An Anti-Harassment Plan to Protect Employees
Achieving strong sales and critical success would boost morale at Ubisoft, which has been navigating rough waters. The company has faced backlash from anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) movements over the game’s inclusion of a Black samurai. Additionally, the game’s Japanese setting sparked criticism from some Japanese players, who accused it of cultural betrayal. On top of that, rumors of a potential buyout have further destabilized the company.
Adding to these challenges is the ongoing trial of former Ubisoft executives accused of workplace harassment, further damaging the company’s already battered image.
Tensions remain high, especially for developers. To prevent online harassment, Ubisoft has implemented protective measures. “We’ve been advised not to mention on social media that we work at Ubisoft to avoid being targeted,” an employee revealed, recalling the numerous online attacks that have plagued the game since its announcement.
Ubisoft is taking these threats seriously. A comprehensive anti-harassment plan was even presented to employees in a corporate social committee (CSE) meeting ahead of the game’s launch. “It originated in Canada—there’s a team monitoring social media and responding swiftly to targeted attacks,” a union representative explained. Employees facing harassment will receive legal and psychological support. “Unlike before, this time they’re actually serious about it,” the representative emphasized.
A dedicated team will closely monitor posts on X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and YouTube, ready to intervene at the first sign of trouble. Lawyers are already prepared to file lawsuits in cases of verified harassment.
Ubisoft now stands at a crossroads, and once again, its fate hinges on the success of its flagship title. If Assassin’s Creed Shadows triumphs, the company will buy itself some breathing room. If it fails to emerge from the shadows, it could plunge Ubisoft into an even deeper crisis. Some are eagerly anticipating the company’s downfall—but with nearly 20,000 employees at stake, such an outcome would be disastrous, not just for Ubisoft but for an industry already struggling to stay afloat.