Square Enix Creates New Policy To Protect Employees From Toxic Fans

Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Safeguard Employees and Partners

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to protect its workforce and collaborators. This policy explicitly defines various forms of harassment, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, and other disruptive behaviors. The company asserts its right to refuse services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in harassment.

The policy's implementation reflects a growing concern within the gaming industry regarding online threats and harassment. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and cancelled events due to violence threats, underscore the need for such protective measures. Square Enix's policy aims to prevent similar situations from affecting its employees.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a broad range of personnel, from support staff to executive leadership. While encouraging fan feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy clearly outlines unacceptable behaviors, including:

Prohibited Actions (Harassment):

• Acts of violence or violent threats
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, undue pressure, stalking, or excessive reprimand
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent, unwarranted inquiries or repeated visits
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online communication
• Discriminatory remarks or actions based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, profession, etc.
• Privacy violations (unauthorized photography or videography)
• Sexual harassment

Unacceptable Demands:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
• Excessive requests for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees
• Requests for products or services exceeding reasonable norms
• Unreasonable or excessive demands for employee punishment

This decisive action by Square Enix is a necessary response to the increasing prevalence of online harassment targeting game developers. Recent examples, including the harassment of voice actors based on their identity, highlight the severity of this issue. Past incidents involving death threats against Square Enix staff and event cancellations further emphasize the importance of robust protective measures. The company's commitment to safeguarding its employees is evident in this comprehensive policy.