Summary
- Ubisoft responds to allegations of abuse at a contracted support studio.
- Brandoville Studio faces accusations of severe mental and physical abuse.
- The gaming industry's ongoing struggle with abuse underscores the urgent need for stronger employee protections.
Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern over a recent 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 did not occur within Ubisoft itself, the company strongly condemns such actions.
Abuse within the video game industry remains a persistent problem, with numerous past reports of harassment, physical and mental abuse, and other forms of mistreatment. These range from bullying to situations driving developers to suicidal thoughts. This latest report from YouTube channel People Make Games shines a light on a particularly egregious case.
The video alleges a pattern of toxic and abusive behavior by Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner of the Brandoville development team (and wife of the CEO). The report details accusations of mental and physical abuse against employee Christa Sydney, including forced religious practices, severe sleep deprivation, and even compelling Sydney to self-harm while recording it. Ubisoft's statement to Eurogamer reflects their "deep disturbance" at these allegations.
Further allegations have emerged from other Brandoville employees, including claims of salary withholding under the guise of financial assistance, and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the subsequent death of the child.
Brandoville Studio's History and Demise
Founded in 2018 in Indonesia, Brandoville Studio ceased operations in August 2024. Reports of abuse reportedly date back to 2019. During its operational years, the studio worked on several high-profile titles, including Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are now investigating these claims and reportedly seek to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her current location in Hong Kong complicates matters.
The pursuit of justice for Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain. The gaming industry continues to grapple with widespread issues of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment, both internally and from external sources such as online death threats. The need for enhanced employee protection measures is undeniably clear.
