Square Enix Creates New Policy To Protect Employees From Toxic Fans

Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Protect Employees and Partners

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to safeguard its employees and collaborators from online abuse and threats. The policy explicitly defines various forms of harassment, ranging from direct threats of violence and defamation to more subtle forms of intimidation and online abuse.

The gaming industry, increasingly interconnected through online platforms, has unfortunately witnessed a rise in harassment targeting its members. This isn't unique to Square Enix; high-profile incidents include death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence. Square Enix's new policy is a direct response to this concerning trend.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a wide spectrum of individuals, from support staff to executives. While encouraging fan feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy clearly outlines specific behaviors constituting harassment:

Square Enix's Definition of Harassment:

• Acts of violence or threats of violence
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, excessive pursuit, or unwarranted reprimand
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across all online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent or repeated intrusive inquiries and visits
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online means
• Discriminatory language or actions based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, or other protected characteristics
• Privacy violations such as unauthorized photography or video recording
• Sexual harassment and stalking

Addressing Undue Demands:

The policy also addresses excessive or unreasonable demands, including:

• Unreasonable requests for product changes, exchanges, or monetary compensation
• Unreasonable demands for apologies, especially those targeting specific employees or partners
• Excessive requests for products or services beyond acceptable norms
• Unreasonable demands for employee punishment

This proactive measure by Square Enix underscores the growing need for developers to protect their teams from online harassment. Past incidents, including death threats against staff and the cancellation of events, highlight the severity of the issue. The company's commitment to pursuing legal action against those exhibiting malicious intent demonstrates its dedication to creating a safe and respectful environment for its workforce. The policy serves as a strong statement against online harassment and a model for other companies in the industry.