Layoffs continue to hit the videogame industry at an unprecedented rate and this time it’s Ubisoft again with the publisher recently announcing a new wave of restructuring that could lead to approximately 380 employees being let go by the company. The announcement, which was posted to Ubisoft’s internal communications channel, stated the following:
“Over the past months. Ubisoft has been evolving its organization to simplify how it operates, reduce its cost base. and strengthen the company for the long term. These decisions also reflect adjustments to the level of activity following recent portfolio reviews.
As part of this effort, we have made the following announcements today regarding our teams and operations.
In Production. difficult decisions were made to close our studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade, and we have initiated consultations regarding a proposed restructuring of our Barcelona studio with a refocus of activities on Rainbow Six subject to employee representative consultations.
Changes are also underway across the global Publishing organization, to adapt how teams are structured and deployed, while maintaining a strong presence in key markets.
Pending consultations, these decisions mean that up to 380 employees could be impacted.
These changes do not reflect the talent, commitment, or contributions of the people affected.
Local management teams are engaging directly with employees to provide information, answer questions, and ensure appropriate support throughout the process.”
As a result, multiple studios under Ubisoft have been closed by the company including Ubisoft Belgrade where around 100 employees were laid off and Ubisoft Winnipeg where 65 employees were let go. In addition, 51 employees were laid off in Ubisoft Barcelona and an undisclosed number of workers were let go from Ubisoft San Francisco. It’s also revealed from an official email that the Barcelona branch of Ubisoft will now focus on the Rainbow Six projects only.
“In order to better adapt our cost structure, we reviewed our portfolio and made certain adjustments in our productions in order to refocus our resources and expertise on our priorities. It is in this context that Ubisoft Barcelona plans to redirect its expertise and resources towards Rainbow Six Siege.”
