Disturbing Allegations Surface Against Brandoville Studios
A recent investigative report has brought to light serious allegations of mental and physical abuse at Brandoville Studios, an Indonesian support studio involved in the development of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. This studio ceased operations in August of the previous year, prompting scrutiny from various industry watchdogs. The findings were published by People Makes Games, focusing significantly on the experiences of Christa Sydney, who worked at Brandoville from 2019 to 2024.
Details of the Abuse Accusations
According to the report, Christa Sydney endured both mental and physical abuse at the hands of Kwan Cherry Lai, the spouse of Brandoville’s CEO, Ken Lai. The disturbing accounts have prompted a broader conversation about workplace safety and employee treatment in the game development industry.
For those interested, a full detailing of the allegations can be found in the comprehensive report available on People Makes Games’ YouTube channel. The link to the report is provided below:
Ubisoft’s Reaction
In light of these troubling revelations, Ubisoft has issued a statement expressing their dismay. They conveyed,
“We are deeply disturbed by the recent reports surrounding Brandoville Studios. We strongly condemn all forms of abuse, and our thoughts are with the affected employees.”
Historical Context of Brandoville’s Issues
This isn’t Brandoville’s first encounter with controversy. In 2021, the studio was highlighted in a People Makes Games report discussing the prevalent “crunch culture” within the gaming industry and the unethical reliance on outsourcing. With the studio’s recent closure, former employees have begun to share their stories, shedding light on the internal struggles faced during their tenure.
Wider Implications for Employees
Brandoville Studios previously contributed art and animation support for high-profile titles such as Assassin’s Creed and Age of Empires 4. The allegations span from 2019 to 2024 and reveal a pattern of abusive behavior that affected multiple employees. In particularly alarming cases, there are reports of financial exploitation and excessive workload demands placed on a pregnant employee.
Viewer Discretion Advised
Viewers are cautioned that the report contains distressing content and addresses sensitive topics that may be triggering for some individuals.
Upcoming Release
Despite the controversies surrounding its development, Ubisoft’s highly anticipated title, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, is scheduled for release on February 14.
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