Embark Studios, the dev behind Arc Raiders and The Finals has “mutually agreed to half methods” with co-founder and CCO Rob Runesson following public allegations that he engaged in sexual misconduct with a well-liked The Finals streamer, in addition to an exterior authorized investigation that Embark claims “didn’t substantiate” the allegations.
These allegations, shared by an nameless individual, first arose round a month in the past by way of The Finals streamer Balise who learn them on stream. The nameless allegations had been later shared by way of a number of Google docs seen by IGN, shared across various The Finals social communities.
In abstract, the nameless individual claims they had been in touch with a well-liked feminine streamer of The Finals, who allegedly spoke to them often about participating in a romantic and sexual relationship with Runesson. The nameless accuser says the feminine streamer reported changing into more and more uncomfortable with Runesson’s requests for sexual conversations and favors in addition to involved concerning the potential battle of curiosity they offered, however felt they may not push again as a result of changing into financially depending on Runesson’s promotion of her streams. The nameless accuser claims they ultimately went to an Embark group result in report the habits, however was not made conscious of any motion being taken to analyze at the moment.
In response, Embark says it has parted methods with Runesson. Right here is Embark’s assertion, in full:
“Our management workforce was lately made conscious of allegations in opposition to an Embark worker. We take these issues significantly, and as part of our course of for addressing any forms of allegations, we instantly employed a regulation agency to conduct an exterior investigation. The investigation didn’t substantiate the allegations, however we discovered the scenario unsustainable and mutually agreed to half methods with Rob.”
Runesson was one of many co-founders of Embark, together with fellow former EA DICE staff Magnus Nordin, Stefan Strandberg, Patrick Söderlund, Jenny Huldschiner and Johan Andersson. He has often been a public face for the corporate as its profile has grown by way of The Finals and Arc Raiders, each by way of interviews in addition to direct group engagement.
These accusations come concurrently another, similar controversy the place a number of male The Finals esports gamers have been accused of inappropriate habits towards ladies locally. In a Discord statement from one month ago, Embark introduced it might be pausing its present outbound esports efforts whereas it underwent an analysis and evaluation of its aggressive system. “We now have reviewed these issues rigorously, together with with exterior authorized counsel, and are assured that right now, our selections and actions have been applicable and throughout the scope of our tasks as a writer and organizer. We take these issues significantly.”
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Obtained a narrative tip? Ship it to rvalentine@ign.com.