Ubisoft Condemns Shadows Studio Abuse Claims

Summary

• Ubisoft responds to disturbing allegations of abuse at a contracted support studio.
• Brandoville Studio, a subcontractor, faces accusations of severe mental and physical abuse.
• This incident underscores the ongoing need for stronger worker protections within the video game industry.

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 occurred outside of Ubisoft's direct operations, the company strongly condemns such actions.

The video, published by YouTube channel People Make Games, paints a grim picture of workplace conditions at Brandoville. It alleges that Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of the CEO, engaged in a pattern of abusive behavior towards employees, including subjecting employee Christa Sydney to severe mental and physical abuse, forced religious practices, sleep deprivation, and even compelled self-harm. Ubisoft's response to Eurogamer emphasizes their condemnation of all forms of abuse.

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

Brandoville's History and Demise

Founded in 2018 in Indonesia, Brandoville ceased operations in August 2024. Reports of abuse reportedly date back to 2019, during which time the studio worked on projects including 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 may complicate the process.

The pursuit of justice for Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain. The gaming industry continues to grapple with widespread issues of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment, highlighting the urgent need for improved employee protections and accountability, both from internal actors and external sources such as online harassment.