Square Enix Creates New Policy To Protect Employees From Toxic Fans

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 employees and collaborators from abusive behavior. The policy explicitly defines various forms of harassment, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, and other disruptive actions. 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 protective measures. Square Enix's policy aims to prevent similar situations from affecting its workforce.

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

Specifically, Square Enix classifies the following as harassment:

• Harassment: Acts of violence or threats of violence; abusive language, intimidation, or coercion; defamation or slander; persistent inquiries or repeated unwanted contact; trespassing; unlawful restraint; discriminatory speech or conduct; invasion of privacy; sexual harassment; stalking.

• Undue Demands: Unreasonable requests for product changes, refunds, or apologies; excessive demands for services; unreasonable demands for employee punishment.

The policy outlines consequences for harassment, including service denial and legal action in cases of malicious intent. This proactive approach is a necessary response to the increasing prevalence of online harassment targeting game developers and their associates. Recent incidents, such as the online abuse faced by voice actors like Sena Bryer, highlight the urgent need for such policies. Past experiences, including death threats against Square Enix staff resulting in arrests, further emphasize the severity of the issue and the importance of the company's new policy.