@personasama) August 24, 2020
Here is Allen’s tweet about leaving Lab Zero.
lrt i quit yesterday it’s been a stressful last few weeks but now i can look forward to the future!
— nami (@nomnomnami) August 23, 2020
And here is Hidden Variables and Autumn’s statement. In addition to pledging to not work with Zaimont or Lab Zero, it did confirm that Skullgirls will still remain updated and alive, with the Annie of the Stars addition planned for both Skullgirls Mobile and Skullgirls 2nd Encore even after these events.
An official statement from Hidden Variable and Autumn regarding Lab Zero Games and the future of Skullgirls. pic.twitter.com/4qeoN9fgRj
— Skullgirls Mobile (@sgmobile) August 25, 2020
Editor’s note: In catching the statements posted, one that was a retweet of an additional resignation was accidentally shared twice.
Lab Zero Games was founded in 2012, and its two games were Skullgirls and Indivisible.
