Gunzilla Games, the studio behind battle royale shooter Off the Grid and current owner of US games publication Game Informer, is facing allegations that it has failed to pay staff salaries for months. Both current and former employees have come forward with the accusations, according to a report from GamesIndustry.biz.
The situation is significant given Gunzilla's relatively high profile in the industry. Off the Grid launched into early access last year as one of the more ambitious blockchain-integrated shooters to hit the market, while the company's acquisition of Game Informer raised eyebrows after the legendary publication was shuttered by GameStop in 2024.
A troubling pattern
Missed payroll is one of the most serious red flags a games studio can raise. It typically signals severe cash flow problems and puts employees in an incredibly difficult position, often leaving them in financial distress while deciding whether to continue working or walk away.
Gunzilla is not a small indie outfit - the studio has had significant investment and operates across multiple business verticals, which makes the alleged salary lapses all the more alarming. When a company of this scale struggles to meet basic payroll obligations, it rarely bodes well for long-term operations.
What this means for Game Informer
The Game Informer angle adds another layer of concern here. The publication was revived under Gunzilla's ownership after decades as one of gaming's most recognizable editorial brands. If the parent company is genuinely struggling financially, the future of that revival becomes a real question mark.
Game Informer already survived one near-death experience when GameStop closed it down. Fans and industry veterans who were pleased to see it return will understandably be watching this situation closely.
No resolution yet
As of the GamesIndustry.biz report, it's unclear whether Gunzilla has addressed the outstanding payments or communicated a concrete resolution to affected staff. The company has not been quoted in the reporting with any official explanation or timeline for resolving the alleged arrears.
This is a developing story and one worth monitoring. Salary disputes of this nature have historically preceded studio closures, significant layoffs, or major ownership changes - none of which would be good news for Off the Grid players or Game Informer readers.
