Square Enix Announces New Initiative to Safeguard Staff

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

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to protect its workforce 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 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 measures. Square Enix's proactive stance aims to prevent similar situations from impacting its employees and partners.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers all levels of the company, from support staff to executives. While encouraging feedback, Square Enix firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy explicitly outlines various forms of harassment, including:

Examples of Harassment:

• Threats of violence or acts of violence
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, and undue pressure
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent and intrusive inquiries or repeated visits
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online communication
• Discriminatory remarks or actions based on race, ethnicity, religion, origin, or other protected characteristics
• Privacy violations through unauthorized photography or recording
• Sexual harassment and stalking

Examples of Undue Demands:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
• Excessive requests for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees
• Requests for products or services exceeding reasonable expectations
• Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment

Square Enix reserves the right to suspend services and initiate legal action against perpetrators of malicious harassment. This decisive approach underscores the company's commitment to employee safety and well-being. This policy is a necessary response to the increasing prevalence of online harassment targeting game developers and related personnel, including recent incidents involving voice actors facing transphobic attacks and past threats against Square Enix employees resulting in arrests. The company's proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for its team.