The Stockholm-based Avalanche Studios Group was founded by former EA and Paradox Interactive employees in 2013. It is best known for the Just Cause series and 2015’s Mad Max video game and co-developed Rage 2 alongside id Software. It also shouldn’t be confused with the similarly named Avalanche Software, the Utah-based developer working on the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy.
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Avalanche Studios Group did not directly address the controversy in the statement on the company’s website. However, management acknowledged that the company has not always lived up to its aspirations to create a more welcoming and inclusive workplace. The statement also thanked the efforts of employees who fought hard to see their concerns addressed and make Avalanche a better workplace. The developer also affirmed its commitment to creating a better work environment for all employees.
While the Just Cause and Mad Max developer didn’t address the controversial staff member in its official statement, IGN spoke to multiple people involved with the situation. IGN did not reveal the identity of their sources or the name of the employee this controversy was centered around. However, the publication confirms that the high-level employee was accused of engaging in workplace harassment against female employees at his previous company. IGN also noted that while it has chosen not to name the employee in question, the accusations are a matter of public record.
Notably, IGN’s sources revealed that this hiring was only the beginning of the controversy and not its full extent. Many Avalanche Studios staffers expressed concerns about the hiring, especially considering that the company was placing him in a project leadership role. However, Avalanche’s Human Resources downplayed and failed to address these issues adequately. HR initially told sources that the new hire was a contractor and that staff would only have to work under him remotely.
However, Avalanche broke this promise when he began working at the office in 2022. This included holding one-on-one meetings with female employees. The individual in question was subsequently promoted, further fanning the flames of employee frustration. He ultimately departed the company at some point in the middle of 2022. However, the damage was already done, and many staffers were outraged by HR and management’s lack of transparency and disregard for their concerns.
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Source: IGN, Avalanche Studios Group
