French authorities have detained five former Ubisoft executives amid a widening investigation into workplace sexual harassment within the video game giant. The move marks a significant development in an issue that has plagued the Paris-based publisher for years and has drawn scrutiny from employees, investors, and regulators alike. Among those taken into custody are Serge Escoet, who previously held the role of chief creative officer, and Tommy Francois, who served as a vice president. The identities of the remaining detainees have not been disclosed, but reports indicate that they are senior figures within Ubisoft’s leadership cadre.
According to Liberation, the arrests fall within the scope of a sexual harassment probe that was initiated in 2020. After details of the investigation became widely public in the media, Escoet and Francois were terminated from Ubisoft in a move the company described at the time as a necessary step to address serious allegations affecting its workplace culture. The chronology suggests a broader effort to assess and rectify systemic issues within the organization, including potential missteps in leadership oversight and internal reporting mechanisms.
At the moment, public information about the investigation remains limited. Maud Beckers, who represents one of the plaintiffs in the case, described the issue as revealing a pattern of systemic sexual abuse at Ubisoft. Her remarks underscore the perception that the problems did not arise in isolation but rather reflect deeper cultural problems within the company’s internal environment and governance practices.
Ubisoft has not issued formal comments about the detention of its former senior executives as the case unfolds. The company has faced ongoing criticism from industry observers and former employees who argue that changes in management and increased transparency are essential to rebuilding trust with the gaming community and with current staff. These developments come at a time when Ubisoft has been attempting to reposition itself in a competitive sector by emphasizing new titles and reforming its corporate governance to align with evolving expectations around workplace conduct and accountability.
Meanwhile, the broader industry continues to grapple with accusations of harassment and discrimination, prompting publishers to revisit internal policies, reporting pathways, and cultural norms. The Ubisoft news arrives in a climate where workers in the tech and entertainment sectors increasingly demand safer, more inclusive workplaces and stronger protections for whistleblowers. Analysts note that the outcome of the investigation could influence how other companies handle similar concerns, potentially accelerating reforms across the sector and encouraging more rigorous oversight at the executive level. Attribution: Liberation and subsequent reporting corroborate the key events and statements surrounding this case, which remains active as of the latest public updates.