Ubisoft Employees Claim 'Nothing Has Changed' A Year After 'Toxic' Work Allegations
When it comes to gaming studios, few are as big as Ubisoft. Known for churning out the Assassin's Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry games, Ubisoft's studios employ over 18,000 staff around the world. That's a lot more than Electronic Arts' 8,900, Nintendo's 6,500, and Capcom's 2,800. With so many employees, it's hard to keep everyone happy, however, Ubisoft was rocked last year amidst allegations of a "toxic" work environment.
Despite last year being a success for Ubisoft in terms of sales, it was a catastrophic one behind the scenes. After Assassin's Creed Valhalla Director Ashraf Ismail was accused of sexual misconduct, the story grew into a Me Too movement where several executives were also accused of similar incidents. The first wave of legal proceedings are due to start this month, with workers' union Solidaires Informatique Jeu Vidéo at the forefront. Although there were promises that things would get better, a new report claims not much has changed.
What's are the allegations about a toxic work environment at Ubisoft?
According to French publication Le Télégramme (via GamesIndustry.biz), Ubisoft has been slow on the uptake in terms of fixing internal struggles. Namely, Nadeo Studio Lead Florent Castelnérac is still listed as Managing Director on the studio's website. Solidaires published ten testimonials against Castelnérac that accused him of abusive behaviour and bullying. Elsewhere, Singapore studio lead Hugues Ricour was removed from his role following an audit. However, his LinkedIn says he only left his role in February this year - three months after the audit. His LinkedIn now lists him as Production Intelligence Director at Ubisoft's Paris headquarters.
A representative from Ubisoft’s social and economic committee claims the HR staff accused of covering the "toxic culture" are still in their positions. Part of the reported problem comes from the fact Global HR Head Cecile Cornet has only just left Ubisoft, with the representative saying there isn't much hope that Chief People Office Anika Grant can make much difference. It's apparently business as usual at Ubisoft's Canada studios, with ideas to make things better reportedly being shot down.
One source told the site, "We perceive a desire [from management] to leave the crisis from summer 2020 behind as it represents a risk for the group’s durability. But training must be renewed regularly and offered to new staff. For now, this request has not been addressed".
What has Ubisoft said about toxic work allegations?
In the aftermath of the damning report, an Ubisoft representative replied to a request from VG247 and told the site the company has "implemented major changes across its organization, internal processes and procedures". The aim is to create a "safe, inclusive and respectful working environment for all team member", with the spokesperson listing changes like reporting tools, investigating allegations, employee training, readdressing the company’s code of conduct, and punishing those who have been exposed in the allegations.
There's also the appointment of Lidwine Sauer as Head of Workplace Culture, who is in charge of implementing all of the above. Speaking specifically about HR, Ubisoft promised it has "revamped" its HR processes and pointed to Grant as HR Head alongside Raashi Sikka as Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion. "These concrete actions demonstrate the profound changes that have taken place at every level of the company", said Ubisoft.
While those at the top have assured critics the allegations made last year are being looked at thoroughly, there appear to be conflicting reports from within the ranks of Ubisoft. With promises of a brighter future, it will be interesting to see what the first round of legal proceedings brings to the table.
Images via Ubisoft
