High on Life 2 is just around the corner, and while its predecessor didn't exactly change the world, it apparently succeeded enough for developer Squanch Games to greenlight a sequel. sure, High on lifes charmingly absurd visual style, fluid gunplay and Rick and Morty-like humor helped establish something of a cult following for the title in 2022 — just a year before news broke of allegations of abuse and misconduct against Justin Roiland, one of its lead creatives.
Justin Roiland (full name Mark Justin Roiland) was a mainstay of the adult animation scene in the 2010s, particularly for his work on Rick and Mortywhich he and Dan Harmon co-created in 2012. Roiland was also an executive producer, co-writer and voice actor for the show's two leads. Needless to say, he was central to the show's initial success. Roiland would still branch out over the years, start the TV program Opposites of the Sunlaunching animation studio Justin Roiland's Solo Vanity Card Productions!, and founded Squanchtendo, a VR game studio in 2016 that would eventually be renamed Squanch Games and develop High on life. And while Roiland conceptualized the IP and voiced several of the first game's characters, not to mention being in charge of the studio itself, he won't be returning for High on Life 2.
Some content in this article may be disturbing to some.
Justin Roiland's assault and false imprisonment
In 2020, a criminal complaint was filed against Justin Roiland in Orange County, California. The complaint alleges that Roiland had assaulted and falsely imprisoned a woman (called Jane Doe) in January of that year. In May, Roiland was charged with the following:
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Domestic battery with bodily harm
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False imprisonment by threat, violence, fraud and/or deceit
By definition, the first charge details acts intentionally committed against the victim, resulting in bodily harm. This differs from some assault charges, which can sometimes involve threats or even property damage, rather than violence in the traditional sense. The second count allegedly refers to the victim being trapped and preventing them from leaving an 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 widely known until an NBC report was published in 2023. Just months after NBC broke the news, the Orange County DA's office announced it would drop the charges against Roiland due to a lack of evidence. At this point, Rick and Morty network Adult Swim and Opposites of the Sun network Hulu had cut ties with Roiland, and Roiland resigned from his position at Squanch Games.
Both Rick and Morty and Opposites of the Sun would continue in place of Roiland's involvement, with the former still up in the air at the time of writing.
Roiland has vehemently denied the allegations. After the charges were dropped, he issued a statement on social media calling the allegations “horrific lies” and characterizing Jane Doe as a “bitter ex” seeking revenge.
Allegations of sexual assault and battery are leveled against Justin Roiland
Shortly after NBC reported Roiland's alleged domestic abuse and false prison sentence, The Hollywood Reporter published an exposé about 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 news broke. In the fall of 2023, NBC published another report on Roiland, this time with allegations from eleven other people, some of whom claim they were minors at the time Roiland cooperated 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 purporting to represent an apology and an admission of sexual assault.
Roiland's involvement with High on Life and Squanch Games is moving forward
The allegations have had a significant impact on Roiland's presence in the entertainment industry. He is not involved in High on Life 2or any other Squanch Games properties, for the foreseeable future.
It will be interesting to see how High on Life 2 appears without Roiland, as his comedic style was on full display in the first game. However, it is worth noting that, first High on lifeRoiland is only officially credited for his voice work and as the CEO and co-founder of Squanch Games. He does not appear to have had a position as a 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, strong language, strong sexual content, use of drugs and alcohol
- Developer
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Squash game
- Publisher
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Squash game
