Brandoville Studios, known for its contributions to popular games such as “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” and “The Last Of Us: Part I Remake,” has shut down following disturbing allegations of a toxic workplace environment. The closure marks the end of operations for the Indonesian studio, which was led by Cherry Lai and Ken Lai. Employees have come forward with serious accusations that have raised concerns within the gaming industry.
Recent reports highlight that Brandoville Studios had faced internal issues prior to the investigation by People Make Games. Previous news had hinted at managerial challenges, but the extent of the alleged abuse was not fully uncovered until the latest investigation. This development has brought a new level of scrutiny to the studio’s practices and leadership.
Allegations of Sustained Abuse
Employees have accused the studio’s leadership of maintaining a culture of abuse. Christa Sydney, a prominent figure in the report, detailed years of mistreatment, including physical and psychological abuse.
“I was reprimanded for raising my voice during a disagreement,”
Sydney shared, highlighting the oppressive environment fostered by Cherry Lai.
Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the studio’s internal issues, leading employees to move into the company premises. This arrangement allowed leaders like Cherry and Ken Lai to exert greater control over their staff. The report indicates that the lack of external oversight during this period contributed significantly to the abusive practices.
Responses from Leadership
When confronted with the allegations, Cherry Lai stated,
“My part of the story is not important, as long as my team are good and safe now.”
She expressed willingness to discuss the issues further but ended communication when requests for recorded conversations were made. Ken Lai did not respond to the accusations, leaving many questions unanswered.
Ubisoft, the developer behind “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows,” expressed concern over the findings. In a statement to Eurogamer, Ubisoft
claimed it was “deeply troubled” by the abuse reports and strongly condemned all forms of abuse, extending thoughts to the affected employees.
The closure of Brandoville Studios serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace ethics and the impact of leadership on company culture. Ensuring a safe and respectful environment is crucial for the well-being of employees and the overall success of any organization. Moving forward, the gaming industry may see increased scrutiny and the implementation of stricter guidelines to prevent similar issues.
