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

Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to protect its employees and collaborators. This policy clearly defines unacceptable behavior, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, and other forms of harassment. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in such conduct.

The policy's implementation reflects a growing concern within the gaming industry regarding online harassment. High-profile incidents, including death threats and the disruption of events, underscore the need for robust protective measures. Square Enix's decisive action positions them as a leader in combating this pervasive issue.

The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, explicitly covers all personnel, from support staff to executives. While encouraging feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable. The policy meticulously outlines specific behaviors considered harassment, including:

Square Enix's Definition of Harassment:

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

Examples of Undue Demands:

• Unreasonable product returns or monetary demands
• Excessive apology requests, particularly those targeting specific employees
• Requests for products or services exceeding reasonable norms
• Unjustified demands for employee punishment

This proactive stance by Square Enix is a necessary response to the increasing prevalence of online harassment targeting game developers. Recent incidents, such as the transphobic attacks against a Final Fantasy XIV voice actor, highlight the urgency of such policies. Past experiences, including death threats against Square Enix staff resulting in arrests, further emphasize the importance of this protective measure. The cancellation of previous events due to similar threats underscores the severity of the problem and the need for decisive action.