French gaming giant Ubisoft, renowned for blockbuster franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, has announced a major restructuring effort to streamline operations and reduce costs. The company confirmed the closure of its Leamington studio in the UK and the restructuring of operations at Ubisoft Düsseldorf, Ubisoft Stockholm, and Ubisoft Reflections, affecting a total of 185 employees.
The move aligns with Ubisoft’s broader strategy to refocus on core projects and ensure long-term stability in an increasingly competitive gaming industry. A statement from the company highlighted its commitment to delivering top-tier gaming experiences while adapting to market challenges.
Struggles with Delays and Underperformance
Ubisoft has faced significant hurdles over the past year, including delayed releases and lackluster performance of key titles. Notably, Star Wars Outlaws, launched in August 2024, fell short of sales expectations despite high pre-launch anticipation.
In a LinkedIn post, Ubisoft Leamington addressed the restructuring, emphasizing that the decision was part of a global operational review aimed at better meeting players’ expectations in today’s rapidly evolving gaming market.
A History of Cuts
This isn’t the first instance of Ubisoft downsizing its global operations. In December, the company announced the closure of its San Francisco and Osaka studios, along with scaled-back production in Sydney. These measures resulted in 143 layoffs in San Francisco and the expected reduction of 134 roles across Osaka and Sydney.
Looking Ahead
Despite the restructuring, Ubisoft remains focused on its upcoming releases. The highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the latest installment in the franchise, is set to launch on March 20, signaling the company’s intent to continue delivering blockbuster experiences.
In addition, Ubisoft has appointed advisors to explore transformational strategic options to maximize value for stakeholders, suggesting that further changes could be on the horizon.
As Ubisoft recalibrates its approach, the gaming community watches closely, hoping the moves will restore stability and innovation to one of the industry’s most iconic companies.
