This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
On June 26, 2020, Ubisoft, the French gaming company behind Assassin's Creed, launched an investigation into allegations of sexual assault and harassment shared online.
CEO Yves Guillemot informed the company's 18,000 employees that Maxime Beland, vice-president of editorial in Toronto, had resigned, stating that the company 'continues to investigate the allegations made against him.'
Tommy Francois, vice-president of editorial and creative services based in Paris, was placed on disciplinary leave 'pending the outcome of an investigation.'
Another employee in the Toronto studio was dismissed for 'engaging in behaviors that do not align with what is expected of Ubisoft employees.'
Ubisoft has vowed to 'rigorously' investigate the allegations and take disciplinary action against anyone who engages in harassment, discrimination, or other behaviors that infringe on the company's Code of Fair Conduct.
The company is the latest in the gaming industry to face harassment accusations, following a June social media campaign by current and former employees denouncing predatory behavior by powerful managers.
