Autumn Games and Hidden Variable taking over development of Skullgirls following resignation of several senior Lab Zero staff members
They plan to continue creating new characters and content for the core fighting game and mobile entry
Following the resignation of multiple senior staff members at Lab Zero Games due to lead programmer and owner Mike Zaimont's alleged inappropriate work behavior and other issues, it appears as though the developers will no longer be in charge of the fighting game they once resurrected.
Autumn Games and Skullgirls Mobile developer Hidden Variable released a joint statement revealing Lab Zero Games will no longer be working on Skullgirls 2nd Encore nor any other future developments for the series.
The companies say they believe and stand by the former workers which has ultimately led to them essentially severing ties with Lab Zero and Mike Z.
"While Mike never worked for Hidden Variable or Autumn, his behavior nonetheless directly contradicts our shared core values of mutual respect, decency, and professionalism," reads their statement in part. "Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment, and we were disheartened to hear that this was not always the case at Lab Zero."
Zaimont had faced pressure from the Skullgirls community since June to leave the studio after the lead programmer made an off color joke in reference to the death of George Floyd and a fan's posting of a private DM conversation which she claimed made her uncomfortable.
This reportedly sparked conversations within Lab Zero as to Mike Z's alleged behavior towards employees and coworkers which led to the team asking him to leave the company that he has apparently refused.
The move does not mean Skullgirls 2nd Encore development will be coming to an end, however, as Autumn claims it will work with those who left Lab Zero to create a new team to continue making new content for the fighting game that originally launched in 2012.
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Hidden Variable and Autumn confirmed Annie of the Stars will still be coming to Skullgirls Mobile in the coming months, and she is still planned to join the roster of 2nd Encore at some point in 2021.
New content is also planned beyond Annie's release for both titles for "years to come" the companies said.
"We hope this can serve as a fresh start for the next phase of Skullgirls development, unburdened by the events of the past," said the publisher and mobile developer.
This isn't the first time Skullgirls has faced shake ups on the development and publishing side considering the original Reverge Labs team was forced to close in 2012 from Autumn Games reportedly cutting off funds. Those events led to the creation of Lab Zero Games with the same core team intact and a crowdfunding campaign that would lead to the release of Encore, 2nd Encore and additional characters.
Autumn Games remains the owners of the Skullgirls IP though the actual creator of the series and characters, Alex Ahad, apparently already left Lab Zero previously on not great terms.
You can read the full statement from Hidden Variable and Autumn Games below.
Autumn Games and Hidden Variable's Statement Regarding Lab Zero
Recently, a number of Lab Zero Games employees have decided to leave the company as a result of actions by Mike Zaimont and a series of reported incidents that involved Mike over the years.
Autumn Games and Hidden Variable Studios fully support those employees who have chosen to stand by their principles and leave in light of that behavior, and we find their allegations to be credible. As such, effective immediately, we will no longer be working with Mike Zaimont or Lab Zero Games.
Although Hidden Variable has worked on Skullgirls Mobile since 2015, we are a 100% independent studio from Lab Zero Games. Our formal relationship is with Autumn Games, who are the official IP holders for Skullgirls.
While Mike never worked for Hidden Variable or Autumn, his behavior nonetheless directly contradicts our shared core values of mutual respect, decency, and professionalism. Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment, and we were disheartened to hear that this was not always the case at Lab Zero.
One of the things that makes Skullgirls so special is the incredibly passionate, kind, and generous community that has grown around the game and enabled it to flourish over the years. We know how much Skullgirls means to the community and how many of you have given so much of your time, energy, love, money, and support to enable Skullgirls to thrive. In light of recent events, we understand that this is a trying time for everyone involved.
That said, Skullgirls is bigger than any individual, and it will take more than the unacceptable behavior of any one person to bring it down.
Skullgirls, in all its forms, has been a product of years and years of effort from dozens of dedicated developers, artists, designers, and more. As such, Hidden Variable and Autumn are committed to investing in the ongoing development of Skullgirls without the involvement of Lab Zero or Mike Zaimont. We plan to work with the many talented individuals who are leaving Lab Zero to build new Skullgirls content moving forward, including the Annie launch on Skullgirls Mobile in the coming months, and her launch in Skullgirls 2nd Encore in 2021. Beyond Annie, we intend to continue working together to provide new Skullgirls content for everyone in the community to enjoy for years to come.
We hope this can serve as a fresh start for the next phase of Skullgirls development, unburdened by the events of the past.
As always, we thank you all for your trust and your ongoing support. Here's to a brighter tomorrow for the franchise we love, and the many wonderful people who have made it possible.
Hidden Variable Studios and Autumn Games
Sent in by SandovalDMega.
