New Gaming Policy Protects Staff at Square Enix

Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Safeguard Employees and Partners

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to protect its employees and collaborators. This policy clearly defines unacceptable behavior, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, and other forms of harassment. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in such conduct.

The policy's implementation reflects a growing concern within the gaming industry regarding online harassment. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, underscore the need for such protective measures. Square Enix's policy aims to prevent similar situations from affecting its workforce.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, extends protection to all employees and partners, from support staff to executive leadership. While encouraging feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy explicitly outlines various forms of harassment, including:

Prohibited Actions (Harassment):

• Acts of violence or violent threats
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, undue pressure, stalking, or excessive reprimands
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across all online and offline communication channels), or threats of business disruption
• Persistent, unwarranted inquiries or repeated unwanted contact
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online communications
• Discriminatory language or behavior targeting race, ethnicity, religion, origin, profession, etc.
• Privacy violations such as unauthorized photography or video recording
• Sexual harassment

Unacceptable Demands:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
• Unreasonable demands for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees or partners
• Excessive requests for products or services beyond acceptable norms
• Unreasonable or excessive demands for employee punishment

This decisive action by Square Enix highlights the increasing necessity for such policies within the game development industry. Past incidents, including online abuse directed at voice actors like Sena Bryer and previous threats against Square Enix staff resulting in arrests, demonstrate the severity of the issue. The company's commitment to protecting its personnel underscores its dedication to a safe and respectful work environment.