Justin Roiland out at High on Life studio Squanch Games after felony charges

Rick and MortyJustin Roiland, co-founder of Squanch Games is the new CEO The Highest in LifeThe company made the announcement Tuesday. Twitter user official announced that Roiland had resigned from the company on Tuesday. The news of Roiland’s resignation comes hours after Adult Swim cut ties from the Rick and Morty creator.

Roiland, who is currently facing felony domestic violence charges stemming in part from an incident in 2020, was not publicly reported until January by NBC News.

“The passionate team at Squanch will keep developing games we know our fans will love while continuing to support and improve It’s High on Life,” Squanch Games tweeted. Squanch Games has not responded to Polygon’s request for additional comment.

The Rick and MortyCo-creator was taken into custody in August 2020. He was released on $50,000 bail over two felonies: domestic battery, and false imprisonment. If convicted, he could spend several years behind bars. Roiland, however, did not plead guilty to the charges during his October 14, 2020 arraignment. The next hearing will be in April. Roiland’s lawyer maintains his innocence on the two felonies.

Squanch Games’ most recent game, The Highest in LifeTo great fanfare,, the game’s biggest Game Pass launch was made late last year. Roiland founded the studio together with Tanya Watson, an ex-executive producer at Epic Games. She served as the CEO of the studio until her departure in February 2021. Four games have been released by Squanch Games. Accounting, Dr. Splorchy Presents: Space Heroes, The Universe is Saved by TroverAnd The Highest in Life.

Squanch Games faced a 2018 lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and discrimination. Kotaku reports that Roiland wasn’t named in the suit. The lawsuit named Jeff Dixon, former technical director as the perpetuator. In 2019, the lawsuit was settled.