Square Enix shares new policy to protect employees from fan harassment

Square Enix enacts a policy against fan harassment of employees.

: Square Enix has introduced a Group Customer Harassment Policy to protect employees from toxic fan behavior. This policy allows the company to take legal or criminal actions and halt services in response to violent or defamatory acts. Final Fantasy actors Briana White and Cody Christian have engaged in discussions around fan harassment. Final Fantasy 14's Naoki Yoshida has voiced concerns about abuse against developers.

Square Enix reveals a new policy dubbed the Group Customer Harassment Policy aimed at safeguarding employees from hostile fan actions, including violence and intimidation. The policy promises legal or criminal proceedings against violators and allows the company to terminate support services or product offerings when necessary.

The decision comes amid ongoing concerns, notably within the Final Fantasy 7 fandom, where character relationships stir divisive debates. Voice actor Briana White advocates for a more relaxed fandom, while Cody Christian criticizes the overt sexualization within fan circles, suggesting it detracts from story development.

Final Fantasy 14 producer Naoki Yoshida has consistently addressed developer-targeted abuse. He has expressed distress over unwarranted criticism that demotivates staff and affects game quality, especially highlighting the harassment faced by voice actor Sena Bryer. The policy seeks to address and mitigate these destructive interactions.

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