Less than two weeks after being named in an investigation into possible workplace abuse in acclaimed independent studiosWattam developer Funomena is closing its doors.
News of the closure was revealed by Chris Bratt of People Make Games, author of the report alleging mismanagement, emotional manipulation and “oppressive” workplace cultures in Funomena, Mountains and Fulbright.
“I am absolutely devastated to report that Funomena is expected to be closed by the end of this month, with all contractors having already been laid off as of last Wednesday,” Bratt tweeted. “This announcement took many employees by surprise, who now find themselves looking for another job, with their final paycheck due this Friday.”
This announcement took many employees by surprise, who now find themselves looking for another job, with their final paycheck due this Friday. If you are in a position to hire, there are many people who may need your help right now.March 29, 2022
The People Make Games report included interviews with former Funomena employees who claimed founder Robin Hunicke was emotionally abusive towards employees and regularly used personal information about them “in a way that was demeaning or downright unprofessional”. The report prompted at least one former colleague to share similar experiences with Hunicke on social media:
She was emotionally manipulative, spread rumors, tried to silence those who spoke out against her and labeled me a ‘clumsy’, a ‘bully’ and a ‘misogynist’. She neglected her teaching and her students, while using the emotional suffering and personal pain of others as excuses.March 18, 2022
Funomena has not confirmed or publicly commented on the reported closure at this time, but Hunicke acknowledged the People Make Games report last week, tweeting that “leadership is a journey and often a difficult one.”
“It saddens me that people are suffering from the mistakes I’ve made,” Hunicke wrote. “I’m sorry. I’m currently taking the time to talk to people, focus on the feedback everyone is sharing and figure out the next steps.”
Leadership is a journey, and often a difficult one. It saddens me to know that people are suffering from the mistakes I made. I’m really sorry. Right now, I’m taking the time to talk to people, focus on the feedback everyone is sharing, and figure out the next steps.March 22, 2022
I’ve contacted Funomena for more information and will update if I get a response.