Summary
- Ubisoft responds to allegations of abuse at a support studio.
- Brandoville Studio faces accusations of severe mental and physical abuse.
- Recent reports highlight the ongoing need for stronger worker protections within the gaming industry.
Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding a video report detailing alleged abuse at Brandoville Studio, an external support studio that contributed to Assassin's Creed Shadows. While the abuse did not occur within Ubisoft, the company strongly condemns such actions.
The gaming industry's struggle with abuse is not new; past reports have documented harassment, physical and mental abuse, and other serious issues, including instances of bullying that have driven developers to suicidal thoughts. This latest report, from the YouTube channel People Make Games, shines a harsh light on similar problems.
The video focuses on Brandoville Studio in Indonesia, alleging extremely toxic and abusive behavior from Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of the CEO. Allegations include mental and physical abuse of employee Christa Sydney, forced religious practices, severe sleep deprivation, and even compelling Sydney to self-harm while filming it. Ubisoft's response to Eurogamer emphasizes its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of all forms of abuse.
Further allegations from other Brandoville employees have emerged, including claims of salary deductions under the guise of financial "assistance," and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the subsequent death of her child.
Brandoville Studio's History and Demise
Founded in 2018 and based in Indonesia, Brandoville closed its doors in August 2024. Reports of abuse allegedly date back to 2019. During its operational years, the studio worked on significant titles such as Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Investigations into these claims are underway in Indonesia, with police seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai. However, her reported presence in Hong Kong complicates the process.
The pursuit of justice for Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain. The persistent reports of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment across the global gaming industry underscore the urgent need for more robust employee protections. This includes addressing not only internal abuse but also external threats such as online death threats.
