Square Enix updates harassment policies, threatens legal action against harassers

2024 was a tough year in the gaming industry when it came to employment matters, with many layoffs, but it also presented an unusually difficult situation regarding harassment. Square Enix is one of the companies that experienced some of its products being involved in malicious campaigns of abuse, prompting them to implement new safety measures for their employees and a stronger stance against customer harassment. These new measures include taking legal action against persistent offenders who jeopardize the safety and well-being of staff members.

This week, I’ve noticed that Square Enix has updated their guidelines on online conduct. They’re now addressing something they refer to as “group player harassment.” They’ve made clear what behaviors fall under this category and how they plan to address such situations to ensure a more pleasant gaming environment for everyone.

It appears that Square Enix’s recent changes in policy may be a response to the focused harassment incidents experienced in 2024, particularly those aimed at Final Fantasy 14 and its latest expansion, Dawntrail. While players found themselves engrossed in the intricate world-building and cultural aspects, as well as eager for future developments, there were also some complaints concerning specific elements, such as the character Wuk Lamat. This character stood out due to having the most dialogue in the campaign of the latest expansion, and was voiced by trans voice actor Sena Bryer, who had previously shared her experiences with abuse following the revelation of her role in the expansion.

In light of video game discussions often escalating into harsh disagreements and unacceptable behavior, Square Enix’s latest policy changes are noteworthy, and it may be beneficial for other companies in the field to consider adopting similar strategies. Keep an eye out as we delve deeper into this subject for additional insights and information.

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2025-01-13 19:57