Ubi Alleges Deep Disturbance Over Shadows Studio Abuse Allegations

Ubisoft Responds to Allegations of Abuse at External Support Studio

Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding a recent video report alleging significant mental and physical abuse at Brandoville Studio, an external support studio that contributed to the development of Assassin's Creed Shadows. While the abuse did not occur within Ubisoft itself, the company strongly condemns such actions and highlights the disturbing prevalence of abuse within the gaming industry.

The YouTube channel People Make Games detailed harrowing accounts of alleged abuse perpetrated by Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO. These allegations include instances of mental and physical abuse, forced religious practices, severe sleep deprivation, and even the coercion of an employee, Christa Sydney, into self-harm while being filmed. Multiple Brandoville employees have corroborated these claims, reporting further instances of financial exploitation and the overworking of a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the subsequent death of the child.

Brandoville Studio, founded in 2018 and based in Indonesia, ceased operations in August 2024. Allegations of abusive practices reportedly date back to 2019, during which time the studio worked on titles such as Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are investigating these claims and reportedly seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her current location in Hong Kong presents a challenge.

This incident underscores the ongoing need for stronger protections for workers in the video game industry. Reports of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment remain prevalent, both within studios and stemming from online sources. The pursuit of justice for those allegedly abused at Brandoville, and the broader issue of fostering a safer and healthier work environment within the gaming industry, remain critical concerns.