Ubisoft Responds to Disturbing Abuse Allegations at External Studio
Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding allegations of severe mental and physical abuse at Brandoville Studio, an external support studio that contributed to the development of Assassin's Creed Shadows. While the abuse did not occur within Ubisoft itself, the company strongly condemns such actions and highlights the urgent need for greater worker protection within the gaming industry.
A recent investigative report by the YouTube channel People Make Games detailed harrowing accounts of abuse perpetrated by Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO. These allegations include the mental and physical abuse of employee Christa Sydney, forced religious practices, extreme sleep deprivation, and even compelling Sydney to self-harm while being filmed. Multiple Brandoville employees have corroborated these claims, adding further accusations of wage theft and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in a premature birth and the tragic loss of her child.
Brandoville Studio, founded in 2018 and based in Indonesia, ceased operations in August 2024. Reports of abuse date back to 2019, a period during which the studio worked on high-profile projects like Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are currently investigating these allegations and seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her reported relocation to Hong Kong complicates the process.
This incident underscores a persistent problem within the video game industry: the prevalence of harassment, abuse, and exploitative working conditions. From bullying to death threats, employees face numerous threats to their well-being. The case highlights the critical need for improved safeguards and accountability to ensure a safer and more ethical work environment for all. The pursuit of justice for those allegedly harmed remains uncertain, but the gravity of these allegations demands a thorough investigation and decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
