In a powerful response to online harassment faced by its developers, Ubisoft has unveiled a comprehensive anti-harassment plan for the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows. The gaming company has taken serious steps to protect employees from the growing tide of toxicity that has plagued the gaming community, particularly in the wake of backlash against various titles in the industry.
According to a report from French outlet BFMTV, Ubisoft is actively advising its employees on how to navigate social media and has partnered with Canada's Communications Security Establishment (CSE) to monitor reactions to the game’s release. The company is offering legal support to employees who experience confirmed harassment, reflecting a serious commitment to fostering a safe work environment.
As part of these efforts, employees have been warned against disclosing their association with Ubisoft online to prevent unwanted attention or harassment. A representative from Ubisoft confirmed to PCGamesN that employees are being provided with external resources to help them avoid and protect against online harassment.
Ubisoft’s actions come in the wake of significant past harassment episodes in the gaming industry, with previous titles such as The Last of Us Part 2 and Star Wars Outlaws experiencing similar backlashes. These incidents highlight a persistent problem that is not only detrimental to the well-being of developers but also undermines the gaming community at large.
Assassin's Creed Shadows joins a troubling trend of games that have faced vicious online critiques, often spiraling into personal attacks against creators. The escalation of these campaigns stems from toxic sentiments that have embedded themselves deeply within the gaming culture, echoing past instances like the Gamergate scandal, which targeted industry figures, including game developer Zoë Quinn and feminist critic Anita Sarkeesian.
The 2014 Gamergate incident exemplified the damaging effects of online harassment, with campaigns aimed at undermining individuals' credibility and silencing their voices. Taylor Lorenz recently discussed this ongoing issue on YouTube, recounting how such harassment remains prevalent across various platforms, with many in the industry experiencing aggressive backlash for simply expressing their opinions.
For many, the fear of becoming targets for sharing personal viewpoints about games has unfortunately become a reality. For instance, journalist Alyssa Mercante has shared her experiences of targeted harassment due to her opinions on video games. Likewise, the author of this article faced threats of violence for merely suggesting that two male characters in a game displayed romantic chemistry.
In light of these harsh realities, Ubisoft's proactive stance is a heartening response to the toxicity that has long existed within the gaming landscape. By establishing guidelines and collaborating with external organizations, the company sets an important precedent, emphasizing that harassment will not be tolerated.
Although Ubisoft's plan is laudable, some concerns linger about its effectiveness. Criticisms arise regarding the limitations that employees face, such as being advised against sharing their professional achievements online for fear of backlash. This could ultimately hinder their career growth as they navigate an already precarious job market ripe with uncertainties.
While the plan marks a significant step forward, the gaming industry as a whole must continue working towards establishing a culture that favors respectful discourse over hostility and vitriol. With ongoing tensions within the community, Ubisoft’s efforts may lead to changes that inspire other companies to implement similar policies.
Nonetheless, this is not the first time the spotlight has fallen on harassment in gaming. The backlash directed at games like The Last of Us Part 2 showcases how deeply entrenched this issue has become. Laura Bailey, the voice actor for a pivotal character in that game, faced severe backlash, leading to heightened security measures even in her subsequent projects.
Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan could serve as a crucial milestone in turning the tide against these ongoing issues. If successful, this initiative might inspire a shift towards a gaming culture where criticism engages respectfully and constructively rather than with personal attacks.
The need for a safe work environment is clear, especially when considering past examples of harassment campaigns that have gone unchecked. Establishing clear consequences for such behaviors could deter future harassment campaigns and catalyze a cultural shift towards accountability within gaming communities.
Ultimately, Ubisoft hopes that with these new measures in place, the impending launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows will not result in targeted harassment against its employees. The company aims to foster an atmosphere where creative expression thrives without the lingering fear of personal attacks on developers and their work.
As the gaming community continues its growth, it is essential for companies to remain vigilant and proactive in combating harassment. Whether or not Ubisoft can pave the way for a more respectful environment remains to be seen, but their current actions are a positive indication of change in the industry.
