Community Manager Accuses Indie Publisher
Drama
19 December 2025 09:14
Eveina Zmlich, a former community manager at Critical Reflex, has shared her disturbing experience working at the indie gaming company, revealing issues of harassment, unfair pay, and toxic workplace culture.
Contents
Lack of Contract and Pay Disparities
Zmlich, who worked at Critical Reflex from 2022 to 2025 under the alias "Dragon Seed," claims she was promised a contract that never materialized. "I worked for 2 years and 7 months without a contract," Zmlich said, adding that she was paid only €720 a month, below Cyprus's minimum wage. "There were no social benefits or security."
She also pointed out pay disparities within her team, with some colleagues earning up to €1,500 a month for the same role. "It felt incredibly disrespectful," she said.
Sexual Harassment and Unwanted Advances
The most distressing part of Zmlich’s experience was the sexual harassment she claims she faced from the CEO, and Head of Production. Zmlich described CEO sending suggestive messages and gifts, and Head of Production continuously flirting despite her clear boundaries. "I had to report it, but nothing was done," she said.
Mental Health Struggles and Workplace Stress
The toxic environment led to severe mental health issues, with Zmlich experiencing psychotic episodes and multiple psychiatric hospitalizations. "The stress from this job was overwhelming," she shared, revealing that harassment from online communities only added to the pressure.
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Drama
19 December 2025 09:14
Eveina Zmlich, a former community manager at Critical Reflex, has shared her disturbing experience working at the indie gaming company, revealing issues of harassment, unfair pay, and toxic workplace culture.
Lack of Contract and Pay Disparities
Zmlich, who worked at Critical Reflex from 2022 to 2025 under the alias "Dragon Seed," claims she was promised a contract that never materialized. "I worked for 2 years and 7 months without a contract," Zmlich said, adding that she was paid only €720 a month, below Cyprus's minimum wage. "There were no social benefits or security."
She also pointed out pay disparities within her team, with some colleagues earning up to €1,500 a month for the same role. "It felt incredibly disrespectful," she said.
Sexual Harassment and Unwanted Advances
The most distressing part of Zmlich’s experience was the sexual harassment she claims she faced from the CEO, and Head of Production. Zmlich described CEO sending suggestive messages and gifts, and Head of Production continuously flirting despite her clear boundaries. "I had to report it, but nothing was done," she said.
Mental Health Struggles and Workplace Stress
The toxic environment led to severe mental health issues, with Zmlich experiencing psychotic episodes and multiple psychiatric hospitalizations. "The stress from this job was overwhelming," she shared, revealing that harassment from online communities only added to the pressure.
Related news
View AllTL;DR
- Fnatic has announced a zero-tolerance stance on player harassment following a surge of online abuse and alleged death threats...
Drama
Feb 20, 2026
TL;DR
- Leagues.gg has issued a public statement addressing late payments to NLC broadcast talent, citing a failure to secure sufficient...
Drama
Feb 19, 2026
TL;DR
- Clickout Media has laid off most editorial staff across its gaming and esports websites, including The Escapist and Esports...
Drama
Feb 18, 2026
TL;DR
- Sega Sammy reported a sharp drop in operating and ordinary income for the nine months ended December 31, 2025,...
Drama
Feb 16, 2026
Hideki Sato, the longtime Sega engineer who helped shape the company’s most iconic arcade and home console hardware, has passed...
Drama
Feb 16, 2026