Studio's Response to Employee Claims
Gunzilla Games, the studio behind the highly anticipated battle royale game Off the Grid, is facing scrutiny over claims of delayed payments to employees. CEO Vlad Korolev has addressed these accusations directly through a detailed tweet, framing the criticism as part of a broader narrative from detractors.
Former employees, including animator Paul Creamer and talent acquisition lead Anna Savina, have publicly alleged that Gunzilla has not paid its workers on time, with some stating they have gone months without compensation. Creamer specifically mentioned, “I have personally not been paid since October 2025.”
In his tweet, Korolev rebuffed these claims, stating, “Haters keep making predictions. We keep delivering.” He emphasized that the salaries of full-time employees have “never been delayed by more than a week” in the six years since development began. This assertion aims to clarify that while financial operations may occasionally shift to align with the company's cash flow, the integrity of full-time salaries remains intact.
Korolev also pointed out that the studio is navigating a challenging economic landscape, saying, “Yes, we are optimizing costs — like every company in gaming, crypto, and tech is doing right now.” He acknowledged the reality that payment schedules may not always favor individual circumstances but stressed the importance of keeping the company functional.
Despite the intense criticism, Korolev remained focused on the positive performance of Off the Grid. He highlighted its significance as a project that represents both Gunzilla and the entire web3 gaming industry. The CEO asserted that the studio continues to make strides and deliver to its audience, even amid the controversy.
Korolev's tweet also touched on the rigors of game development, stating, “There has never been a single day where anyone worked in a 'work-life balance' mode.” His comments suggest that the team has been under significant pressure to meet development goals, likening their efforts to that of larger studios.
As Gunzilla moves forward, the CEO aims to shift the narrative back to the studio's achievements. He concluded his message by reaffirming the company's commitment to its players and employees, insisting that “we will keep responding with achievements” while addressing any concerns raised.