Updated
Updated · Kotaku · Jul 15
Mike Zaimont Confirmed on Avatar Legends Game 6 Years After 2020 Misconduct Allegations
Updated
Updated · Kotaku · Jul 15

Mike Zaimont Confirmed on Avatar Legends Game 6 Years After 2020 Misconduct Allegations

3 articles · Updated · Kotaku · Jul 15

Summary

  • Paramount Games confirmed Mike Zaimont is working on Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game as an individual contributor focused on backend programming, engine architecture and netcode.
  • Irene Koh surfaced his involvement on Bluesky and said she was "extremely disappointed," arguing his role clashes with the Avatar franchise's inclusive reputation.
  • Zaimont faced misconduct accusations from two people in 2020, including claims of sexually inappropriate and intrusive comments at fighting-game events and in private messages.
  • Those allegations triggered a 2020 collapse at Lab Zero Games: staff and board members tried to force him out, many resigned, and most remaining employees were later fired.

Insights

Why was a controversial developer’s role in the new Avatar game hidden until its launch?
Can fans separate Avatar's inclusive world from a creator with a toxic history?
Is elite technical skill a free pass for misconduct in the video game industry?