Skullgirls’ Studio Ex-Staff Form New Studio

After a tumultuous few weeks, the former staff of Skullgirls Studio Lab Zero have formed a new studio, Future Club. They’ll run the studio as a co-op, and employees will have a say in its direction.

In an interview with Vice, the staff of the new studio have talked about their plans for the worker-owned studio.

“We really want this team to be rewarded for the efforts they’re putting in towards the game,” says designer Earl Gertwagen. “We want everybody to feel they’re invested in the game and the quality of the product and the survival and sustainability of the team itself.”

Becoming Worker-Owned

What does it mean to be a co-op? Unlike shareholder-controlled companies, employees have more of a say in a Co-op. That means that all employees will have equal status in the company, rather than a hierarchy.

According to Creative director Mariel Kinuko Cartwright, the studio will still have specialized roles. The studio still has a board of directors, for example. However, the employees vote on who gets to be on this board, and can express their unhappiness by voting them out.

“Since the board is elected by the employees,” says Cartwright, “the employees also have the ability to call for another vote and say, ‘Hey, maybe we need to discuss the board. I’m not sure if I agree with where this has been going.’ They can invite a conversation with everyone.”

Future Club’s establishment is a good step forward for the ex-Lab Zero employees. Previously, several senior staff members at Lab Zero walked out following a lack of action against Studio lead Mike Zaimont. An internal investigation recommended Zaimont resign, which he promptly refused. The investigation found a pattern of inappropriate and sometimes abusive behavior.

Shortly after the staff walkout, the remaining Skullgirls staff were laid off.

It is unknown if Future Club would be officially partnered with Autumn Games, given the publisher’s previous statement of solidarity with the employees.