High on Life 2 is just around the corner, and while its predecessor didn't completely change the world, it apparently succeeded enough to give developers Squanch Games the go-ahead for a sequel. Sure, High on life's charmingly absurd visual style, fluid gunplay and Rick and Morty-esque humor helped create something of a cult following for the 2022 title — just a year before reports of abuse and misconduct against Justin Roiland, one of its lead creators, surfaced.
Justin Roiland (real name Mark Justin Roiland) was a mainstay of the adult animation scene in the 2010s, most notably for his work on Rick and Mortywhich he and Dan Harmon created in 2012. Roiland was also an executive producer, co-writer and voice actor for two of the show's leads. Needless to say, he was central to the show's initial success. Roiland continued to branch out over the years, the start of a TV show Solar oppositesthe launch of Justin Roiland's Solo Vanity Card Productions animation studio! and founding Squanchtendo, a VR game studio in 2016 that would eventually be renamed Squanch Games and develop High on life. And while Roiland conceived the IP and voiced several characters from the first game, not to mention being responsible for the studio itself, he won't be returning High on Life 2.
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Justin Roiland's allegations of torture and false imprisonment
In 2020, criminal charges were filed against Justin Roiland in Orange County, California. The complaint alleges that Roiland abused and falsely imprisoned a woman (referred to as Jane Doe) in January of that year. In May, Roiland was charged with the following:
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Domestic battery with bodily injury
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False imprisonment by threat, violence, fraud and/or deception
By definition, the first charge involves detailed acts that were intentionally committed against the victim, causing bodily harm. This differs from certain assault charges, which can sometimes refer to threats or even damage to property, rather than violence in the traditionally understood sense. The second charge allegedly involves trapping the victim, preventing them from leaving the area.
Much of the evidence in the case, including relevant surveillance footage, police interviews and medical reports, remains confidential at this time. The allegations were not publicly known prior to the NBC report published in 2023. Just months after NBC published the report, the Orange County DA's office announced it would drop the charges against Roiland due to a lack of evidence. Until this time Rick and Morty network Adult Swim and Solar opposites the Hulu network cut ties with Roiland, and Roiland resigned from his position at Squanch Games.
Both Rick and Morty and Solar opposites will continue in place of Roiland's involvement, with the former still on the air at the time of writing.
Roiland vehemently denied the allegations. After the charges were dropped, he released a statement on social media calling the allegations “horrific lies” and characterizing Jane Doe as a “bitter ex” seeking revenge.
Allegations of sexual harassment and assault against Justin Roiland
Shortly after NBC reported on Roiland's alleged domestic abuse and false imprisonment allegations, The Hollywood Reporter published an account of Roiland's workplace behavior. It states that a sexual harassment complaint against Roiland was investigated by Cartoon Network (Adult Swim) in 2020, three years before the first reports surfaced. In the fall of 2023, NBC released another report on Roiland, this time containing allegations from eleven other people, some of whom say they were minors at the time Roiland was involved with them.
Currently, no charges have been filed against Roiland in connection with these allegations. NBC reportedly reviewed corroborating evidence for two claims: text messages allegedly showing an apology and an admission of sexual assault.
Roiland's involvement with High on Life and Squanch Games is moving forward
The allegations had a significant impact on Roiland's presence in the entertainment industry. Not involved in High on Life 2nor any other Squanch Games properties, for the foreseeable future.
It will be interesting to see how High on Life 2 will be shown without Roiland, as his comedic style was on full display in the first game. However, it should be noted that first High on lifeRoiland is only officially credited for his voice work and as the CEO and co-founder of Squanch Games. He doesn't appear to have actually held the position of writer or producer during development.
- Released
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February 13, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood and gore, Intense violence, Nudity, Crude language, Strong sexual content, Use of drugs and alcohol
- Developers
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Squash Games
- Publishers
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Squash Games
