This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
July 3, 2020
French gaming giant Ubisoft has been at the center of a storm after allegations of toxic workplace culture surfaced on social media.
Ubisoft, which boasts a portfolio of popular games including Assassin's Creed, Tom Clancy's, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs, has apologized and launched an investigation into the claims.
CEO Yves Guillemot wrote to employees, stating that the company is seeking a 'structural shift' that aligns with its values, which do not tolerate toxic behaviors and prioritize employee safety.
Guillemot acknowledged that employees are eager for the probes to conclude, but emphasized the importance of conducting them with rigor.
"When they are concluded, all appropriate actions will be taken," he said.
Ubisoft will also conduct a survey and employee listening sessions, and has appointed a senior manager to examine its workplace culture.
The company, which employs 18,000 people worldwide, is the latest in the gaming industry to face such accusations, following similar allegations against other companies.
Incidents alleged on Twitter include a Ubisoft creative director licking the face of a female co-worker during an office party, and a manager demanding oral sex from a colleague.
"I am a former employee and they swept every claim of sexual harassment under the rug," read one tweet.
Guillemot acknowledged that the situations experienced or witnessed by employees are 'absolutely not acceptable'.
