Square Enix Creates New Policy To Protect Employees From Toxic Fans

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

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to safeguard its employees and collaborators. This policy explicitly defines various forms of harassment, ranging from direct threats of violence to online defamation and other forms of abusive behavior. 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, highlight the need for such protective measures. Square Enix's proactive stance aims to prevent similar situations from affecting its workforce.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers a wide spectrum of harassment targeting employees at all levels, from support staff to executives. While encouraging feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy clearly outlines specific behaviors considered harassment, including:

Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy: Key Provisions

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Acts of violence or threats of violence
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, undue pressure, stalking, or excessive criticism
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across various online platforms), or threats of business disruption
• Persistent unwanted contact or repeated intrusions
• Unauthorized entry onto company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online interactions
• Discriminatory language or behavior based on race, religion, origin, etc.
• Privacy violations such as unauthorized photography or recording
• Sexual harassment

Undue Demands include:

• Unreasonable product returns or demands for monetary compensation
• Excessive requests for apologies or punitive actions against employees
• Requests for products or services exceeding reasonable expectations

This policy underscores the increasing need for developers to protect their teams from online abuse. Recent incidents, such as the harassment faced by voice actors like Sena Bryer, and past threats against Square Enix staff (resulting in arrests), underscore the severity of the problem. By implementing this policy, Square Enix demonstrates a commitment to creating a safer and more respectful environment for its employees and partners.