Square Enix has updated its group harassment policy in order to better define exactly what constitutes harassment against its "group executives, employees, [and] partners".
In the new policy (thanks, Eurogamer), Square Enix not only lays out an extensive list of what counts as "harassment" and "undue demand", it also details what could happen if an individual is found to be in breach of the policy.
Punishments could range from Square Enix ceasing to provide "support services" or its products and services outright all the way through to "legal action or criminal proceedings" if the company determines that an action is "egregious or with malicious intent".
Harassment actions under Square Enix's policy might include things like "act[s] of violence", "discriminatory speech and conduct" regarding things like race or gender, and "sexual harassment", plus lots of other potential infringing actions.
Another section, "undue demand", points to actions like "unreasonable response or request for an apology", "excessive requests for the provision of products and services exceeding socially accepted norms", or "unreasonable and excessive demands for punishment of our employees".
This policy is likely aimed at addressing controversies that have surrounded Square Enix's games in recent years, like the undue abuse received by Final Fantasy XIV character Wuk Lamat's voice actress, a trans woman.
Harassment is also often aimed at Square Enix developers themselves; back in January 2022, FFXIV producer Naoki Yoshida called for more kindness from players regarding their constructive criticism, especially when aimed at developers other than himself.
Unfortunately, it's not just Square Enix employees that have come in for harassment online in the gaming industry.
In January last year, Palworld developer Pocketpair revealed that its artists had been met with "death threats", and in the previous year, the developer of an Android-based PS2 emulator quit ongoing development of the project for the same reason.
Whether or not Square Enix's new policy deters the more...vociferous elements of its fanbase from voicing their opinions remains to be seen.
Still, it's nice that the company has taken the time to update its policy in order to better outline what it sees as an unacceptable line when it comes to interactions between itself and the public. Stay tuned for more.
