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 external support studio that contributed to the development of Assassin's Creed Shadows. While the abuse did not occur within Ubisoft itself, the company strongly condemns such actions and highlights the urgent need for greater employee protection within the gaming industry.
A recent investigative report by YouTube channel People Make Games detailed shocking claims of abuse perpetrated by Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO. These allegations include mental and physical abuse, forced religious practices, extreme sleep deprivation, and even the coercion of an employee, Christa Sydney, into self-harm while being filmed. Multiple Brandoville employees have corroborated these claims, adding further accounts of financial exploitation and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the tragic loss of her child.
Brandoville's History and the Ongoing Investigation
Founded in 2018 in Indonesia, Brandoville Studio ceased operations in August 2024. Allegations of abuse, reportedly dating back to 2019, have prompted an investigation by Indonesian authorities. While police aim to question Kwan Cherry Lai, her reported relocation to Hong Kong raises concerns about the feasibility of this.
The gaming industry continues to grapple with pervasive issues of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment. This case underscores the critical need for stronger protections for workers, both from internal misconduct and external threats such as online harassment and death threats. The pursuit of justice for Christa Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the systemic problems that require immediate and comprehensive reform.
