Ubisoft Assesses Allegations Against Shadow Support Studio

Ubisoft Responds to Disturbing Abuse Allegations at External Studio

Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing deep concern regarding allegations of mental and physical abuse at Brandoville Studio, an Indonesian company that provided support for Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows. The report, detailed in a recent People Make Games YouTube video, paints a disturbing picture of workplace conditions.

The video alleges a pattern of abusive behavior by Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO. These allegations include instances of severe mental and physical abuse, forced religious practices, sleep deprivation, and even coercing an employee, Christa Sydney, into self-harm while recording it. Several other employees have come forward with similar accounts of exploitation, including salary deductions and overworking a pregnant employee, resulting in a premature birth and the subsequent death of the child.

This isn't an isolated incident. The gaming industry has a troubling history of reports detailing harassment, abuse, and poor working conditions. While this specific case involves an external studio, it underscores the urgent need for stronger employee protections across the industry.

Brandoville Studio, founded in 2018, ceased operations in August 2024. Allegations of abuse 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 investigating these claims and reportedly seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her current location in Hong Kong presents a challenge.

The future for those who allege abuse remains uncertain. The incident highlights a broader issue within the gaming industry—a persistent problem of poor working conditions, harassment, and abuse that demands immediate and comprehensive reform to ensure employee safety and well-being. The need for better protection extends beyond internal company issues to encompass external contractors and the threat of online harassment.