Wattam developer Funomena reportedly closing following allegations of workplace abuse Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Wattam developer Funomena reportedly closing following allegations of workplace abuse UPDATE: Studio actively seeking investment. News by Matt Wales Reporter Updated on 30 Mar 2022 8 comments UPDATE 30/3/22: Following reports of Funomena's closure last night the studio has tweeted to say it's still actively working on closing an investment round. "Funomena was in the process of closing an investment round just before GDC, and we are still actively working to do so," reads the tweet. "Last week we let everyone know that if we do not successfully finish the fundraise, we will be forced to close the studio. "We love game development, we love making games and we love bringing people into the community. It is our sincere hope that we can continue to do so, together." We love game development, we love making games and we love bringing people into the community. It is our sincere hope that we can continue to do so, together.- funomena (@funomena) March 29, 2022 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings ORIGINAL STORY 29/3/22: Developer Funomena, which collaborated with Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi on 2020's Wattam, is reportedly closing down following recent allegations of workplace abuse at the studio, all focussing on company boss Robin Hunicke. Those allegations first came to light last week as part of an investigation by People Make Games into workplace abuses at three indie studios. In that report, People Make Games' Chris Bratt spoken to Funomena staff who claimed Hunicke was emotionally abusive and often used sensitive personal information in a way that was humiliating or unprofessional, with some employees describing Hunicke as "the instigator of a huge amount of toxicity" at the studio. In response to those allegations, Hunicke took to Twitter, writing, "It saddens me to know people are hurting from mistakes I've made. I am truly sorry. Right now I'm taking time to talk to people, focus on the feedback everyone is sharing, and figure out next steps." People Make Games - Investigating Three Indie Superstars Accused of Emotional Abuse. Now, though, in a follow-up to his People Make Games video, Chris Bratt reports that Funomena will soon be shutting its doors. "I'm absolutely gutted to report that Funomena is set to be closed by the end of this month," Bratt shared in a tweet, "with all contractors already having been laid off as of last Wednesday. This is an extremely sad end to the studio's story and I hope everyone affected is able to land on their feet." Neither Funomena or Hunicke has so far commented on the reports of its imminent closure. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 8 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store