Gunzilla, the creative force behind the extraction shooter "Off The Grid" and the rejuvenation of "Game Informer" magazine, is currently embroiled in controversy. Reports indicate widespread issues with delayed payments to contractors and service providers, including a significant outstanding bill exceeding $100,000. These allegations cast a shadow over the studio's operational integrity and financial management.
Despite recent assurances from Gunzilla's CEO, Vlad Korolev, who stated on social media that full-time employee salaries have experienced delays of no more than a week, anonymous sources within the company paint a different picture. These sources reveal a heavy reliance on contract workers, particularly in the studio's Ukraine office, which constitutes over half of its workforce. It is alleged that many of these contractors, both in Ukraine and internationally, have not received their payments since as early as 2025.
The unpaid obligations extend beyond individual contractors to include corporate entities. A marketing firm engaged by Gunzilla in 2024 is reportedly owed more than $100,000 for services rendered. Despite repeated promises of payment, including a formal letter of commitment from Gunzilla for payments through 2026, the company has yet to settle its debts. This issue reportedly began with non-payment of initial invoices, escalating to formal warnings and a demand letter in 2025, with no resolution to date.
The studio's financial difficulties have also led to legal challenges. Gunzilla's UK division is currently facing a "winding-up petition" filed by The Vertex Guild, an asset development studio, seeking the company's liquidation due to unpaid debts. While a similar petition from HM Revenue and Customs, supported by PC Gamer's publisher, Future Plc, was withdrawn in March 2026 after Gunzilla settled Future's bill, the ongoing legal actions highlight the severity of the studio's payment issues.
Further personal accounts from affected individuals have emerged. Technical animator Akhil Chinnabathini publicly shared his experience of working for six months without pay, despite the CEO's assurances in a January meeting that all payments would be made. Chinnabathini emphasized the emotional and financial toll, stressing that the issue transcends mere monetary concerns, touching on accountability, human dignity, and trust. Similarly, lighting artist Marko Dijan, who worked with Gunzilla for nearly two years, detailed three outstanding invoices dating back to August 2025. Dijan’s attempts to address the issue on the CEO’s social media were met with censorship and blocking, further fueling concerns about transparency and leadership.
The mounting evidence suggests a pattern of financial mismanagement and a failure to meet contractual obligations. The studio's current situation raises questions about its future viability and its ability to retain talent and business partners. This ongoing crisis underscores the critical importance of transparent financial practices and timely compensation in the gaming industry.
