Ubisoft Condemns Harassment Claims in Assassin's Creed Studio

Summary

• Ubisoft responds to allegations of abuse at a contracted support studio.
• Brandoville Studio faces accusations of severe mental and physical abuse.
• Recent reports underscore the gaming industry's urgent need for enhanced employee protection.

Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding 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 did not occur within Ubisoft, the incident highlights ongoing issues of workplace misconduct within the gaming industry.

Abuse in the video game industry is a persistent problem, with numerous past reports of harassment, physical and psychological abuse, and other harmful practices. These range from bullying to instances where developers have considered suicide due to workplace pressures. The latest allegations, detailed in a People Make Games YouTube video, paint a disturbing picture of the conditions at Brandoville Studio.

The video focuses on the alleged abusive behavior of Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner of the development team and wife of Brandoville's CEO. Lai is accused of inflicting mental and physical abuse on employee Christa Sydney, including forced religious practices, severe sleep deprivation, and even coercing Sydney into self-harm while recording it. Ubisoft's response to Eurogamer strongly condemns such abuse.

Further allegations have emerged from other Brandoville employees, detailing similar instances of abuse, including 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. An investigation is underway in Indonesia, with authorities seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, who reportedly claims to be in Hong Kong.

The prospect of justice for Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain. The gaming industry continues to grapple with widespread reports of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment, both within companies and from external sources such as online death threats. Clearly, significant improvements are needed to safeguard employees and ensure a safer and healthier work environment.