Assassin's Creed Studio Accused in Shocking Abuse Scandal

Summary

• Ubisoft responds to allegations of abuse at a contracted support studio.
• Brandoville Studio faces accusations of severe mental and physical abuse.
• The gaming industry's ongoing struggles with abuse underscore the urgent need for stronger employee protections.

Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding a recent video report detailing alleged physical and psychological 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.

Abuse within the video game industry is a persistent and troubling issue, with numerous past reports of harassment, physical and mental abuse, and other forms of misconduct. These incidents range from bullying to situations driving developers to suicidal thoughts. The latest allegations, highlighted in a People Make Games YouTube video, are sadly another example.

The video focuses on Brandoville Studio in Indonesia, where the commissioner, Kwan Cherry Lai (wife of the CEO), allegedly subjected employees to extreme abuse. These accusations include mental and physical abuse, forced religious practices, severe sleep deprivation, and even compelling an employee, Christa Sydney, to self-harm while filming the act. Ubisoft, in a statement to Eurogamer, expressed profound distress over these reports.

Further allegations have emerged from other Brandoville employees, including claims of salary withholding and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the subsequent death of the child.

Brandoville Studio's History and Demise

Founded in 2018 and based in Indonesia, Brandoville Studio ceased operations in August 2024. Reports of abuse reportedly date back to 2019. During its operational period, the studio worked on several high-profile titles, including Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are investigating these claims and reportedly seek to question Kwan Cherry Lai, who is currently believed to be in Hong Kong.

The possibility of justice for Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain. The persistent reports of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment across the gaming industry, both domestically and internationally, highlight the critical need for comprehensive measures to safeguard employees from both internal and external threats, including online harassment and death threats.