Mike Zaimont, formerly the CEO of Lab Zero Games, known for "Skullgirls" and "Indivisible," has been confirmed to be working on the upcoming fighting game "Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game." Zaimont holds a position as an individual contributor at developer Gameplay Group International, focusing on backend programming, engine architecture, and netcode, according to a representative from Paramount Games contacted by Game Developer.
Comic book artist Irene Koh, who has contributed to "The Legend of Korra" comic trilogy, first brought Zaimont's involvement to public attention on Bluesky. Koh expressed disappointment, stating that Zaimont's participation felt contrary to the spirit of the "Avatar" intellectual property, which she believes has a history of embracing inclusivity. "As an Avatar + fighting game fan, I was extremely disappointed to hear that he’s involved," Koh wrote. "I’m proud of my work on the Korra comics & contributions to the IP over the last decade, and I love the team’s history of embracing inclusivity, so taking this job felt like it wasn’t in the spirit of the IP."
Zaimont faced accusations of sexual harassment from two individuals in 2020. Twitch streamer Bunny described Zaimont as "incredibly disrespectful" and "creepy" in an interaction regarding "Skullgirls," while fighting game tournament organizer Carbon Grey accused him of making "weird, sexual comments" over several years at events.
These prior allegations led to resignations from several members of Zaimont's studio, Lab Zero Games, in August 2020. The studio's board and staff attempted to have Zaimont step down as sole owner, but his demands in response were described as "unrealistically high and potentially illegal." Following the rejection of his demands, Zaimont disbanded the board and assumed full control of the studio. Many employees who had not already resigned were subsequently terminated weeks later.
In a statement to Kotaku at the time of the firings, Zaimont attributed the layoffs at Lab Zero Games to an inability to meet payroll obligations, without referencing the allegations made against him.