Abuse Allegations at Brandoville Studios: Impact on Assassin’s Creed Shadows and The Last of Us Remake
An explosive report by People Make Games has uncovered disturbing allegations of abuse at Brandoville Studios, an Indonesian animation studio that provided support for popular video games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and The Last of Us: Part I Remake. The investigation reveals a shocking culture of mistreatment, including physical and psychological abuse, coercion, harassment, and even the tragic death of a child.
Who: Brandoville Studios, led by Cherry Lai and Ken Lai
What: Allegations of abuse, coercion, and mistreatment of employees
Where: Indonesia, specifically at Brandoville Studios
When: Investigation conducted in 2024
Why: To uncover the truth behind working conditions at the studio
How: Through interviews, video footage, and text threads
Harvey’s Passion for Gaming
Harvey, a dedicated gamer since his early days of begging for a World of Warcraft subscription at the age of 12, has a deep history with video games. Despite starting with WoW, he has since developed a love for Final Fantasy 14 and a major crush on G’raha Tia. Harvey began his career as a freelancer, writing for various gaming websites like Techradar, The Escapist, Dicebreaker, The Gamer, Into the Spine, and PC Gamer.
His gaming interests span a wide range of genres, including RPGs, soulslikes, roguelikes, deckbuilders, MMOs, and indie titles. In his offline time, he delves into a plethora of tabletop role-playing games, refusing to pick a favorite system due to his diverse interests. Harvey’s passion for gaming shines through in his eclectic tastes and his willingness to explore anything that catches his eye.
As a journalist, Harvey brings a unique perspective to the gaming industry, blending his personal experiences with a critical eye for detail. His love for gaming drives him to uncover stories like the Brandoville Studios abuse allegations, shedding light on important issues within the gaming community.
Employee Accounts of Abuse
The report highlights the harrowing experiences of employees like Christa Sydney and Syifana Afianti, who endured years of mistreatment at Brandoville Studios. Sydney recounts facing physical attacks, coercion into self-harm, and a disturbing level of control by Cherry Lai, the studio’s commissioner. Afianti, while pregnant, was subjected to extreme stress and sleep deprivation, leading to tragic consequences for her and her child.
The allegations paint a grim picture of a toxic work environment, where employees were manipulated, harassed, and exploited by those in positions of power. The report’s findings underscore the urgent need for accountability and change within the gaming industry to ensure the safety and well-being of all workers.
Industry Response and Call to Action
In response to the abuse allegations, companies like Ubisoft have expressed deep concern and condemnation of all forms of abuse. The gaming community must come together to hold studios accountable for their treatment of employees and demand better working conditions for all individuals in the industry. It is essential to listen to the voices of those who have been mistreated and take meaningful action to prevent further harm.
As we navigate the complex landscape of the gaming world, it is crucial to remember the human cost behind our favorite titles. Harvey’s dedication to uncovering stories like the Brandoville Studios abuse allegations serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical practices, compassion, and empathy in the gaming industry. By standing together and advocating for change, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all gamers and developers alike.