Three former high-ranking Ubisoft executives have been convicted by a French court for creating and perpetuating a toxic work environment that enabled sexual and psychological harassment during their time at the gaming giant. This landmark verdict reinforces the serious misconduct allegations that surfaced against Ubisoft five years ago, though the defendants are expected to avoid prison time due to suspended sentences.

The trial, conducted in Bobigny, France, examined alleged misconduct spanning from 2012 to 2020. These proceedings originated from widespread harassment accusations that emerged at Ubisoft in 2020. Court testimonies painted a disturbing picture of a workplace dominated by a "boys' club" mentality, characterized by systemic bullying and gender discrimination. On July 2, the court delivered its verdict, finding three former executives guilty of cultivating this harmful environment at Ubisoft's Montreuil offices near Paris.

The case centered on former editorial VP Thomas Francois, who resigned in 2020 following his suspension during the initial harassment scandal. Shocking testimony revealed Francois compelled a female subordinate to perform handstands while wearing a skirt. "As my superior, he intimidated me. I complied just to escape the situation," the witness stated. Francois received a three-year suspended sentence and €30,000 fine, maintaining he participated in workplace banter but never intended harm.

Verdicts in the Ubisoft Harassment Case

• Thomas Francois (Former VP of Editorial Services): 3-year suspended sentence, €30,000 fine
• Serge Hascoët (Former Chief Creative Officer): 18-month suspended sentence, €45,000 fine
• Guillaume Patrux (Former Game Director): 12-month suspended sentence, €10,000 fine

Serge Hascoët, Ubisoft's former creative leader, was convicted for enabling harassment while being acquitted of direct harassment charges. Testimony revealed he routinely bullied assistants into personal errands and subjected them to humiliating pranks. Hascoët claimed ignorance of misconduct occurring beyond his glass-walled office, with his legal team considering an appeal.

Guillaume Patrux faced conviction for psychological harassment including disturbing behavior such as violent outbursts, death threats, and an incident where he set a colleague's beard on fire. All defendants' lawyers emphasized their clients never received prior HR warnings about misconduct allegations.