The words “Ubisoft executives convicted” have sent shockwaves through the gaming world. The recent French court decision against former leaders of Ubisoft, one of the most important video game publishers in the world, is a turning point for both the company and the whole industry.
This is more than just a headline; it’s a long-awaited reckoning that reveals serious problems with workplace harassment and a toxic corporate culture.
A French court sentenced three former Ubisoft executives—Tommy François, Serge Hascoët, and Guillaume Patrux—to suspended prison terms on July 2, 2025, after finding them guilty of allowing and taking part in a culture of sexual and psychological harassment.
François, who used to be the vice president of editorial, was also charged with attempted sexual assault and given a three-year suspended sentence. Hascoët and Patrux were also found guilty and given shorter suspended sentences and fines of up to $35,000.
This decision comes after years of internal investigations and public outcry, starting with anonymous reports in 2020 that showed a pattern of bad behavior at Ubisoft’s studios.
People had been saying for a long time that the company’s culture was bad, and now it was finally looked at by the law and found to be lacking.
How were Ubisoft executives convicted?
The story of the Ubisoft executives being found guilty didn’t happen all at once. It’s the result of years of unresolved complaints, HR mistakes, and a company culture that, according to internal surveys and court testimony, put the safety and dignity of workers behind the friendship and financial gain of male leaders.
- Widespread Misconduct: An internal survey of 14,000 Ubisoft workers found that one in four had seen or experienced misconduct at work, with non-binary and female employees being affected more than others.
- HR Failures: Former HR workers talked about a system where complaints were often ignored or downplayed, and management didn’t trust people who reported abuse.
- Alarming Testimonies: Court papers and news stories tell of shocking events like sexual advances, public humiliation, racist comments, and even physical threats, like a manager setting an employee’s beard on fire.
For years, these problems were hidden, and leaders either didn’t know about them, didn’t want to do anything about them, or couldn’t do anything about them.
Putting Ubisoft’s Crisis in the Context of Industry Trends
Ubisoft’s scandal isn’t the only one. There have been a lot of #MeToo stories in the gaming industry, from Activision Blizzard‘s high-profile lawsuits to smaller studios dealing with their own toxic cultures. However, the Ubisoft executives convicted case stands out for several reasons:
| Aspect | Ubisoft Case | Industry Norms |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Accountability | Criminal convictions and suspended prison sentences | Most cases settled out of court |
| Corporate Response | Initial denials, followed by internal investigations | Often slow, with minimal transparency |
| Union Involvement | Strong push from Solidaires Informatique union | Varies; unions less common globally |
| Systemic Issues | Evidence of HR complicity and systemic failures | Frequently blamed on “bad apples” |
The French court’s decision sends a clear message: executive complicity in harassment will no longer be tolerated, and legal consequences are real.
The French court’s decision makes it clear that harassment by executives will no longer be tolerated, and there will be real legal consequences.
“For all companies, it means that when there is toxic management, managers must be held accountable, and employers can no longer let it slide.” — Maude Beckers, plaintiffs’ attorney
Important ideas and new ways of looking at Things
Accountability Reaches the Top: The gaming industry has been a place of creative chaos for years, where weirdness and “boys’ club” behavior were seen as part of the process.
The conviction of high-ranking Ubisoft executives proves this myth wrong. It shows that leaders are not above the law and that allowing bad behavior, whether by doing something or not doing something, has consequences.
Victims’ Voices Matter: This change was made possible by the bravery of Ubisoft employees who spoke out, even though it put their jobs and lives at risk. Their testimonies, backed by union support, made both the company and the courts face some hard truths.
A Call for Industry-Wide Reform: Ubisoft has promised to change its culture, including changing HR and putting in place new rules of conduct. The real test will be whether they follow through with these changes and are open about them.
Other businesses should pay attention: the time of silent complicity is over, and real change needs more than just PR statements.
Final words
The story of Ubisoft executives convicted is a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. It serves as a reminder that no business, no matter how big or creative, is above the law.
This decision is a step toward a more fair and respectful future for people like us who love games but want more from the industry.
