Scavengers suspends co-founder Simon Darveau
CEO Amélie Lamarche will step down temporarily as external firm audits the Seasons studio in wake of abusive workplace allegations
Scavengers Studio today announced that it has indefinitely suspended co-founder and creative director Simon Darveau in the wake of a GamesIndustry.biz report in which current and former employees alleged a variety of abuses, including groping and screaming at employees.
In a note posted on the studio's website, co-founder and CEO Amélie Lamarche said, "Following the toxic workplace allegations brought forward in the media, Scavengers Studio wishes to apologize for the harm caused. Allegations such as these are serious, and we are committed to doing better for our employees, our fans and our partners."
Lamarche said Darveau is "indefinitely suspended from all responsibilities within the company and from the Board of Directors."
She will also be temporarily stepping down from her role as CEO while an external auditing firm assessing Scavengers' workplace culture and practices.
Lamarche was implicated as part of the studio's problems in the original report as she was previously in a romantic relationship with Darveau, and also served as the de facto handler of HR complaints about him, creating a conflict of interest. In addition, she was seen as protecting Darveau from negative consequences of his actions.
The results of the audit will be shared with everyone at the studio and presented to the board of directors to take further action.