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

Ubisoft Responds to Allegations of Abuse at External Studio

Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding allegations of mental and physical abuse at Brandoville Studio, an external support studio that contributed to the development of Assassin's Creed Shadows. The report, detailed in a recent People Make Games YouTube video, paints a disturbing picture of workplace conditions.

While the alleged abuse occurred at Brandoville, not within Ubisoft itself, the incident highlights ongoing issues of abuse and harassment within the video game industry. The video alleges that Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO, subjected employees to severe mistreatment, including mental and physical abuse, forced religious practices, sleep deprivation, and even compelled self-harm. Further allegations from other employees include salary withholding and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the subsequent death of the child.

Brandoville Studio, founded in 2018 and based in Indonesia, ceased operations in August 2024. Reports of abuse reportedly date back to 2019, during which time the studio worked on projects such as Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are investigating these claims and reportedly seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, though her current location in Hong Kong complicates the process.

The situation underscores the urgent need for improved worker protections within the gaming industry. Numerous reports of poor working conditions, harassment, and abuse continue to surface, both domestically and internationally. This case, alongside others involving bullying, death threats, and suicidal ideation among developers, emphasizes the critical need for systemic change to safeguard employees from exploitation and abuse. The pursuit of justice for those allegedly harmed remains uncertain.