Binding of Isaac creator cuts ties with Nicalis due to reports of racism and abuse

Edmund McMillen, creator of Super Meat Boy and The Binding of Isaac, will no longer be working with publisher Nicalis over reports of racism and abuse. 

After a report by Kotaku detailed the allegations, the beloved developer made the decision to cut ties with the publisher. However, the upcoming final DLC for The Binding of Isaac will still be handled by the company as it’s nearing completion.

“I won’t be moving forward with Nicalis when it comes to the port of The Legend of Bum-bo or any console versions of Mewgenics,” McMillen announced. “[Binding of Isaac: Repentance] will still be releasing as originally planned, the team poured their heart and soul into this DLC and it’s very close to releasing.”

The Kotaku report compiles numerous allegations by former employees and business partners of the abusive behaviours exhibited by Nicalis boss Tyrone Rodriguez. According to the report, Rodriguez would often use racial slurs, pressure employees into drinking and attempt to control and exploit his workforce. Skype logs that featured heavy racist language were included in the report.

Also detailed is the company’s horrendous track record of ignoring the calls and emails of business associates. David Crooks, designer of Enter the Gungeon, explained that the company “ghosted” him after accepting a porting job. Other developers didn’t get paid due to months of unanswered calls and emails.

McMillen has stated that he will no longer work with the company and that “[Rodriguez] wasn’t ever my boss, he’s always just been a publisher of my work”.