The trial commences this week at Bobigny Criminal Court in France for three former executives of Ubisoft, following allegations of moral and sexual harassment. The high-profile case involves former chief creative officer Serge Hascoët, former vice president Tommy François, and former game director Guillaume Patrux, all facing serious claims in light of a toxic workplace culture.

According to details shared by the French news outlet Franceinfo, the prosecution rests on testimonies from six women, three men, and two trade unions, alleging a systematic environment of abuse within the company. The accused individuals deny all wrongdoing.

In official statements, it is claimed that François was known to demean female employees and display inappropriate materials in the workplace, while accusations against Hascoët include serious allegations of misconduct alongside racially insensitive comments. Notably, previous reports from internal audits have highlighted an ‘institutionalized schoolboy environment’ at Ubisoft, raising significant concerns about human resource practices before 2020.

This trial is significant, not just for the individuals involved but also in the context of ongoing discussions about workplace culture in the gaming industry and the measures needed to ensure safe environments for all employees.