Grummz Deletes Em-8ER References as Backers Demand Answers

Mark “Grummz” Kern has removed all references to the long-delayed game Em-8ER from his social media accounts, intensifying questions about the crowdfunded project. The developer, known for his work on World of Warcraft, Diablo 2, and StarCraft, has faced criticism for failing to deliver the game despite raising approximately $600,000 through multiple crowdfunding campaigns.

Thanks to reporting by The Escapist, it is clear that the project has been in public view for over seven years, with minimal updates in recent periods. Backers expected consistent progress but received few tangible developments. An X account called “Victims of Grummz” has tracked the game’s progress and noted Grummz’ repeated removal of content related to Em-8ER.

Grummz’ history includes prior controversy over Firefall, a project developed at Red 5 Studios. In 2017, he acknowledged responsibility for discrepancies between the game promised to backers and the final product. He claimed Chinese investors influenced the project’s direction and later suggested Firefall backers could redirect their support toward Em-8ER.

Despite these assurances, the project has not materialized. In 2024, a YouTuber interviewed Grummz about the game and expressed doubt over its development.

“I’ll say what I said to him directly right now publicly: I don’t buy it. I don’t see where the money went,” the YouTuber said. “I don’t understand how this is an eight-year project absorbing hundreds of thousands of backup capital. I cannot see how that is realistically possible.”

Plans announced for early 2025 included an art revamp and multiple builds, which prompted backers to establish countdowns. Those builds have not appeared, and the social media deletions have raised concerns that the project may be abandoned. Several commenters noted that Grummz has previously removed Em-8ER content following accusations of mismanagement.

As the controversy grows, the backers’ questions remain unresolved. The community is asking whether funds can be recovered, whether legal action is possible, and whether the game will ever reach release. Grummz has not provided a public response to the ongoing scrutiny. His social media activity instead highlights other topics, including AI, Blizzard nostalgia, and unrelated gaming commentary, while largely ignoring the Em-8ER issue.

The pattern of repeated removal of Em-8ER content, combined with the lack of substantive updates, has reinforced skepticism among backers. Many cite comparisons to independent developers who produce tangible results with smaller budgets and shorter timelines. The perceived disparity has fueled accusations that the project may never be completed.

While some posts by Grummz receive positive reactions, questions from backers continue. Legal and financial recourse remains uncertain, and the extended delay has left the gaming community divided over accountability. Em-8ER has become a focal point for debates about crowdfunding oversight, project transparency, and developer responsibility.

At this stage, no official timeline exists for the game, and backers are left to interpret the social media removals as a signal of possible closure. Observers note that the absence of updates following repeated promises undermines confidence in eventual delivery.

The Em-8ER situation underscores challenges in long-term crowdfunding projects. Developers with prior industry experience, such as Grummz, are held to higher standards of accountability by the gaming community. The case raises broader questions about the mechanisms for protecting supporters when projects extend beyond expected development cycles.

Grummz’ next steps remain unknown. Without public clarification, the controversy is likely to persist, with the community tracking each online action for indications of the project’s status.