Ubisoft's Anti-Harassment Plan For Assassin's Creed Valhalla: A Necessary Step

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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The Genesis of Ubisoft's Anti-Harassment Plan

The impetus for Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan stemmed from a series of disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, and toxic workplace environments within the company. These allegations, which surfaced through numerous employee testimonies and media reports, painted a troubling picture of systemic issues requiring immediate and substantial reform. The sheer volume and gravity of these reports put immense pressure on Ubisoft, both internally from employees demanding change and externally from the public and media demanding accountability.

• Specific examples included reports of inappropriate behavior by executives, a culture of silence surrounding harassment, and a lack of effective reporting mechanisms.
• Employee testimonies detailed experiences of sexual harassment, intimidation, and retaliation for speaking out against misconduct.
• The impact on employee morale was devastating, leading to a decline in productivity, increased turnover, and serious damage to Ubisoft's reputation.

Key Components of the Anti-Harassment Plan

Ubisoft's response involved a multi-pronged approach designed to tackle the root causes of the problem and foster a more inclusive and respectful workplace. The plan focused on tangible, actionable steps rather than simply issuing statements.

• New reporting procedures and channels: The company established confidential and accessible channels for employees to report harassment without fear of retaliation. This included independent third-party reporting mechanisms.
• Comprehensive training programs: Mandatory training programs were implemented for all employees, focusing on anti-harassment policies, bystander intervention, and creating a culture of respect.
• Strengthened disciplinary actions: Ubisoft overhauled its disciplinary process, implementing stricter penalties for violations of its anti-harassment policy, including termination of employment for serious offenses.
• Independent investigations: All reported incidents were subjected to thorough and impartial investigations conducted by external experts.
• Focus on fostering a more inclusive culture: Ubisoft committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and psychological safety, promoting diversity and equity within its teams.

Focus on Assassin's Creed Valhalla

The development of Assassin's Creed Valhalla served as a significant test case for the effectiveness of Ubisoft's new anti-harassment plan. While the specifics of how the plan influenced the game's narrative or development process haven't been publicly detailed, the implementation of the plan certainly impacted the internal team dynamics and leadership structures. It signified a commitment to applying the new policies to major projects, demonstrating that change wasn't simply superficial.

Effectiveness and Challenges of Implementation

Assessing the long-term effectiveness of Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. While quantifiable metrics are difficult to obtain due to confidentiality concerns, some positive indicators have emerged.

• Increased reporting: The establishment of improved reporting mechanisms has led to a noticeable increase in reported incidents, potentially signifying greater employee trust and willingness to speak up.
• Improved employee satisfaction (initial indications): While comprehensive data is still being collected, early internal surveys suggest a positive shift in employee perception of workplace safety and inclusivity.

However, challenges remain:

• Resistance to change: Overcoming deeply ingrained cultural norms and behaviors takes time and sustained effort. Resistance from some employees to the new policies and procedures is inevitable.
• Measuring true cultural shift: Quantifying the impact on workplace culture is complex. Beyond reporting numbers, a deeper qualitative assessment is needed to fully understand the plan's impact.

Measuring Long-Term Success

The success of Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan hinges on continuous monitoring, regular evaluation, and transparent reporting of progress. Regular audits, employee feedback mechanisms, and independent assessments are vital for ensuring accountability and identifying areas needing further improvement. Transparency in sharing progress (while maintaining individual privacy) builds trust and strengthens the commitment to long-term change.

Conclusion

Ubisoft's anti-harassment plan for Assassin's Creed Valhalla represents a significant, albeit initial, step towards creating a safer and more inclusive workplace within the gaming industry. While challenges remain in fully implementing and evaluating the long-term effectiveness of the plan, the commitment to establishing improved reporting mechanisms, comprehensive training, and stricter disciplinary actions is a crucial foundation. Ubisoft's anti-harassment model serves as a valuable case study for other companies grappling with similar issues. Improving anti-harassment policies and implementing effective anti-harassment strategies requires consistent effort, and open dialogue. The industry-wide adoption of comprehensive anti-harassment plans, similar to Ubisoft’s, is a necessary step towards building a more ethical and inclusive gaming environment for all. Let's continue to advocate for and support these essential changes.