Ubisoft Announces Structural Changes to Combat Toxicity
The game development monolith Ubisoft has been in the spotlight due to an extensive list of sexual misconduct accusations against employees, often in key positions. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot released a statement earlier this week saying there will be investigations into each case, and today that sentiment was followed up with a message about how Ubisoft's culture will change to try and address this toxicity.
In Guillemot's internal memo titled "Change Starts Today," which was republished for the public on Ubisoft's website, the CEO comments that it is not acceptable for anyone to feel harassed or disrespected at work, and assures that those who have spoken up were heard and "are helping drive necessary change." Among the changes being made are hiring former Strategic Innovation Lab Projects Director Lidwine Sauer as Head of Workplace Culture, enacting company-wide "employee listening sessions" starting Monday, and releasing an anonymous survey for candid feedback.
The company will also be reviewing its policies and procedures using the feedback, as well as creating a Head of Diversity and Inclusion position to better diversify management teams. Guillemot also touches upon the investigations, which he says are being conducted by independent third parties and will result in "appropriate action," such as the recent suspension of multiple executives.
One of the key points reiterated throughout the message is that these initiatives are only "the beginning of profound changes at all levels," especially with additions such as a third-party confidential alert platform meant to encourage safer harassment reporting. That kind of change appears to be happening all across the video game industry right now, as companies like EA are also investigating sexual misconduct allegations.
The same can be seen in fan-driven components of the landscape. Just within the last day, multiple members of the Super Smash Bros. esports community were outed for instances of sexual assault and pedophilia, and the fighting game staple event EVO has suspended organizer Joey "Mr. Wizard" Cuellar over various allegations.
For those who have long been victims of sexual assault and other untenable acts in the workplace and areas of escapism, efforts by Ubisoft and other companies will hopefully make real change. The industry has also been coming to terms with issues of racism and discrimination, as efforts have been made in the wake of ongoing Black Lives Matter protests to take actions such as combatting offensive usernames in games like Call of Duty.
Source: Ubisoft
Post a Comment