Former Exec Sues Snail Games USA, Citing Discrimination
David Runyan, who was the de facto head of Snail Games USA for six months in 2013, is suing his former company and boss over what he deems wrongful termination from the company amidst a pattern of harassment and discrimination.
According to Runyan, working for Snail Games founder and CEO Shi Hai "was extraordinarily difficult as he was a volatile individual who would often make decisions based on raw emotions and snap judgements [sic]." Clashes with Shi Hai were common, even for the highest executives at Snail Games USA, as the company went through four presidents in five years.
In February 2013, Runyan was effectively granted control of the American branch of the company, seeing it through the launch of Age of Wushu in April. Runyan states that Shi Hai terminated "nearly all" of Snail Games USA's marketing team and "made comments about preferring Chinese employees to non-Chinese employees" and that Runyan's decisions were questioned far more than those made by Chinese employees. Issues came to a head after Runyan hurt his back during a company move and was terminated while recuperating -- a time during which he claims to have provided ample medical evidence of his injury to Shi Hai, who accused him of faking it, and was working from home.
It's a long and nasty list of allegations, which you can read in more detail here or from the original source here. We'll try to get a copy of the lawsuit and update it with any more relevant information.
EDITOR'S UPDATE: Massively is reporting that Snail Games is also the subject of another lawsuit, this time in the guise of a copyright claim from Blizzard over the use of certain Panda images. Looks like it's not a good day to be a Snail Games employee.
Related Articles
About the Author

Jason Winter is a veteran gaming journalist, he brings a wide range of experience to MMOBomb, including two years with Beckett Media where he served as the editor of the leading gaming magazine Massive Online Gamer. He has also written professionally for several gaming websites.
Read Next
Interactive Timeline: Everquest 2's 10th Anniversary
I love things like this.
By Michael Byrne - 8 years agoYou May Enjoy
The "Winners" Of Final Fantasy XIV’s Omega Ultimate World First Race Accused Of Cheating With Zoom Out Mod
Insert disappointed Yoshi-P meme here.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 1 week agoKnockout City Set To Shut Down Following Season 9’s End, Just After The Game's 2nd Anniversary
But... that may not EXACTLY mean the end of KC, a private server will emerge!
By Aspen Pash - 5 days agoSega Announces Phantasy Star Online 2 NGS Collaboration With NIJISANJI, And There's Plenty Of Places For Screenshots
The Livers come to Central City.
By QuintLyn Bowers - 6 days agoBlade And Soul Is Bringing Sweet Treats And Epic Parkour
It's time to get your parkour on in Blade and Soul!
By Troy Blackburn - 6 days agoYes, The Sims 5 Will Have Multiplayer, But Don't Expect It To Be An MMO
The game will be available on both mobile and PC devices.
By Aspen Pash - 6 days agoGhostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Launches First Big Free DLC
Introducing the newest ghost type: Glutton
By Aspen Pash - 6 days ago
Discussion (6)