Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Protect Staff and Partners
Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to safeguard its employees and collaborators. This policy clearly defines unacceptable behavior, encompassing a wide range of actions from threats of violence to defamation. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in harassment.
The policy's implementation reflects the increasing prevalence of online harassment within the gaming industry. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats, 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, covers all levels of staff, from support personnel to executives. While encouraging feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy explicitly outlines various forms of harassment, including:
Harassment Defined:
- Acts of violence or violent threats
- Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, excessive pursuit, or unwarranted reprimands
- Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across all online platforms), and threats of business disruption
- Persistent inquiries and repeated unwanted contact
- Unauthorized entry onto company property
- Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online communication
- Discriminatory language or behavior based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, profession, etc.
- Privacy violations through unauthorized photography or video recording
- Sexual harassment and stalking
Undue Demands Defined:
- Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
- Unreasonable requests for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees
- Excessive requests for products or services beyond acceptable norms
- Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment
This policy is a necessary response to the rising tide of online abuse directed at game developers. Recent incidents, such as the harassment faced by voice actors, including Sena Bryer, highlight the urgent need for such protective measures. Past events, including death threats against Square Enix staff and the cancellation of events due to threats, further demonstrate the importance of this policy. The company's commitment to protecting its employees is evident in its willingness to pursue legal action against those who engage in malicious harassment.
