Funomena to close two weeks after workplace abuse allegations
Wattam developer Funomena is reportedly shutting its doors less than two weeks after an investigation into possible workplace abuse at well-known indie studios was launched.
News of the shutdown was revealed by People Make Games’ Chris Bratt, author of the report, which accused Funomena, Mountains and Fullbright of mismanagement, emotional manipulation and an “oppressive” workplace culture.
“I am very pleased to report that Funomena will be closing at the end of the month and all contractors were fired last Wednesday,” Blatter said on Twitter. “This announcement came as a surprise to many employees who now find themselves They are looking for other jobs and their last paycheck will come this Friday.”
The announcement came as a surprise to many employees, who now find themselves looking for other jobs, with their last paycheck due this Friday. If you can afford to hire, there are many people who can use your help right now.March 29, 2022
People Make Games’ report includes interviews with former Funomena employees who claim founder Robin Hunicke emotionally abused employees and often used their personal information “in a humiliating or completely unprofessional manner.” The report prompted at least one former colleague to share a similar experience with Hnicke on social media:
She was emotionally manipulating, spreading rumors, trying to silence those who opposed her, and labeling me a “worm,” a “bully,” and a “misogynist.”She ignores her teaching and her students while using the emotional distress and personal pain of others as an excuseMarch 18, 2022
Funomena has yet to confirm or publicly comment on the reported closure, but Hunicke acknowledged last week’s People Make Games report, tweeting that “leadership is a journey, and often a difficult one.”
“It’s sad to know that people are hurt by the mistakes I made,” Hunik wrote. “I’m really sorry. Right now I’m taking the time to talk to people, focusing on the feedback everyone shared and figuring out next steps.”
Leadership is a journey, and often a difficult one. I am saddened to learn that people have been hurt by the mistakes I have made. I am really sorry. Right now I’m spending time talking to people, paying attention to the feedback everyone is sharing, and figuring out next steps.March 22, 2022
I have contacted Funomena for more information and will update if I hear back.