Ubisoft CEO More Aware of Misconduct Than He Lets On, Suggests Report
After numerous Ubisoft executives have been accused of misconduct, new information is coming out regarding some of the remaining top executives. Some of the executives accused have resigned from their position, while others like Assassin's Creed: Valhalla Creative Director, have been fired. As top executives are resigning and being fired, allegations of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot's knowledge of the misconduct are coming to light.
CEO Yves Guillemot's original comments seemingly passed the blame to his staff with Guillemot speaking in a call with investors:
"Each time we've been made aware of misconduct, we made tough decisions, and made sure that those decisions had a clear and positive impact. It has now become clear that certain individuals betrayed the trust I placed in them, and didn't adhere to Ubisoft's shared values. So I have never compromised on my core values and ethics, and I never will."
While Guillemot claims tough decisions were made and that certain staff betrayed his trust, a new report may refute his claim. A former Ubisoft senior leader indicated in an interview with Gamasutra that Guillemot had once stopped staff from ousting an abusive member, citing the member's talent and the potential tarnishing of image if it went public.
Guillemot was also accused of ignoring staff comments on the dangers of protecting employees, and even allegedly rewarded the abusive employee with company stock. While these allegations have not been proven, Guillemot and the named employees have declined to comment.
While allegations are sweeping across every Ubisoft office, the Montreal office has been affected greatly. Head of HR Cecile Cornet, Head of Canadian Studios Yannis Mallet, and Chief Creative Officer Serge Hascoet have all resigned. While each had ties to Guillemot, many believed that Hascoet was too powerful and too close to Guillemot to ever be ousted.
Another top executive with power like Hascoet has been called manipulative and a protector of toxic employees. Marc-Alexis Cote has been named by various sources as a cause for allegations being swept under the rug. Cote has been said to have direct lines with Guillemot that protected him and other employees from accusations. Cote served as creative director at the Quebec office and sources have said he treated employees well, but knew of the abuse, but would do anything to climb the ranks of the company.
Although Ubisoft seems to cleaning house, some believe that nothing will change based on the actions of the top executives. Former Director of Narrative Jill Murray said, "Yves Guillemot can't pretend to want change, while installing his cousin [Christophe Derennes] as CEO in Montreal".
Ubisoft has already put measures in place restructuring HR, however, if top executives like Guillemot were protecting abusive staff, many believe the restructuring will not matter. Guillemot may have not had any knowledge of abuse happening, but it seems with so many ties to abusive executives and allegations of protecting those employees, Guillemot may have known more than he will admit.
Source: Gamasutra
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