Paramount’s Avatar Legends Developer Hires Embattled Game Dev Mike Zaimont, Despite Harassment Allegations
In a move that has left many in the gaming industry scratching their heads, Paramount Games’ new VR game division has confirmed that Mike Zaimont is indeed employed by Gameplay Group International, the developer behind the upcoming fighting game Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game. Zaimont’s past as CEO of Lab Zero Games was marred by allegations of sexual harassment, which have been a subject of controversy in the gaming industry for years.
According to Paramount Games representatives, Zaimont is working specifically on backend programming, engine architecture, and netcode for the game. This news comes after veteran Avatar comic artist and illustrator Irene Koh publicly shared her concerns about Zaimont’s involvement in the project, having been asked by Paramount Games to potentially commission promotional art for the game. When Koh requested confirmation from the company about Zaimont’s role, she said they did not respond.
The hiring of Zaimont has raised questions about the judgment of companies like Paramount Games and Gameplay Group International in vetting their employees. The allegations against Zaimont date back to 2020, when he was accused of harassment by former Lab Zero employees. This incident occurred amidst a wider reckoning in the gaming industry over allegations of abuse, harassment, and other forms of misconduct.
Zaimont’s past actions have been scrutinized by multiple studios and media outlets, including PC Gamer, which pressed Maximum Games CEO Christine Christina Seelye about her decision to hire Zaimont for their project. Seelye defended her choice, stating that she believed in giving individuals a second chance. However, this move has been met with criticism from those who argue that companies should take allegations of harassment seriously and not provide opportunities for those accused of misconduct.
The inclusion of Zaimont on the Avatar Legends team has sparked debate among industry professionals about what constitutes “redemption” and whether it’s possible for individuals to change their behavior after being accused of harassment. While some may see this as an opportunity for Zaimont to prove himself, others believe that companies should prioritize accountability and safety above all else.
The decision by Paramount Games and Gameplay Group International to hire Zaimont has significant implications for the gaming industry as a whole. It raises questions about how companies handle allegations of misconduct and whether they truly take steps to prevent further harm. As VR and XR technology continue to evolve, it’s essential that developers prioritize creating safe and respectful environments for their employees and players alike.
This news is not just a reflection on Paramount Games’ decision-making but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the gaming industry in addressing issues of harassment and abuse. It remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and what steps companies like Paramount Games and Gameplay Group International will take to address these concerns. One thing is certain, however: the gaming community demands better from its developers and publishers.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-07-14