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

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 Indonesian outsourcing partner that contributed to Assassin's Creed Shadows. The YouTube channel People Make Games released a video detailing these claims, which include accusations of extreme workplace toxicity, forced religious practices, sleep deprivation, and even self-harm inflicted under duress by the studio's commissioner, Kwan Cherry Lai (wife of the CEO).

The allegations extend beyond a single employee, with multiple workers reporting similar instances of abuse, including salary withholding and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in a premature birth and the subsequent death of the child. These disturbing reports highlight a persistent problem within the gaming industry, echoing past incidents of harassment, abuse, and bullying.

Brandoville Studio, founded in 2018, ceased operations in August 2024. Allegations of abuse reportedly date back to 2019, a period during which the studio worked on projects including Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are investigating these claims and seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her current location in Hong Kong presents a challenge.

The ongoing investigation raises critical questions about accountability and the need for stronger protections for workers in the gaming industry. The prevalence of reports detailing poor working conditions, abuse, and even online death threats underscores the urgent need for systemic change to ensure a safer and more ethical work environment for all. While Ubisoft's statement condemns the alleged actions, the incident underscores the broader industry-wide issue requiring immediate attention and comprehensive solutions.