Over the last few months, Ubisoft has been no stranger to controversy, with the major video game publisher dealing with sexual misconduct allegations alongside recent backlash surrounding the racist connotations of its Tom Clancy Elite Squad trailer. The company definitely hasn't been in the good graces of many, especially with this list of polarizing events all occurring in a relatively short space of time.
Ubisoft is evidently aware of the seriousness of its slate of recent controversies, with the company addressing the recent issues with a new message from the company's CEO Yves Guillemot. Posted to the Ubisoft YouTube account, Guillemot spends the message's four-minute runtime acknowledging the company's recent mistakes and issues, promising that, going forward, Ubisoft will look to offer a more safe and inclusive environment for its workers and fans.
The video first covers the recent sexual misconduct allegations brought to light in June this year. These accounts of sexual abuse present in the workplace concerned some of the company's highest-ranking employees, with several women working at Ubisoft coming forward to discuss traumatic experiences they'd had with these co-workers. Evidently, it's something Guillemot has taken accountability for and is serious about radically changing, acknowledging that the company's "systems failed to protect the victims of their behavior." The CEO claims he's "truly sorry to everyone who was hurt," promising that Ubisoft has "taken significant steps to remove or sanction those who violated [its] values... and are working hard to improve [its] systems and processes." He also promises that Ubisoft will improve "diversity and inclusivity" at all levels of the company.
He then speaks on the recent controversy surrounding Tom Clancy's Elite Squad. For those unaware, the game's recent trailer caused significant backlash after Ubisoft included the raised fist symbol synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement as a symbol for the game's rioting antagonists. On the issue, Guillemot agrees that "this kind of oversight can not happen," claiming "safeguards" will be put in place to ensure its never an issue again. He also adds that Ubisoft doesn't welcome fans who see its games as a means to spread hate and toxicity, and that it adamantly supports the Black Lives Matter movement.
It seems both matters have been eye-opening for the company, and it's good to hear that real steps are being implemented to ensure that neither happens again. Guillemot finishes his message by promising: "I'm fully committed to leading the change at Ubisoft and ensuring we always uphold and exemplify our core values." Overall, Ubisoft's acknowledgment of the wide number of issues surrounding the company is a strong sign, especially as it seems measures will be taken to assure the company's employees are working in a safe and professional environment going forward.