Lisa Opie on Transitioning from TV to the Games Industry to Drive Positive Change

Lisa Opie took the helm of Ubisoft Reflections and Ubisoft Leamington during a pivotal moment, following allegations of abuse, discrimination, and harassment in 2020. As a former BBC executive, Opie brings a unique perspective to the table, having spent over a decade working in television production. Her experience in managing the UK production arm, Factual Drama, and Digital Production teams has equipped her with the skills to tackle the complexities of reforming company culture. Opie acknowledges that the games industry is still in its formative stages, having grown rapidly, and is now confronting the challenges that come with maturity. Her role in managing two studios with a combined workforce of 400 employees is crucial in driving positive change and creating a culture where everyone feels engaged, valued, and heard. Prior to joining Ubisoft, Opie worked at Twofour Digital, Flextech Television, and Channel Five, giving her a broad understanding of the creative industry. She recognizes that the games sector is not alone in facing issues like misogyny, discrimination, and toxic behaviors, but believes that the industry can learn from best practices in other fields. Opie emphasizes the importance of creating a culture that is inclusive, where people feel valued, and everyone can contribute to positive change. She highlights the efforts Ubisoft has made to prevent and reduce work stress, including offering professional mental health support, training managers to care for their staff, and promoting wellbeing events. The introduction of wellbeing champions has been particularly effective, allowing staff to open up about their mental health without fear of judgment. Opie stresses that it's essential to strike a balance between introducing these measures and maintaining a manageable workload, ensuring that staff feel emotionally happy and content in their working lives. As she enters her second year in the role, Opie remains committed to driving positive change and creating a culture that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and creativity. She acknowledges that this is an ongoing process, one that requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to listen to employees' concerns. By sharing progress publicly and promoting a positive, constructive image of the industry, Opie believes that Ubisoft and other major games companies can rebuild trust with their employees, players, and the wider industry.