Square Enix Creates New Policy To Protect Employees From Toxic Fans

Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Protect Employees and Partners

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to safeguard its workforce 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, highlight the need for such protective measures. Square Enix's decisive action positions them as a leader in combating this pervasive issue.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, explicitly protects all employees and partners, from support staff to executives. While encouraging fan feedback, the company draws a firm line against harassment, providing specific examples of unacceptable behavior.

Examples of Harassment Defined by Square Enix:

• Acts of violence or violent threats
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, excessive pursuit, or reprimand
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent inquiries or repeated unwanted contact
• Trespassing on company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online means
• Discriminatory language or conduct based on race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
• Privacy infringement through unauthorized photography or videography
• Sexual harassment and stalking

Examples of Undue Demands:

• 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 underscores the necessity for proactive measures in response to the escalating online harassment faced by game developers. Recent incidents, including targeted harassment of voice actors like Sena Bryer, and past threats against Square Enix staff resulting in arrests, underscore the severity of the situation and the importance of robust protective measures. Square Enix's commitment to protecting its employees sends a strong message to the gaming community.