Ubisoft ‘Deeply Disturbed’ By Assassin’s Creed Support Studio Abuse Claims

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Summary

  • Ubisoft responds to abuse allegations at support studio.
  • Brandoville Studio accused of mental, physical abuse.
  • Reports of abuse in the gaming industry highlight need for better protection.

As a movie critic, I’ve recently come across a troubling video report exposing alleged mental and physical mistreatment at an external production studio associated with a project. In this case, it was the highly-anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows that this studio contributed to. Upon learning of these disturbing allegations, Ubisoft, the company behind the Assassin’s Creed franchise, has publicly expressed their deep concern and shock at the reported abuses – emphasizing that they did not occur within their own walls.

Regrettably, the issue of mistreatment in the gaming industry isn’t a recent concern, as there have been longstanding reports of harassment, psychological and physical abuse, among other problems. Over time, stories about behavior such as bullying have emerged, driving some game developers to contemplation of suicide. Unfortunately, it appears another case along these lines has surfaced once more.

Instead of suggesting direct abuse within Ubisoft itself, a video from YouTube channel People Make Games delves into an issue involving an external support studio. The video claims that the head of the game development team at Indonesian studio Brandoville, Kwan Cherry Lai (who is married to the CEO of Brandoville), was extremely toxic and abusive towards employees. Specifically, it alleges that Ms. Lai subjected employee Christa Sydney to mental and physical abuse, forced religious worship, sleep deprivation for four days straight, and even coerced Sydney into hurting herself while filming it. Ubisoft has responded to Eurogamer about the video, expressing concern over the report and denouncing any form of abuse.

A growing number of employees from the studio are speaking out about similar issues, such as Kwan Cherry Lai secretly deducting portions of their wages for alleged financial assistance and overworking an expectant worker to the point where she delivered prematurely. Regrettably, her newborn child later succumbed to complications in a hospital.

Brandoville Studio’s History and Fate

Established in 2018 and based in Indonesia, Brandoville closed its doors in August 2024. Allegations of misconduct date back to 2019. Over those years, the studio is said to have helped game developers with significant launches like Age of Empires 4 and Assassins’ Creed Shadows. Recently, these accusations have been under scrutiny in Indonesia, with authorities seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai. Yet, according to People Makes Games, she has stated she is currently in Hong Kong, leaving it unclear if the Indonesian police can trace her whereabouts.

It remains unclear if Sydney and other workers who claim abuse will receive justice. In both the US and beyond, accusations of poor working conditions, abuse, and sexual harassment persist in the gaming industry. It’s evident that stronger measures must be taken to safeguard employees, as they may face mistreatment from coworkers or experience distressing situations like internet death threats.

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2025-01-10 04:23