Ubisoft Responds to Disturbing Abuse Allegations at External Studio
Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding allegations of mental and physical abuse at Brandoville Studio, an external support studio that contributed to the development of Assassin's Creed Shadows. The video report, published by People Make Games, details harrowing accounts of abuse perpetrated by Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO.
The report alleges a pattern of abusive behavior, including severe psychological and physical abuse, forced religious practices, sleep deprivation, and even coercion of self-harm. These allegations are not isolated incidents; multiple employees have come forward with similar testimonies, describing financial exploitation and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in a premature birth and the subsequent death of the child.
Brandoville Studio, founded in 2018 and based in Indonesia, ceased operations in August 2024. Allegations of abuse reportedly date back to 2019, during which time the studio collaborated on projects such as Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are investigating these claims and reportedly seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her current location in Hong Kong presents a challenge.
This incident underscores the ongoing problem of abuse within the video game industry. Numerous reports of harassment, abuse, and poor working conditions continue to surface, highlighting the urgent need for stronger employee protections and accountability measures. The situation at Brandoville serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of workers and the necessity for systemic change to prevent such atrocities. The possibility of justice for the victims remains uncertain.
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