Ubisoft Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Abuse at Support Studio

Summary

• Ubisoft responds to allegations of abuse at a subcontracted support studio.
• Brandoville Studio faces accusations of severe mental and physical abuse.
• Recent reports underscore the gaming industry's ongoing struggle to protect its workforce.

Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern over a video report detailing alleged mental and physical abuse at Brandoville Studio, an external support studio that contributed to Assassin's Creed Shadows. While the abuse occurred outside of Ubisoft's direct operations, the company strongly condemns such actions.

The issue of abuse in the video game industry is not new. Numerous past reports have highlighted harassment, physical and psychological abuse, bullying, and other detrimental workplace practices, with some cases leading to tragic consequences. This latest report, from YouTube channel People Make Games, shines a light on a particularly disturbing situation at Brandoville.

The report alleges that Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO, engaged in a pattern of abusive behavior toward employees, including subjecting employee Christa Sydney to mental and physical abuse, enforced religious practices, extreme sleep deprivation, and even coerced self-harm. Ubisoft's response to Eurogamer reiterated their condemnation of such behavior.

Further allegations have emerged from other Brandoville employees, including claims of salary withholding and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the subsequent death of the child.

Brandoville Studio: History and Uncertain Future

Founded in 2018 in Indonesia, Brandoville ceased operations in August 2024. Allegations of abuse reportedly date back to 2019, during which time the studio worked on projects including Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are investigating these claims and reportedly seek to question Kwan Cherry Lai, though her current location in Hong Kong complicates matters.

The prospect of justice for Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain. The gaming industry continues to grapple with pervasive issues of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment, both internally and externally, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced employee protection measures and accountability. This includes addressing online threats and harassment, in addition to internal workplace abuses.