Earlier in the year, developer Lab Zero Games–known for titles such asÂSkullgirlsandÂIndivisible–experienced major shakeups with accusations against its owner, Mike Zaimont, of sexual harassment and creating a toxic work environment at the studio. After several employeesresigned in protest of Zaimont’s behavior, eventuallythe entire staff at the studio was laid off a few weeks ago, leaving the studio essentially defunct. In the wake of the events at Lab Zero, the former employees and developers have banded together to create their own studio with an entirely different structure that prioritizes equal opportunity and sustainable development.The former developers from Lab Zero have announced their new studio called Future Club, which was officially formed this month andhas opened a new websiteto celebrate the announcement. Specifically, the company’s announcement detailed that Future Club will specialize in “handcrafted art and traditional 2D animation, engaging and responsive gameplay, and creating unique and memorable worlds,” and will develop new IP and projects.
According to the studio’s website, Future Club will be an employee-owned co-op that gives its employees equal share of the company. Specifically,in a report byÂVice Games, designer Earl Gertwagen explained that “we really want this team to be rewarded for the efforts they’re putting in towards the game.” He added that the formation of the studio is encouraging all of its team members to feel “invested in the game and the quality of the product and the survival and sustainability of the team itself.”
Given the circumstances that transpired at Lab Zero Games, it makes sense that the now developers at Future Club would aim for a more transparent environment at their new studio by sharing responsibility and ownership. While the studio is in its early stages, hopefully we won’t have too wait too much longer to see what the devs behindÂSkullgirlsandÂIndivisiblehave in store.
