While many fans are hoping to hear news around the Splinter Cell franchise, it may be put on hold due to recent turbulence within Ubisoft. A previous creative director of the game franchise is leaving the company due to the allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Throughout the gaming and streaming industry, people are coming forward to talk about their experiences with sexual harassment, many citing specific people who engaged in these uncomfortable practices. From professional Super Smash Bros. players to Twitch streamers to Mixer employees, there have been many who have had allegations of sexual misconduct brought against them. Ubisoft's Maxime Beland, a former creative director for Splinter Cell, is one of the individuals who was personally named during these scandals.
The Creative VP at Ubisoft Toronto is the subject of sexual harassment allegations. These accusations came to light towards the end of June. Many women came forward to expose his behavior at the company. Employees reported that Beland allegedly choked a female co-worker at a Far Cry party and engaged in other aggressive behaviors toward women who worked at the company.
On July 3, Ubisoft issued a statement revealing that Beland was leaving his position in the video game company. This decision was "effective immediately." The investigation of these allegations of sexual misconduct is still ongoing. While Beland had left Ubisoft and worked at Epic Games for a six month period, these stories covered time before and after working at the other gaming company.
In January, Beland became the Creative VP of Ubisoft's editorial team, meaning that he had influence over the creative direction of the company's games. Another member of the team, an editorial VP named Tommy François, is currently on disciplinary leave pending what the investigation finds.
While it is heartbreaking to hear stories of what these women have experienced, at least this behavior is exposed to the public. Sexual misconduct is no longer being covered up by company executives, and the gaming industry will be forced to do something to improve the workplace environments, making these places safer and more comfortable, particularly for female streamers and game developers alike.