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 clearly defines various forms of harassment, ranging from direct threats of violence to online defamation. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in such behavior.

The policy's implementation reflects the increasing prevalence of online harassment within the gaming industry. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, underscore the urgency of such measures. Square Enix's proactive stance aims to prevent similar situations from impacting its workforce.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, covers all levels of the company, from support staff to executives. While encouraging feedback, Square Enix firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy specifically outlines prohibited actions, including:

Harassment Defined:

• Acts of violence or threats of violence
• Abusive language, intimidation, coercion, excessive pursuit, or reprimand
• Defamation, slander, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and threats of business disruption
• Persistent inquiries or repeated unwanted contact
• Trespassing on company property
• Unlawful restraint through phone calls or online means
• Discriminatory language or behavior based on race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
• Privacy violations (unauthorized photography or recording)
• Sexual harassment and stalking

Undue Demands Defined:

• Unreasonable product exchanges or demands for monetary compensation
• Unreasonable requests for apologies, particularly those targeting specific employees
• Excessive requests for products or services beyond acceptable norms
• Unreasonable and excessive demands for employee punishment

This policy's necessity is highlighted by past incidents, including online harassment targeting voice actors like Sena Bryer (Wuk Lamat in Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail) and previous threats against Square Enix staff leading to arrests. The company's commitment to employee safety is evident in its decisive action to create and enforce this policy. The policy serves as a clear message that harassment will not be tolerated and that Square Enix will utilize all available legal avenues to protect its team.