Prosecution seeks suspended prison sentence of up to three years for the ex-Ubisoft executives on trial
The Trial of Ex-Ubisoft Bigwigs
It's game over for three former Ubisoft power players, who are currently on trial for harassment and some questionable actions. This high-stakes showdown went down in the Bobigny criminal court on June 5, 2025.
The defendants in question? Thomas "Tommy" François (former VP of editorial services), Serge Hascoët (second-in-command at the video game titan), and Guillaume Patrux (ex-"game director"). They're under fire for allegations of moral and sexual harassment, with François facing an additional charge of attempted sexual assault[1][2].
The prosecutor had some harsh words for the trio. For François, they proposed a suspended three-year prison sentence, along with a hefty 30,000 euro fine[3]. Hascoët, meanwhile, might not be sitting pretty with an 18-month suspended sentence and 45,000 euros to shell out[3]. Patrux could face a slightly easier punch, with a 15-month suspended sentence and a 10,000 euro fine[3].
"A Bro Culture Gone Wild"
Earlier in the day, lawyers representing the victims took the stand to express their dismay over the amnesia pled by the defendants about the harassment allegations and their denial of responsibilities regarding labor law. In their eyes, this trial is all about "an excessively masculine and juvenile culture" in Ubisoft, a gaming industry that has been largely dominated by men[5].
One of the victim's lawyers described the company culture as "violence was okay in the open space," emphasizing the responsibility that managers have to ensure the safety of their employees[5]. The absence of legal action against Ubisoft as a corporate entity, along with its CEO, Yves Guillemot, and human resources manager, Marie Derain, has raised eyebrows among the legal team and the Solidaires Informatique union[5].
This trial is just the beginning. As of now, no decisions or penalties have been announced[2]. The outcome of this game-changing trial could have significant implications for Ubisoft, especially considering its recent financial struggles and strategic restructuring efforts[2].
: "It's all about creating a fun environment, you see?": Court proceedings reveal a culture of harassment within Ubisoft, with incidents dating back to 2012[3]. Allegations range from public humiliation and hazing to sexual assault[3]. The trial is expected to continue until June 7, with no defined timeline for decision-making[2].
"This trial delves into the intertwining of culture and politics within Ubisoft, as the company's perceived 'bro culture' faces criticism for being excessively masculine and juvenile, and its effects on general-news issues such as harassment and violence."
"The ongoing trial's implications extend beyond the individual defendants, as it sheds light on the role of leadership in shaping corporate culture and the accountability of organizations in crime-and-justice cases, not only of their employees but also of the corporate entity itself."
