Sonic Speed Simulator, Super NFL Tycoon dev Gamefam settles with NLRB

When Joshua DeBoer realized he was doing the work of a position above his own, he started asking around — what were other workers at Gamefam, a developer of games and experiences within Roblox, experiencing? DeBoer noticed that others were also being paid less than him. “People were definitely being paid very unfairly in comparison to me, by a noticeable amount,” DeBoer told Polygon.

DeBoer approached Gamefam CEO Joe Ferencz about salaries, bringing market rate comparisons. He added that he’d spoken to colleagues about salaries — something that Ferencz wasn’t happy about. “He absolutely blew his lid at me,” DeBoer said. “He was like, ‘Do you think it’s good to go among your colleagues and spread dissafaction? You need to be seen as a leader if you want to stay here long.’” Later, Ferencz put DeBoer on paid leave, suggesting it was to give DeBoer time to determine whether he wanted to be a “team player” or a problem for the company, according to chat records reviewed by Polygon.

DeBoer eventually took the matter before the National Labor Relations Board, in January. DeBoer said Gamefam threatened him with retaliation for discussing his pay issues with his colleagues. Gamefam agreed to DeBoer’s settlement and paid him unpaid bonuses of $5,000. Gamefam agreed to notify Gamefam workers and send them an email reminding them of their rights. “WE WILL NOT tell you that it is toxic or poisonous to the company if you talk to coworkers about pay,” it reads.

Gamefam has not responded to Polygon’s request for comment. Also, Gamefam had declined to respond in February when the initial documents were filed. Polygon reached out to NLRB in order to verify the details of settlement.

Gamefam is an international company which makes charitable contributions. Roblox, Minecraft,And Fortnite games and content — typically for major brands like Sonic the Hedgehog, the NFL, Hot Wheels, and plenty more. The company has hosted concerts in RobloxSawetie, The Chainsmokers, and Ubisoft are some of its partners. As its partners, it lists Mattel, Marvel Studios, Mattel and Ubisoft as well as Sega, Netflix and Paramount Plus. In March, Fast Company called Gamefam one of the “world’s most innovative companies.”

In 2012, the company reported that investors had contributed $25 million. According to the company, its team grew to over 100.

DeBoer’s NLRB complaint comes on top of controversy swirling around the Robloxdeveloper against its underpaid, overworked developers. Former Gamefam employees have spoken out publicly about their low salaries and work schedules. Sonic Speed SimulatorOther games. Gamefam released a public statement on Twitter stating that it pays developers “equitably” and ensures a “healthy, happy work environment with tremendous support and flexibility.”