Ubisoft Closes UK Studio, Lays Off 185 Staff Amid Ongoing Restructuring
Ubisoft has confirmed another wave of layoffs, impacting 185 employees across multiple studios, including the closure of its Leamington-based UK studio. The restructuring will also affect Ubisoft’s offices in Düsseldorf, Stockholm, and Newcastle, as part of the company’s cost-cutting measures aimed at ensuring “long-term stability.”
According to a statement provided to Eurogamer, 100 of the affected jobs are in the UK, with no mention of internal job transfers for those impacted. The decision follows previous reports that Ubisoft would downsize in early 2025, raising concerns about the company's future as it continues to face financial challenges.
Restructuring Continues as Ubisoft Struggles with Financial Performance
Ubisoft’s struggles have become increasingly evident over the past few years. The company has been downsizing its workforce since 2022, dropping from 20,279 employees to 18,666 by September 2024. In addition to layoffs, the company has also been scaling back on projects—most notably, the cancellation of its live-service shooter XDefiant and the delay of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Despite the restructuring efforts, Ubisoft’s financial outlook remains shaky. One of its biggest recent projects, Star Wars Outlaws, was a major financial disappointment, failing to generate the revenue Ubisoft had hoped for. This has led to increased concerns over the company’s stability, particularly as it struggles to maintain profitability in an increasingly competitive market.
Stakeholder Interests Over Players?
While Ubisoft has emphasized its "decisive steps" to reshape the company, many in the gaming community believe these moves are more focused on pleasing stakeholders rather than delivering quality experiences for players. The recent restructuring suggests a strong push toward cost-cutting and efficiency, but at what cost?
Last year, reports suggested that Tencent was considering acquiring a larger stake in Ubisoft, potentially taking the company private. However, CEO Yves Guillemot reportedly resisted the idea, preferring to maintain control of the company rather than ceding power to the Chinese tech giant.
With uncertainty looming, Ubisoft is banking heavily on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, which is set to launch on March 20, 2025. Given the franchise's history of strong sales, the company is likely hoping for a major financial rebound. However, with layoffs, project cancellations, and repeated financial missteps, players and investors alike are left wondering if Ubisoft’s strategy will be enough to stabilize the company—or if more drastic changes lie ahead.
Do you think Ubisoft’s strategy of layoffs and cost-cutting will help them bounce back, or is this a sign of deeper problems within the company? Share your thoughts on the future of Ubisoft and Assassin’s Creed Shadows!
