Ubisoft \'Deeply Disturbed\' By Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Support Studio Abuse Allegations

Summary

• Ubisoft responds to allegations of abuse at a support studio.
• Brandoville Studio faces accusations of severe mental and physical abuse.
• Recent reports highlight the ongoing issue of workplace abuse within the gaming industry and the urgent need for stronger employee protections.

Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding 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, the company strongly condemns such actions.

The gaming industry's struggle with workplace abuse is not new; numerous reports of harassment, physical and mental abuse, and other harmful behaviors have surfaced over the years. These incidents range from bullying to situations driving developers to suicidal thoughts. The latest report, from YouTube channel People Make Games, focuses on Brandoville Studio in Indonesia.

The report alleges a highly toxic and abusive work environment fostered by Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO. Allegations against Lai include mental and physical abuse of employee Christa Sydney, enforced religious practices, extreme sleep deprivation, and even forcing Sydney to self-harm while recording it. Ubisoft, in a statement to Eurogamer, expressed its deep concern and unequivocal condemnation of this reported abuse.

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 her 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. During its operational years, the studio worked on significant titles including Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are currently investigating these claims and reportedly seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her current location in Hong Kong presents a challenge.

The pursuit of justice for Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain. The persistent reports of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment across the global gaming industry underscore the critical need for improved employee protection and accountability, addressing issues ranging from internal misconduct to external threats like online harassment and death threats.