As we know, Ubisoft has been facing an unprecedented identity crisis for a little over a year. Pointed out for the toxicity of its studios, and especially for a management that protects its creative people at all costs – even when despicable behavior has been observed – the company is trying to redeem an image.
However, one can wonder if things have really changed since the publication of the Liberation and Numérama surveys last summer. While Ubisoft should be busy rethinking its studios to make them healthy workspaces for everyone, a short sentence taken from the recent universal registration document (a financial communication medium) illustrates intentions that are out of step with this expected by some of the group's 20 employees.
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Protecting "talent"
In the part reserved for the study of internal risks facing the company, the document lists “the occurrence of inappropriate behavior by employees” prominently. Behind this denomination, Ubisoft groups together harassment, discrimination, breaches of ethics or group values. And this type of action would represent, according to him, a risk of premature departure of "talent" within his studios.
The term could make more than one wince. And for good reason: it is precisely the name that Ubisoft usually gives to its renowned creatives such as Maxime Béland, Tommy François, or Michel Ancel who, each in their own way, have been able to shine in recent years. by accusations of conduct that is at best questionable, at worst legally reprehensible.
In hollow, it is therefore necessary to understand two things. On the one hand that Ubisoft confirms to take note of certain areas of improvement in its various studios (without questioning its management). On the other, he fears that the turmoil caused by these cases will scare away talented creatives, who do not wish to be associated with a company whose image is degraded.
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A foil image
Because it is the reputation of the company that is at stake here. Still in the universal registration document, we can read that these same issues are likely to hamper the attractiveness of the company, and therefore prevent it from recruiting new “talents”, precisely.
In short, a real thorn in the side, which Ubisoft tries somehow to withdraw. But a recent survey by the daily Le Télégramme published last May delivered initial results that were disappointing to say the least in this area. According to sources interviewed by the newspaper, many people targeted by accusations of harassment or discrimination are still working at Ubisoft.
Admittedly, the company has communicated widely on its intentions to do better; on the establishment of awareness courses on harassment and sexist behavior, the creation of new positions and the appointment of Raashi Sikka as vice-president in charge of diversity and inclusion. But, as the studio writes in black and white in its financial documents, the “risk” still hovers.
It remains to be hoped for the first and first interested parties that, in its desire to protect its eminences grises at all costs, the publisher and developer does not forget to take care of all the others.
