Gaming studio Gunzilla has come under fire after several current and former employees alleged that the company owes months of unpaid wages.
The controversy also involves staff from its NFT-based battle royale title "Off the Grid" and ownership of Game Informer, adding pressure on the studio's leadership.
CEO Response to Back Pay Allegations
Employees claim that communication from management has broken down, leaving many without clarity on overdue payments. Some former staff members have also stated publicly that they were left waiting for months for compensation after extended work periods.
In response to the growing criticism, Gunzilla CEO Vlad Korolev posted a lengthy statement on social media, dismissing accusations and describing critics as "haters." He denied that full-time employees were left unpaid and insisted that any delayed payments affected only contractors.
While people who have never played OTG and have never built a business sit and spread FUD to farm a few views — targeting the biggest web3 game ever created, a game that represents not only itself but the entire web3 gaming industry in front of traditional gaming — we will keep...
— Vlad Korolev (@VladK133) April 9, 2026
Korolev explained that the company manages payments based on cash flow priorities, arguing that this approach helps maintain operations without disruption. He also claimed that salaried employees have consistently received payments with minimal delays over the years.
According to the CEO, Gunzilla continues to meet its obligations and has already resolved payments for recently completed contracts.
Crunch Culture Claims and Development Pressure
Beyond financial disputes, Korolev's post drew attention for comments about the studio's working conditions, per Kotaku. He described an intense development environment, suggesting that employees have operated under sustained high-pressure schedules to complete "Off the Grid."
His remarks sparked renewed discussion about crunch culture in the gaming industry, where extended work hours are often criticized for affecting employee well-being.
Game Informer Acquisition and Project Growth Claims
The CEO also highlighted Gunzilla's 2025 acquisition of Game Informer, stating that the publication is experiencing renewed growth after its previous shutdown. He framed the move as part of the company's broader expansion strategy.
Korolev further claimed that "Off the Grid" is growing steadily post-launch, although publicly available player metrics suggest modest engagement levels compared to industry expectations.
In the end, former employees only want what they should have gotten. It's their right to get their pay, and Gunzilla denying all these accusations won't help solve the dispute.
Originally published on Player One
