Ubisoft's Action Plan To Combat Harassment In Assassin's Creed: Shadows Of London

5 min read Post on May 29, 2025

Ubisoft's Action Plan To Combat Harassment In Assassin's Creed: Shadows Of London

Ubisoft's Acknowledgment and Public Statement Regarding Harassment

Ubisoft's response to allegations of harassment began with a series of public statements acknowledging past failures and committing to significant change. These statements, while facing criticism for their timing and perceived lack of immediate action, marked a crucial first step in addressing the issue.

Specific wording acknowledging past failures: Ubisoft's statements included explicit apologies for creating a workplace culture that allowed harassment to occur. They admitted to shortcomings in their internal processes and a lack of sufficient accountability mechanisms.
Company-wide issues and their relevance: While specific incidents directly tied to Assassin's Creed: Shadows of London's development haven't been publicly detailed, the broader company-wide issues highlighted the need for systematic reforms across all Ubisoft studios and projects. This includes a systemic overhaul of how harassment complaints are handled, regardless of the specific game in development.
Links to official statements and press releases: [Insert links to relevant Ubisoft press releases and statements here]. It's crucial to access and review these documents for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Specific Policy Changes and Internal Reforms Implemented

Following public acknowledgment, Ubisoft implemented several key policy changes and internal reforms to tackle harassment and discrimination. These reforms aimed to create a more transparent and accountable workplace.

New reporting procedures: Ubisoft introduced new, streamlined reporting procedures for harassment claims, including anonymous reporting options to encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
Improved training programs: Enhanced mandatory training programs focused on bystander intervention, respectful workplace conduct, and clear definitions of harassment were implemented for all employees. These programs incorporated interactive modules and regular refresher courses.
Changes to disciplinary actions: Ubisoft significantly strengthened its disciplinary actions against individuals found guilty of harassment, ranging from mandatory training and suspension to termination of employment.
Independent investigation bodies: Ubisoft established or strengthened independent investigation bodies to handle complaints impartially, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all parties involved.
Promoting a culture of accountability: The company has emphasized accountability at all levels, from management to individual employees, promoting a culture of zero tolerance for harassment.

Third-Party Involvement and External Audits

To ensure the thoroughness and objectivity of their reforms, Ubisoft engaged third-party agencies and consultants to conduct independent reviews of their policies and practices.

Specific organizations involved: [Insert names of organizations or individuals involved in the audits here, if available]. This transparency demonstrates a commitment to outside scrutiny.
Scope of investigations: These external audits covered various aspects, including the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms, the adequacy of training programs, and the overall workplace culture.
Improvements based on external feedback: Ubisoft implemented improvements based on the recommendations provided by external auditors, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation.

Employee Feedback Mechanisms and Ongoing Monitoring

Ubisoft has implemented various mechanisms to gather feedback from its employees on the effectiveness of the action plan and to monitor the workplace environment continuously.

Methods for collecting feedback: The company utilizes anonymous surveys, regular feedback sessions, and confidential focus groups to collect employee feedback without fear of reprisal.
Monitoring workplace environment: Ubisoft uses data analytics and regular internal climate surveys to identify potential issues early and proactively address concerns.
Transparency regarding response to feedback: Ubisoft has committed to sharing summaries of employee feedback and details of actions taken in response to address employee concerns transparently.

Long-Term Goals and Commitment to a Safe Workplace

Ubisoft's long-term goals concerning harassment prevention and fostering a positive work environment are ambitious and require ongoing commitment.

SMART goals: These include measurable goals such as reducing the number of reported harassment incidents by a specific percentage within a defined timeframe and achieving a high level of employee satisfaction in workplace climate surveys.
Commitment to ongoing improvement: Ubisoft is committed to adapting its policies and procedures based on ongoing evaluation and feedback, ensuring that its response evolves to meet the needs of its employees.
Culture of respect and inclusion: The ultimate goal is to cultivate a culture of respect, inclusion, and psychological safety, where every employee feels valued and protected.

Conclusion

Ubisoft's response to allegations of harassment, while still a work in progress, showcases a commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive work environment across all its projects, including those within the Assassin's Creed franchise. The success of its action plan relies on the consistent implementation of new policies, proactive engagement with employee feedback, and a willingness to continuously adapt its strategies. To stay informed about Ubisoft's ongoing efforts to combat harassment and build a more inclusive culture, it is vital to monitor official updates. Continued vigilance and transparency are crucial for achieving a truly harassment-free environment in the video game industry. The long-term impact of Ubisoft’s response to addressing harassment will be a key measure of the industry's overall progress in creating safer workplaces for everyone.