Square Enix Unveils Policy to Shield Staff from Toxic Fans

Square Enix has introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to safeguard its employees and partners from abusive behavior. This initiative comes as a response to the growing instances of harassment within the gaming industry, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and protective measures.

In today's interconnected world, harassment and threats against individuals in the gaming sector have unfortunately become prevalent. High-profile cases include death threats directed at the actress who played Abby in The Last of Us 2 and the cancellation of a Nintendo event due to threats from an alleged Splatoon fan. Square Enix's new policy aims to shield its workforce, from support staff to executives, from such harmful actions.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, clearly defines what the company considers harassment. This includes acts of violence, threats, defamation, obstruction of business, trespassing, and more. Square Enix emphasizes that while it values customer feedback, harassment crosses a critical line. The company reserves the right to deny services to individuals who engage in such behavior and may pursue legal action or involve law enforcement in cases of "malicious intent."

Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy

Harassment:

• Acts of violence or violent behavior
• Use of abusive language, intimidation, coercion, duress, excessive pursuit, or reprimand
• Defamation/slander, denial of personality, personal attacks (including via email, contact forms, comments, or posts online), notices of wrongdoing, or notices of business obstruction
• Persistent inquiries or repeated visits
• Trespassing by visiting or staying in an office or related facility without permission
• Unlawful restraint through telephone calls and online inquiries
• Discriminatory speech and conduct regarding race, ethnicity, religion, family origin, occupation, etc.
• Infringement of privacy by taking unauthorized pictures or video recordings
• Sexual harassment, stalking, or repeated stalking behavior

Undue Demand:

• Unreasonable requests for product changes, exchanges, or monetary compensation
• Unreasonable demands for apologies, including face-to-face requests specifying the position of Square Enix employees or partners
• Excessive demands for products and services beyond socially accepted norms
• Unreasonable and excessive demands for the punishment of Square Enix employees

The necessity of such policies has become evident as developers like Square Enix face increasing hostility from some gamers. Notable incidents include the backlash against Sena Bryer, the voice actor for Wuk Lamat in Final Fantasy 14 Dawntrail, due to transphobic sentiments, and multiple death threats against Square Enix staff in 2018. One such threat over the company's gacha mechanics led to an arrest in 2019. Additionally, Square Enix had to cancel a tournament that year due to similar threats, underscoring the urgency of implementing robust anti-harassment measures.