Workers at the renowned French publisher Ubisoft have expressed their concerns regarding the company’s recent engagements with Saudi Arabia. In a letter addressed to management, representatives from the Comité Social et Economique (CSE) raised questions about the strategic alignment with a regime that has faced significant scrutiny over its human rights practices.
Concerns Over Leadership Meetings
The CSE highlighted reports indicating that Ubisoft executives were part of a delegation that met with Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, in December 2024. This development coincides with CEO Yves Guillemot’s announcement of a new expansion for the popular game Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which is set in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, and reportedly backed by financial support from the Saudi government.
The objections from staff stem from serious concerns about the country’s human rights record, particularly the alleged involvement of Crown Prince Bin Salman in the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In their correspondence, employees questioned whether pursuing contracts with individuals accused of such grave offenses might exacerbate the negative perception the company is currently facing.
Management’s Response
In response, Ubisoft’s leadership conveyed their position through a statement, translated via Google Translate. They emphasized that the President of the Republic often travels with executives from leading French companies as part of a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at enhancing France’s global influence. This approach, they argued, is intended to promote the dissemination of democratic values.
Furthermore, the management framed Guillemot’s participation in the presidential delegation as a contribution to the cultivation of France’s ‘soft power’ in the cultural and technological sectors. They concluded their response by stating, “We do not comment on rumors,” thereby leaving some questions unanswered amidst the ongoing dialogue about the company’s future direction and ethical considerations.
