Ubisoft Probe Shadows Abuse Claims, Expresses Concern

Summary

• Ubisoft responds to disturbing 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 over a recent video report detailing alleged 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 gaming industry's struggle with abuse is well-documented, encompassing harassment, physical and mental abuse, and other serious issues. Previous reports have highlighted bullying and even instances leading to suicidal thoughts among developers. This latest report from YouTube channel People Make Games shines a harsh light on similar practices.

The video focuses on Brandoville Studio in Indonesia, where the commissioner, Kwan Cherry Lai (wife of the CEO), allegedly subjected employees to extreme abuse. Allegations include mental and physical abuse, enforced religious practices, severe sleep deprivation, and even forcing an employee, Christa Sydney, to self-harm while recording it. Ubisoft's response to Eurogamer explicitly condemns this behavior.

Further allegations from other Brandoville employees surfaced, including salary withholding under the guise of "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 abusive practices reportedly date back to 2019. The studio worked on notable titles 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 pursuit of justice for Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain. The persistent reports of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment across the gaming industry—both from internal sources and external threats like online death threats—underscore the urgent need for more robust employee protection measures.