Square Enix Creates New Policy To Protect Employees From Toxic Fans

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 workforce and collaborators. The policy clearly defines various forms of harassment, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, and other disruptive behaviors. The company asserts its right to suspend services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in harassment.

Given the pervasive nature of online harassment within the gaming industry, this policy is a significant step. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, underscore the urgent need for such measures. Square Enix's policy aims to prevent similar situations from affecting its employees and partners.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a broad spectrum of individuals, from support staff to executive leadership. While encouraging feedback, Square Enix firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy explicitly outlines prohibited behaviors, including:

Prohibited Behaviors (Harassment):

• Acts of violence or violent threats
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, undue pressure, stalking, or excessive reprimand
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent unwanted contact or repeated visits
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online inquiries
• Discriminatory remarks or actions based on 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 requests for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees or partners
• Excessive demands for products or services beyond acceptable norms
• Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment

This proactive measure reflects the unfortunate reality of online abuse faced by game developers. Recent examples include the harassment of voice actors, such as Sena Bryer, due to online prejudice. Past incidents involving Square Enix, including death threats and event cancellations, further highlight the necessity of this policy. By taking a firm stance, Square Enix demonstrates a commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for its team and partners.