Square Enix launches new anti-harassment policy to protect its employees and partners from abusive fans

Gaming IndustrySquare Enix launches new anti-harassment policy to protect its employees and partners from abusive fansWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

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“Such actions do not only prevent our employees and partners from engaging in their work with a sense of security but also causes disruptions to other customers. Square Enix will not tolerate harassment and will take action as necessary.”

Those actions range from refusing support requests and implementing bans to, in cases “where such action is egregious or with malicious intent,” legal action and possibly even criminal proceedings.

As unfortunate as it is that this sort of thing has to be spelled out, game companies are increasingly being forced to take explicit action against abusive fans. In 2023, Destiny 2 studio Bungiewon a $500,000 awardagainst a “racist shitstain” who harassed and threatened a community manager, and in 2024 issued permanent bans against players who aimed toxic abuse at one of its developers during a livestream. Colossal Order CEO Mariina Hallikainen alsowarned against growing toxicityamong Cities: Skylines 2 players in 2024, saying the studio may have to “pull back our engagement” with the community if it keeps up.

As noted in thisReddit thread, Square Enix has faced a significant level of abuse in the past as well. Final Fantasy writer Kazushige Nojima said in February 2024 that he “felt afraid” after facing “insults and violent words” from a supposed fan, and Final Fantasy 14 voice actor Sena Bryer said later in the year that she facedtransphobic abuseincluding “misgendering, death/rape threats, doxxing attempts, [and] threats against my family” for her portrayal of Wuk Lamat. In GDC’s 2023 State of the Game Industry survey, 91% of respondents saidplayer harassment of game developers is a problemfor the industry, particularly among women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

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