Toxic Fans Force Square Enix to Enact Employee Protection Policy

Square Enix Implements Robust Anti-Harassment Policy

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to safeguard its employees and partners from unacceptable behavior. The policy clearly defines various forms of harassment, ranging from direct threats of violence to online defamation. The company asserts its right to suspend services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in such behavior.

The policy's creation reflects a growing concern within the gaming industry regarding online harassment. High-profile incidents, such as death threats targeting actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, underscore the need for such protective measures. Square Enix's commitment to employee safety is evident in its proactive stance.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a broad spectrum of harassment, encompassing threats against employees at all levels, from support staff to executives. While encouraging fan feedback, the company draws a firm line against harassment, providing specific examples of unacceptable conduct.

Examples of harassment outlined by Square Enix include: threats of violence, defamation, business disruption, trespassing, unlawful restraint (including via phone calls and online), discriminatory language, privacy violations (unauthorized photography/videography), sexual harassment, and stalking. The policy also addresses excessive demands, such as unreasonable product returns, compensation requests, apology demands, and excessive service requests.

The policy clarifies that Square Enix reserves the right to deny services to harassers and may take legal action, involving law enforcement if necessary, in cases of malicious intent.

This decisive action by Square Enix reflects a necessary response to the alarming rise in online harassment targeting game developers and their associates. Past incidents, including death threats against Square Enix staff in 2018 (leading to an arrest in 2019) and the cancellation of a 2019 tournament due to threats, highlight the severity of the issue. Recent negative experiences faced by voice actors, such as Sena Bryer (Wuk Lamat in Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail), further emphasize the need for strong protective measures within the industry.