Ubisoft's Anti-Harassment Plan For Assassin's Creed: Shadows Of The Past

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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The Genesis of Ubisoft's Anti-Harassment Plan

The creation of Ubisoft's comprehensive anti-harassment plan stemmed from a series of serious allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and toxic workplace behavior that came to light in 2020. These allegations, publicized through various media outlets and social media platforms, sparked widespread outrage and calls for significant reform within the company. The resulting public pressure and internal investigations led to the resignation or dismissal of several high-profile executives and employees. This crisis prompted Ubisoft to take decisive action, resulting in the development and implementation of a far-reaching anti-harassment plan.

• Specific allegations: Numerous reports detailed instances of sexual harassment, bullying, and discrimination, impacting employees at all levels within the company. These ranged from inappropriate comments and unwanted advances to more severe acts of misconduct.
• Timeline of events: The initial allegations emerged in late 2020, leading to internal investigations and external audits. The announcement of the anti-harassment plan followed these investigations, outlining a series of concrete steps to address the issues.
• Key individuals: The development and implementation of the plan involved key figures within Ubisoft's leadership, including members of the HR department and legal teams, along with external consultants specializing in workplace culture and diversity.
• Initial public response: The initial public response was mixed, with some expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the plan and others praising the company's efforts to address the serious allegations.

Key Components of Ubisoft's Anti-Harassment Plan

Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan is multifaceted, encompassing a range of initiatives designed to prevent, address, and redress instances of harassment and discrimination within the company. The plan focuses on creating a culture of respect and accountability, specifically within its various studios, including those working on Assassin's Creed.

• Mandatory training: All Ubisoft employees are now required to participate in mandatory training programs focused on harassment prevention, bystander intervention, and creating a respectful workplace culture. These training modules cover various forms of harassment, appropriate workplace conduct, and reporting procedures.
• Anonymous reporting channels: Ubisoft established confidential and anonymous reporting mechanisms allowing employees to report incidents of harassment without fear of retaliation. These channels are designed to ensure that victims feel safe and empowered to speak up.
• Disciplinary actions: The plan outlines clear and consistent disciplinary actions for employees found to have violated Ubisoft's code of conduct. These actions range from warnings and suspensions to termination of employment, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Improved HR processes: Ubisoft improved its HR processes to ensure that complaints are investigated thoroughly and impartially. This includes establishing clear protocols for handling complaints and providing support to victims throughout the process.
• External audits and reviews: To ensure accountability and transparency, Ubisoft committed to conducting regular external audits and reviews of its anti-harassment policies and procedures. This independent oversight helps to assess the effectiveness of the plan and identify areas for improvement.

Impact of the Plan on Assassin's Creed Development

The impact of Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan on the development of Assassin's Creed is still unfolding, but there are early indications of positive change. While quantifying the impact remains challenging, assessing anecdotal evidence and observations provides some insights.

• Changes in team structure: There are reports of changes in team management structures and leadership styles, aiming for greater inclusivity and collaboration.
• Improved communication: Anecdotal evidence suggests improved communication and collaboration among development teams, fostering a more supportive and respectful work environment.
• More inclusive workplace: While still an ongoing process, there are indications of a more inclusive and respectful workplace culture within Assassin's Creed development teams.
• Impact on game quality: The long-term impact on the quality and creativity of Assassin's Creed games is yet to be seen, but a healthier workplace environment should contribute positively.
• Representation in games: While not directly linked, a more inclusive workplace may potentially contribute to more diverse and nuanced representation of women and marginalized groups within future Assassin's Creed games.

Measuring the Long-Term Effectiveness

Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan presents significant challenges. Measuring cultural shifts and behavioral changes requires ongoing monitoring and a variety of assessment tools.

• Tracking methods: Ubisoft should utilize employee surveys, incident reports, and feedback mechanisms to track the effectiveness of the plan over time. Regular external audits remain crucial.
• Challenges in measurement: Quantifying the impact of cultural change is inherently difficult. Subtle shifts in behavior and attitudes may not be immediately apparent.
• Ongoing training: Consistent reinforcement of policies through ongoing training and communication is vital to ensure lasting change.
• Public perception vs. internal assessment: Public perception is important, but internal assessments, including employee satisfaction surveys and confidential feedback mechanisms, offer a more nuanced picture of the plan’s effectiveness.

Conclusion

Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan is a significant step towards addressing deeply rooted issues within the gaming industry and the company itself. While the long-term success of this plan depends on continued commitment, transparent evaluation, and consistent implementation, the measures undertaken—robust reporting mechanisms, comprehensive training, and clear disciplinary procedures—demonstrate a commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for Assassin's Creed development and across all Ubisoft studios. The future success of Ubisoft and the Assassin's Creed franchise is intrinsically linked to the ongoing success of this plan. Continuous vigilance and sustained effort are crucial in combating harassment and fostering a truly healthy and productive work culture. Stay informed about the progress of Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan and its impact on the future of gaming. The effectiveness of Ubisoft’s anti-harassment plan will ultimately define its legacy.