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

Summary

• Ubisoft responds to allegations of abuse at a subcontracted support studio.
• Brandoville Studio faces accusations of severe mental and physical abuse.
• Recent incidents underscore the gaming industry's ongoing struggle to ensure employee safety and well-being.

Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding 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.

Sadly, reports of harassment, abuse, and exploitative practices within the video game industry are not uncommon. Previous instances have included bullying and even cases leading to suicidal thoughts among developers. This latest report, from YouTube channel People Make Games, shines a harsh light on the alleged toxic behavior of Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner at Brandoville Studio and wife of the CEO. The report alleges a pattern of abuse against employees, including Christa Sydney, involving physical and psychological harm, forced religious practices, sleep deprivation, and even coercion to self-harm on camera.

Further allegations have emerged from other Brandoville employees, describing financial exploitation and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the subsequent death of the child.

Brandoville Studio's History and Closure

Founded in 2018 in Indonesia, Brandoville Studio ceased operations in August 2024. Allegations of abuse reportedly date back to 2019. The studio's work included support for major titles such as Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are 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 persistent reports of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment across the global gaming industry highlight the urgent need for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms to safeguard employees from both internal and external threats, including online harassment.