ID animation studio behind high-profile games under probe for alleged workers abuse

share on

twitter /
facebook /
linkedin /
- email
- telegram
- whatsapp
- wechat
- pinterest
- line
- snapchat
- reddit

Jakarta-based animation studio Brandoville Studios is reportedly under police investigation for allegedly abusing and exploiting its workers. This comes as Indonesian authorities are searching for other former employees who may have been victims of workplace abuse too, reported CNA.

The Indonesia firm made up of 80 staff members was reportedly co-owned by Chinese nationals Kai Lai and his wife Cherry Lai. It was also the studio behind several high-profile titles including high-budget games such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, The Last of Us Part 1, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Uncharted and NBA 2K17, according to CNA.

Don't miss: MOM strengthens protection for platform workers with new bill

Checks by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE revealed that the studio shut down on 17 August this year.

The investigation was reportedly sparked due to claims made by former employees on social media that went viral. The claims included verbal and physical abuses, excessive working hours, threats and manipulation.

According to The Jakarta Globe, an employee who goes by the initial CS said that she suffered a miscarriage due to the harsh treatment she endured at the firm and that was scolded by her boss Cheryl Lai for not showing up to work after losing her baby. She was also reportedly forced to climb stairs 45 times at night and instructed to slap herself 100 times as part of punishment.

In response to the claims, police chief commissioner Susatyo Purnomo Condro said that a special team has been formed to investigate the allegations of abuse and exploitation at the company, reported The Jakarta Globe. Head of the Central Jakarta Police's criminal investigation unit, Muhammad Firdaus, reportedly added that the office of Brandoville Studios has been vacant since July 2024.

Digital Marketing Asia returns to Jakarta on 3 October, bringing the hottest trends, tech, and insights to future-proof your strategies. Network with 150+ industry leaders, discover cutting-edge tools, and learn from real-world case studies – all designed to propel your brand growth. Don't miss this chance to stay ahead of the curve!

share on