In a significant move to enhance the safety and well-being of its developers, French publishing powerhouse Ubisoft has rolled out an “anti-harassment plan” coinciding with the much-anticipated launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This initiative, as revealed by an anonymous source to French media outlet BFMTV and reported by PCGamesN, aims to mitigate the risks of online harassment that can accompany high-profile game releases.
Measures to Safeguard Developers
According to the source, Ubisoft has advised its employees against sharing their affiliation with the company on social media platforms during this critical period. “We’re advised not to post on social media that we work at Ubisoft to avoid harassment,” the source explained. This precautionary measure is reportedly spearheaded by a dedicated team based in Canada, tasked with monitoring social media channels and swiftly addressing any instances of targeted attacks.
The company has established a specialized unit that meticulously tracks posts on platforms such as Twitter and Reddit, as well as videos on YouTube, ensuring a rapid response to any emerging issues. In a proactive stance, legal representatives are on standby, prepared to file complaints should any harassment occur.
When approached for comment, Ubisoft acknowledged that while employees’ social media accounts are their own, the company remains committed to safeguarding its staff. A representative stated, “Our top priority is the safety of our employees, including online, which is why, as a standard practice across Ubisoft, we offer guidance on navigating social media, digital safety, and support for team members’ well-being.”
Furthermore, Ubisoft emphasizes the importance of providing resources aimed at preventing and protecting against online harassment, an unfortunate reality that many of its teams have encountered in the past.
