Ron Lach
The gaming and betting industry witnessed a scandal in 2024 that remains largely unheard of outside Southeast Asia. The events centered around Brandoville Studios in Indonesia, a game development outsourcing company that contributed to major titles like Age of Empires IV and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, raising significant concerns within the landscape of international online casinos. The shocking allegations involve systemic abuse, forced labour, and severe exploitation of employees.
Brandoville Studios, based in central Jakarta, employed artists and developers to create game assets for global studios. The company’s founders, Ken and Cherry Lai, are accused of fostering a culture of abuse and manipulation. Employees reported physical and emotional abuse, financial control, and inhumane working conditions. The allegations began to surface after the studio’s closure in August 2024.
Harrowing Accounts of Physical Abuse
One of the most disturbing stories came from Christa Sydney, a former employee. She reported being forced to slap herself as punishment for mistakes. On one occasion, she recorded herself hitting her face 100 times and sent the footage to Cherry Lai. The abuse escalated to public humiliation, with Christa ordered to kneel for hours as her colleagues were instructed not to show empathy. Another incident involved Christa being told to hit her head against a doorframe until she experienced concussion-like symptoms. Witnesses corroborated these accounts, describing a workplace environment ruled by fear.
Psychological Manipulation and Isolation
Cherry Lai allegedly controlled every aspect of her employees’ lives. She imposed strict daily schedules, including mandatory Christian prayer meetings, regardless of employees’ faiths. Staff reported being isolated from friends and family, with Cherry convincing them that personal relationships were a burden to their success. Former employees described how Cherry manipulated relationships within the workplace. She created divisions among colleagues, spread rumours, and fostered a toxic environment where loyalty to her was paramount.
Many employees faced financial exploitation. Salaries were often withheld or controlled. Christa revealed that her salary was deposited into her account only to be reclaimed by Cherry, leaving her with a minimal amount to cover basic needs. Another employee, Caesar, entrusted Cherry with managing his finances but later discovered that a significant portion of his earnings had disappeared. Cherry also demanded repayment for alleged debts, including the costs of training programmes that employees claim they never participated in. These financial pressures left many staff members trapped in their roles.
Impact on Families
The abuse extended beyond the workplace. Syifana Afiati, another former employee, shared her experience of working while pregnant. Despite medical complications and the loss of her premature child, Cherry pressured her to return to work within weeks. Her story highlighted the lack of empathy and disregard for employees’ well-being.
Brandoville Studios’ story exposes a dark side of outsourcing in the gaming industry. Studios in lower-income countries often face immense pressure to meet deadlines for major clients. This creates an environment where labour laws are frequently ignored, and employees are overworked and underpaid.
The Role of Global Studios
Major gaming companies have relied heavily on outsourcing to reduce costs. Brandoville’s clients included industry giants responsible for blockbuster titles. Despite repeated allegations of mistreatment, these companies continued their partnerships without significant action.
Betting Companies and Outsourcing Connections
The link between betting platforms and outsourced labour raises questions about ethics. Many online betting companies indirectly rely on outsourced game development studios to power their interactive gambling games. Ensuring transparency in this process is vital to maintaining fair practices across the betting and gaming industries.
The “No Viral, No Justice” Phenomenon
In Indonesia, the phrase “No viral, no justice” reflects the reliance on social media to bring attention to injustices. The Brandoville allegations gained traction only after former employees shared their stories online, prompting local authorities to investigate. However, the scandal remains underreported internationally.
Brandoville Studios closed in August 2024 leaving many employees without severance pay. Some were convinced to join a new venture, LaiLai Studios, led by Ken and Cherry Lai. Reports suggest that abuse continued during this transition.
Legal and Social Action
The Indonesian police have begun investigating the allegations, but challenges remain. Cherry Lai is believed to have fled to Hong Kong, complicating efforts to hold her accountable. Former employees continue to share evidence, including videos and messages, to seek justice.
The scandal highlights the urgent need for transparency and ethical practices in outsourcing. Game developers must scrutinise their partnerships and ensure that workers’ rights are respected.
Ethical Outsourcing Practices
To improve industry standards, studios should establish codes of conduct for outsourcing partnerships. This includes ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, and access to support systems for employees facing challenges.
Recommendations for Change
The Brandoville case is a sobering reminder of the hidden struggles within the gaming industry. While the scandal has prompted discussions in Southeast Asia, its limited global coverage reflects a broader issue of neglect for workers in outsourcing hubs. Greater awareness and collective action are essential to prevent such incidents in the future.
