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. The report, detailed in a recent People Make Games YouTube video, paints a disturbing picture of workplace conditions.

While the abuse did not occur within Ubisoft itself, the company strongly condemns such actions and emphasizes its commitment to a safe and respectful work environment. The video alleges that Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO, engaged in a pattern of abusive behavior towards employees, including instances of physical and mental abuse, forced religious practices, and sleep deprivation. One employee, Christa Sydney, reportedly endured particularly egregious treatment, including being coerced into self-harm while being filmed. Further allegations from other Brandoville employees corroborate these claims, detailing salary withholding 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. Reports of abusive practices reportedly date back to 2019, during which time the studio worked on projects such as Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are currently investigating these allegations and reportedly seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her current location in Hong Kong presents a challenge.

This incident underscores a persistent issue within the gaming industry: the prevalence of harassment, abuse, and unsafe working conditions. The case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms to safeguard employees from both internal and external threats, including online harassment and death threats. The pursuit of justice for Christa Sydney and other alleged victims remains uncertain.