Ubisoft has confirmed a large-scale, multi-year restructuring plan that will significantly reshape the company’s development structure. The publisher plans to close selected studios, cancel multiple in-development games, and reorganize its global teams into five autonomous “creative houses.”
The changes are expected to roll out gradually over the next three years and are being positioned as a long-term strategy to stabilize production, improve quality, and strengthen Ubisoft’s core franchises.
Studio Closures and Workforce Reductions
As part of the restructuring, Ubisoft has already begun reducing operations across several locations.
Confirmed changes so far:
- Closure of the Halifax mobile studio
- Restructuring at the Abu Dhabi studio
- Restructuring at RedLynx
Reported job losses:
- Massive Entertainment: 55 employees
- RedLynx: 60 employees
- Ubisoft Abu Dhabi: 29 employees
Ubisoft has not provided a clear timeline for additional studio closures or further layoffs, stating only that closures will occur selectively throughout the restructuring period.
Multiple Games Canceled and Delayed
The restructuring has also resulted in the cancellation of six games currently in development.
Canceled titles include:
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake
- Four unannounced projects, including:
- Three new IPs
- One mobile game
According to management, these projects failed to meet newly introduced internal quality benchmarks.
In addition, Ubisoft confirmed:
- One major, unnamed title has been pushed into next year
- Seven other games have been delayed internally
The company stated that these delays are intended to allow teams more time to meet higher quality expectations.
Financial Context Behind the Decision
Despite the scale of the restructuring, Ubisoft presented optimistic financial projections.
The company cited an indicative Q3 net bookings figure of approximately €330 million. However, recent financial performance shows ongoing pressure:
- Previous Q3 net bookings: €301.8 million
- Nine-month total for fiscal year 2024–25: €784 million
- Year-over-year decline: 33.8%
The restructuring appears aimed at reducing costs while refocusing development around projects with stronger long-term revenue potential.
The New “Creative House” Development Model
A key part of Ubisoft’s plan is the creation of five autonomous creative houses. Each will operate with greater independence and focus on specific genres.
Planned creative house focuses:
- Flagship franchises
- Co-op shooters
- Games-as-a-service titles
- Fantasy-based games
- Narrative-driven and family-oriented experiences
This model is intended to streamline decision-making and reduce internal bottlenecks that have affected previous development cycles.
Vantage Studios and Major Franchises
Vantage Studios will play a central role in Ubisoft’s future structure. The division, in which Tencent holds a 26 percent economic interest, will oversee several of the company’s biggest franchises, including:
- Assassin’s Creed
- Far Cry
- Rainbow Six
Ubisoft stated that the long-term objective is to transform these brands into consistent billion-euro franchises through more structured development and long-term planning.
What Comes Next
Further clarity on additional studio closures, project delays, and workforce changes is expected during Ubisoft’s next quarterly earnings call, scheduled for February 12.
Until then, the company has emphasized that the restructuring is ongoing and that more changes are likely as the plan progresses.
