Developer Hidden Variable mentioned it is “not concerned” with the Skullgirls franchise after it filed a lawsuit in opposition to writer Autumn Video games.
The go well with alleges Autumn owes Hidden Variable $1.2 million in funds for its work on Skullgirls Cell and the 2015 recreation Skullgirls 2nd Encore. Hidden Variable claimed Autumn was supposed to start paying in late 2024, however didn’t settle these accounts as of January 21, 2025. After that date, the studio gave Autumn “the entire account login info required to proceed offering group help for the sport […] in order to not trigger injury to the sport.”
“From December 2014 by way of roughly October 2024, Plaintiff and Autumn had a profitable enterprise relationship,” the go well with reads. “Plaintiff absolutely carried out its obligations beneath the Twelfth Modification by way of January 21, 2025. […] Regardless of plaintiff’s efficiency and its settlement to take action, Autumn failed and/or refused to completely compensate plaintiff for the companies plaintiff carried out in accordance with the Twelfth Modification.”
In a public assertion, Hidden Variable mentioned it was “extremely happy with the ten+ years we have invested in Skullgirls in all its kinds. […] Most of all, we’re grateful to have been capable of have a good time and help the incomparable Skullgirls group. Thanks all for every thing—you deserve nothing however the very best.”
Autumn Video games’ Jason Donnell later printed an announcement saying the corporate was “making modifications.” Whereas it didn’t immediately handle Hidden Variable’s go well with, Autumn’s assertion underlined its dedication to “stepping in to reinvest” in Skullgirls. “It is right here to remain, and we’re absolutely dedicated to constructing its future.”
The saga of Skullgirls
Reverge Labs, and later Lab Zero Video games, initially launched Skullgirls in 2012, and issues have been turbulent for the preventing recreation since then.
In 2020, gamers and former workers accused designer Mike Zaimont of abuse. A number of builders made particular person statements in opposition to Zaimont, who was subsequently renounced by Hidden Variable and Autumn. Zaimont later fired the remaining Lab Zero workers, leading to a number of of them founding a brand new studio, Future Membership.
Skullgirls Cell was developed completely by Hidden Variable, which teamed with Future Membership on 2nd Encore DLC. Each video games have obtained concurrent, ongoing help.
Hidden Variable mentioned it won’t touch upon its go well with in opposition to Autumn Video games whereas it’s ongoing.
