Square Enix Unveils Safeguard for Team Amidst Fan Hostility

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 threats of violence, defamation, and other forms of harassment. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in such conduct.

The policy's implementation reflects a growing concern within the gaming industry regarding online harassment. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, underscore the need for such protective measures. Square Enix's proactive approach aims to prevent similar situations from impacting its workforce.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a wide range of harassment types, targeting anyone from support staff to executives. While encouraging fan feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy explicitly outlines what constitutes harassment, including:

Harassment Defined:

• Acts of violence or violent behavior
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, duress, excessive pursuit, or reprimand
• Defamation or slander, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent inquiries and repeated visits
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online inquiries
• Discriminatory speech or conduct based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, occupation, etc.
• Privacy violations through unauthorized photography or video recording
• Sexual harassment, stalking, and repeated stalking behavior

Undue Demands Defined:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or monetary compensation requests
• Unreasonable apology demands (especially those specifying employee or partner positions)
• Excessive requests for products or services beyond social norms
• Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment

This decisive action by Square Enix underscores the increasing prevalence of online harassment targeting game developers. Past incidents, including death threats against staff and voice actors, highlight the severity of the issue. By implementing this policy, Square Enix aims to create a safer and more respectful environment for its team and partners. The company reserves the right to suspend services and pursue legal action against those who violate the policy, demonstrating a firm commitment to protecting its employees.