A new report reveals COVID-19. The controversial choice means that Capcom is one of few Japanese companies and international development and publishing studios not enforcing a mandatory work-from-home order on its employees or allowing employees to work work remotely if they wish.
Capcom suffered a devastating ransomware attack in 2020, and thousands of s' data was accessed illegally. As for damage done to Capcom itself, not only did a lot of otherwise secret game information surface online, such as the ending and key plot points of Resident Evil: Village, but so did things like Capcom's release lineup for the next four years. While the lattermost leak is unconfirmed, given everything else that has surfaced, it seems fairly credible. Though dates can shift and games can be canceled, it's a harsh blow, as it forced the publisher to show its hand and puts high expectations and pressure on future reveals and releases. Perhaps the most upsetting result from the hack has directly impacted employees, though.
Following the hack, Capcom reportedly felt that it was unable to safely secure an external network that would allow for an effective work from home structure. Business Journal (translated by Kotaku) reported that the company allegedly emailed its employees and said that they had no choice but to work from the offices. “We are abandoning the remote network for the time being, and it was decided there is no choice but to come to work," said the letter. However, Capcom enforces a strict mask and social distancing policy with mandatory temperature checks when employees arrive. Still, it has reportedly caused anxiety among employees.
Capcom is not breaking any laws, but it does call the ethics and morals of the decision into question. Out of the Japanese developers, Capcom now seems to be the only major one that's still working out of its offices. Square Enix has a permanent work from home order in place, and Sony's Japan offices are also working from home.
Capcom confirmed last spring that one of its own employees had tested positive for COVID-19 and stated that "the highest priority [will be] given to the prevention of the spread of infections inside and outside the company and the safety of employees, business partners, and partner companies." Given the company still operates in its offices, this statement seems questionable at best.
Source: Business Journal, Kotaku
