As reported by GamesIndustry.Biz, these three stepped down “following the initiation of a rigorous review that the company initiated in response to recent allegations and accusations of misconduct and inappropriate behavior.”
Hascoët, according to a report in the French newspaper Liberation, was specifically named as “playing a central role in the company’s culture problems, with one source saying the executive has ‘the most toxic behavior in the whole business.'”
Ubisoft’s CEO and co-founder Yves Guillemot said in a statement that he is “committed to implementing profound changes across the company to improve and strengthen our workplace culture.”
“Ubisoft has fallen short in its obligation to guarantee a safe and inclusive workplace environment for its employees,” said Ubisoft CEO and co-founder Yves Guillemot. “This is unacceptable, as toxic behaviors are in direct contrast to values on which I have never compromised – and never will. I am committed to implementing profound changes across the company to improve and strengthen our workplace culture. Moving forward, as we collectively embark on a path leading to a better Ubisoft, it is my expectation that leaders across the company manage their teams with the utmost respect. I also expect them to work to drive the change we need, always thinking of what is best for Ubisoft and all its employees.”
Guillemot will be filling Hascoët’s role on an interim basis, where he will manage “a complete overhaul of the way in which the creative teams collaborate.”
There has been no replacement named for Mallet, but he has already left his role as “the recent allegations that have come to light in Canada against multiple employees make it impossible for him to continue in this position.”
These employees include Ubisoft Montreal’s Ashraf Ismail, the former creative director on Assassin’s Creed Valhalla who left his role following impropriety allegations, and Ubisoft Toronto VP of editorial Maxime Béland who was also accused of abuse and misconduct.
Another unnamed employee was also fired for “engaging in behaviors that do no align with what is expected of Ubisoft employees.”
Outside of Canada, Ubisoft’s VP of editorial and creative services Tommy François was also placed on disciplinary leave due to similar allegations.
Cornet decided to leave her position as “she believes it is in the best interest of the Company’s unity.” Ubisoft is also searching for her replacement, focusing on “restructuring and strengthening its HR function in order to adapt it to the new challenges of the video game industry.”
The announcement stated that Mallat would be leaving the company, while Hascoët and Cornet would be changing roles, but an Ubisoft representative confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that Hascoët would in-fact be leaving the company.
Amidst all of these allegations, Ubisoft is still planning on hosting its Ubisoft Forward E3 replacement showcase where it will discuss Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Watch Dogs Legion, Far Cry 6, and much more.
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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.