Square Enix has announced a new "group customer harassment policy" aimed at protecting its employees and partners from harmful behavior and actions taken by its followers and fans.
"Square Enix believes that the , comments and requests received from our customers are essential to the advancement of our group's products and services," the new policy states. "At the same time, there are instances where certain customers take actions directly or through our centers, or towards our group executives, employees, [or] partners who are involved in the creation and distribution of our group products and services, that constitute 'customer harassment'.
"Such actions do not only prevent our employees and partners from engaging in their work with a sense of security but also causes disruptions to other customers. Square Enix will not tolerate harassment and will take action as necessary."
Those actions range from refusing requests and implementing bans to, in cases "where such action is egregious or with malicious intent," legal action and possibly even criminal proceedings.
As unfortunate as it is that this sort of thing has to be spelled out, game companies are increasingly being forced to take explicit action against abusive fans. In 2023, Destiny 2 studio Bungie warned against growing toxicity among Cities: Skylines 2 players in 2024, saying the studio may have to "pull back our engagement" with the community if it keeps up.
As noted in this player harassment of game developers is a problem for the industry, particularly among women and of the LGBTQ+ community.
