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.

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.

Tags: Indie

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news

Related news

View All

Xbox Is Rethinking What a Console Even Is, by Necessity

What even is a console? This ongoing RAM shortage is forcing the console producers to find new avenues. Helix is...

Drama

Jun 11, 2026

Black Ops 1 and 2 Listings Appear on PlayStation Servers

Black Ops 1 and 2 might be returning, an unexpected but a welcome return. New PS4 and PS5 listings for...

Drama

Jun 09, 2026

Bin Fined $22K for Skipping Fan High-Fives, Now Benched

High five turned to a low five pretty fast. Bilibili Gaming toplaner Chen "Bin" Ze-Bin has been hit with a...

Drama

Jun 05, 2026

Valve Threatened to Pull Rainbow Six Siege From Steam in a Day

Is Steam becoming like App Store? We all use Steam daily, and it is great, but publishers side tells a...

Drama

Jun 02, 2026

NiP's Swedish Layoffs Are the Esports Money Problem Coming Home

Ninjas in Pyjamas laying off operational esports roles in Sweden. Which is what the esports profitability crisis looks like. Of...

Drama

Jun 01, 2026

Community Manager Accuses Indie Publisher

Drama

19 December 2025 09:14

Tags: Indie

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.

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news