Assassin's Creed Team Stunned By Abuse Allegations

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 external support studio that contributed to Assassin's Creed Shadows. The report, detailed in a recent People Make Games YouTube video, paints a disturbing picture of workplace conditions.

The gaming industry has a troubling history of reports detailing harassment, abuse, and other harmful practices. This latest incident underscores the urgent need for stronger employee protections.

While the abuse did not occur within Ubisoft itself, the allegations focus on Brandoville Studio's commissioner, Kwan Cherry Lai (wife of the CEO), who allegedly subjected employees to severe mistreatment. One employee, Christa Sydney, reportedly endured mental and physical abuse, forced religious practices, sleep deprivation, and was even compelled to self-harm while being filmed.

Further allegations have emerged from other Brandoville employees, including instances of salary withholding, and overworking a pregnant employee, resulting in premature birth and the subsequent death of the child.

Brandoville Studio's History and Closure

Founded in 2018 and based in Indonesia, Brandoville Studio ceased operations in August 2024. Reports of abuse allegedly 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 investigating these claims and reportedly seeking to question Kwan Cherry Lai, although her current location in Hong Kong complicates matters.

The pursuit of justice for those allegedly abused remains uncertain. The ongoing prevalence of poor working conditions, abuse, and harassment within the global gaming industry highlights the critical need for comprehensive reforms to safeguard employee well-being and address the systemic issues that enable such behavior. This includes protection against not only internal abuse but also external threats such as online harassment and death threats.