French Court Begins Trial of Three Ubisoft Executives on Allegations of Harassment and Discrimination

High-Profile Trial of Former Ubisoft Leaders Sparks Controversy in France

This week, a significant legal proceeding has commenced at a criminal court in the French city of Bobigny. The trial involves three former top executives of Ubisoft—former Creative Director Serge Askoé, ex-Vice President of Creativity Tommy François, and former Game Director Guillaume Patry. These high-ranking officials face serious accusations related to systemic misconduct within the gaming giant.

Allegations of Systemic Harassment and Abuse

The defendants are accused of engaging in moral and sexual harassment, which, according to prosecutors, was a widespread issue at Ubisoft long before the investigation that was launched in 2020. The upcoming five-day hearing will consider testimonies from six women, three men, and representatives of two labor unions, all of whom have provided statements regarding the allegations. All three accused deny any wrongdoing.

Details of the Accusations Against Each Executive

Tommy François – Workplace Misconduct and Sexual Assault Attempt

According to reports from Franceinfo, François allegedly engaged in humiliating behavior towards female employees, discussing their appearance inappropriately and repeatedly showing pornography in the office. He is also accused of attempting sexual assault, specifically trying to kiss an employee against her will during a corporate event, with witnesses intervening to prevent the incident.

Serge Askoé – Racial and Religious Discrimination

Apart from harassment, Askoé faces accusations of racism and Islamophobia. One Muslim employee recounted that after the 2015 Paris attacks, Askoé asked her whether she intended to join ISIS. Later, she found that her work computer background had been changed to images of bacon sandwiches, further fueling concerns about discriminatory behavior.

Guillaume Patry – Intimidation and Vandalism

Patry is accused of intimidating colleagues and engaging in aggressive conduct, such as throwing objects in the office, punching walls, and drawing a swastika on a colleague’s notebook during a meeting. On one occasion, he reportedly set fire to a coworker’s beard, highlighting a pattern of disruptive and threatening behavior.

Broader Context: Workplace Culture and Systemic Issues

An internal Ubisoft audit conducted in 2020 revealed troubling details about the company’s internal environment. Black employees were subjected to racist slurs, female staff were told their clothing was an “invitation to rape,” and junior male developers were reportedly chased around the office, turning harassment into a disturbing “game” with sexual overtones. Witnesses recalled instances where Askoé and François slapped each other outside HR with shouts of “Harassment!” resounding through the corridors.

Consequences and Company Response

Following the 2020 investigation, François and Patry were dismissed from their positions, while Askoé left Ubisoft voluntarily. By 2023, all three were under police investigation in Paris. Ubisoft has pledged to overhaul its corporate culture, with CEO Yves Guillemot stating that the company has taken substantial steps to address these issues. He emphasized that those responsible have been either fired or placed on corrective programs.

Additional Incidents and Broader Industry Concerns

In related news, reports have surfaced about a third-party studio working on the Assassin’s Creed franchise, where employees endured years of abuse. The misconduct by directors at Brandoville Studios reportedly led to the tragic death of a newborn child, highlighting ongoing challenges within the gaming industry regarding workplace safety and ethics.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.