Ubisoft Responds to Allegations at Assassin's Creed Studio

Ubisoft Responds to Disturbing Allegations of Abuse 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 published a video detailing these claims, which include accusations of abusive behavior by Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO. These allegations paint a disturbing picture of workplace conditions, involving forced religious practices, sleep deprivation, and even coercion into self-harm.

The abuse allegations are not isolated incidents. Multiple Brandoville employees have come forward with similar accounts, including reports of unauthorized salary deductions and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the subsequent death of the child. These disturbing reports highlight a persistent issue within the gaming industry: the need for stronger protections for workers.

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

This incident underscores a broader problem of workplace abuse and harassment within the gaming industry, both domestically and internationally. The ongoing reports of poor working conditions, abuse, and even online death threats demand a more robust system of employee protection and accountability. While Ubisoft's response condemns the alleged actions, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the systemic issues that require immediate and comprehensive attention.