Home > News > Ubisoft \'Deeply Disturbed\' By Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Support Studio Abuse Allegations

Ubisoft \'Deeply Disturbed\' By Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Support Studio Abuse Allegations

Jan 24,25(11 months ago)
Ubisoft \'Deeply Disturbed\' By Assassin\'s Creed Shadows Support Studio Abuse Allegations

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.

Discover
  • EcoWorld Neighbourhood
    EcoWorld Neighbourhood
    The EcoWorld Neighbourhood app is your complete solution for convenient community living. With its diverse set of tools, residents can easily handle household tasks, use amenities, and engage with neighbors on a single, user‑friendly platform. Wheth
  • Monster Girl 1000
    Monster Girl 1000
    Embark on an epic quest in a charming world full of monster girls with the distinctive and adventurous mobile game, Monster Girl 1000. As the only male in a village, your mission is to partner with 1,000 monster girls to ensure their survival. Team
  • 2025 Calendar
    2025 Calendar
    Stay Organized and Informed with the Essential 2025 Calendar & Panchang AppThe 2025 Calendar app is your all-in-one solution for daily planning and Hindu calendar tracking. Access comprehensive information about fasting days, Indian festivals, and re
  • The Final Earth - City Builder
    The Final Earth - City Builder
    Embark on an exciting journey in The Final Earth - City Builder, where you'll rescue humanity by constructing a space colony on a miniature planet. With Earth devastated, your mission is to collect resources, develop infrastructure, advance technolo
  • Idle Workout Master: MMA hero
    Idle Workout Master: MMA hero
    Join Boxbun, the boxing master, on an exciting journey to become a legendary fighter in Idle Workout Master! This MMA hero app provides an enjoyable and motivating way to exercise, guiding you through a 9-month body transformation with help from a p
  • Joseph Prince | Gospel Partner
    Joseph Prince | Gospel Partner
    Stay connected to God's grace and teachings wherever you go. The Joseph Prince | Gospel Partner app gives you instant access to transformative messages and inspiring content from Joseph Prince anytime, anywhere. Watch or listen to anointed teachings