Report: Beyond Good and Evil 2 developer Ubisoft Montpellier faces labour investigation
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Ubisoft Montpellier, the developer of Beyond Good and Evil 2, has seen another setback as its managing director, Guillaume Carmona, has left the studio amid labour issue allegations.
As reported by Kotaku, the reason for Carmona's exit was not provided due to legal confidentiality but it comes as the studio is under scrutiny by the Inspection du Travail (labour inspection services) for an "unprecedented number" of developer burnout and sick leave.
Sources familiar with the matter have told Kotaku that "dozens" of staffers left the Montpellier studio last year following extended periods of leave, which prompted a labour inspection of the studio this past December.
In a statement sent to the publication, a Ubisoft representative said in part, "Given the length of the development cycle with Beyond Good & Evil 2, the Montpellier development team is undergoing well-being assessments through a third-party for preventative measures and to evaluate where additional support may be needed."
Kotaku reported shifts in Beyond Good and Evil 2's leadership as well, with senior creative director Jean-Marc Geffroy reportedly leaving the project and being replaced by the game's associate director Emile Morel. The game's director is now Charles Gaudron, Kotaku reported, replacing Benjamin Dumaz.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to the Regional Directorates for the Economy, Employment, Labour and Solidarity (DREETS) for confirmation and comment.
This situation follows reports in 2020 of toxic culture at Ubisoft Montpellier related to Beyond Good & Evil creator Michel Ancel, who has since left the studio and game development altogether. At the time, around 15
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