Summary
- Square Enix has introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy to safeguard its employees and partners.
- The policy clearly defines harassment, which includes threats of violence, defamation, and other disruptive behaviors.
- Square Enix is prepared to deny services and pursue legal action against those who engage in harassment.
Square Enix has recently unveiled a robust anti-harassment policy designed to protect its employees and partners from harmful actions. In today's interconnected world, where online interactions can quickly escalate into threats and harassment, Square Enix has taken a firm stand against such behavior. The gaming industry has seen numerous incidents, such as the death threats received by the actress who portrayed Abby in The Last of Us 2, and Nintendo's decision to cancel a live event due to threats from a so-called Splatoon fan. Square Enix aims to prevent its staff from facing similar threats.
The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, is a clear message that while the company values feedback from its community, it will not tolerate harassment. The policy explicitly outlines what Square Enix considers harassment, ranging from acts of violence and abusive language to defamation, trespassing, and more. In cases where such behavior is detected, Square Enix reserves the right to deny services to the offending individuals. Furthermore, if there is evidence of malicious intent, the company is prepared to take legal action or involve law enforcement to protect its employees.
Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy
Harassment:
- Acts of violence or violent behavior
- Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, duress, excessive pursuit or reprimand
- Defamation, slander, denial of personality, personal attacks (including via email, contact forms, comments or posts online), threats of wrongdoing, threats to obstruct business
- Persistent inquiries, repeated visits
- Trespassing by visiting or staying in an office or related facility without permission
- Unlawful restraint through telephone calls and online inquiries
- Discriminatory speech and conduct regarding race, ethnicity, religion, family origin, occupation, etc.
- Infringement of privacy by taking unauthorized pictures or video recordings
- Sexual harassment, stalking, repeated stalking behavior
Undue Demand:
- Unreasonable requests for changes or exchanges of products, or requests for monetary compensation
- Unreasonable demands for apologies (including face-to-face demands or specifying the position of the employee or partner)
- Excessive requests for products and services beyond socially accepted norms
- Unreasonable and excessive demands for the punishment of employees
The implementation of such a policy has become essential for game developers like Square Enix. The industry has faced numerous instances of harassment, with voice actors and other staff members receiving threatening messages. For example, Sena Bryer, the voice actor for Wuk Lamat in Final Fantasy 14 Dawntrail, faced severe backlash from transphobic individuals due to her gender identity. Square Enix itself has experienced multiple threats against its staff, including a death threat in 2018 over gacha mechanics, which led to an arrest in 2019. Additionally, the company had to cancel a tournament in 2019 due to threats similar to those faced by Nintendo. These incidents underscore the necessity of Square Enix's new anti-harassment measures.
