Ubisoft Faces Controversy Amid Studio Abuse Claims

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. While the abuse did not occur within Ubisoft itself, the company strongly condemns such actions and is deeply disturbed by the report.

A recent exposé by the YouTube channel People Make Games details harrowing accounts of abuse allegedly perpetrated by Kwan Cherry Lai, the commissioner and wife of Brandoville's CEO. These allegations include mental and physical abuse, forced religious practices, extreme sleep deprivation, and even the coercion of an employee, Christa Sydney, into self-harm while being filmed. Multiple Brandoville employees have corroborated these claims, citing further instances of financial exploitation 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 abuse reportedly date back to 2019, a period during which the studio worked on projects such as Age of Empires 4 and Assassin's Creed Shadows. Indonesian authorities are currently investigating these allegations and seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her current location in Hong Kong presents a challenge.

This incident underscores a persistent problem within the video game industry: the prevalence of harassment, abuse, and poor working conditions. From bullying to death threats, employees face a range of unacceptable behaviors. The case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms to safeguard workers and ensure a safer and more ethical environment within the industry. The pursuit of justice for those allegedly abused at Brandoville remains uncertain.