Ubisoft Shuts Down Studios and Cuts Hundreds of Jobs

Ubisoft Studio Closures

According to НВ — Техно: On June 11 at 11:00 AM, Ubisoft announced the closure of its studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade, along with workforce reductions at its offices in Barcelona and San Francisco. This move is part of the company’s cost-cutting strategy following disappointing sales performance. All 65 employees at the Winnipeg studio will be affected, and the total job losses across closed divisions and downsized locations will reach approximately 380.

Shifts in Game Development Projects

In San Francisco, Ubisoft had already shut down its development studio in 2024, though IT and marketing teams continue to operate there. The company has also adjusted its approach to developing the multiplayer game Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege. Roughly 12% of the team working on this title will be reassigned to other projects, with Ubisoft Barcelona taking over as the primary developer.

Additionally, in October 2025, Ubisoft plans to spin off Vantage Studios as a separate entity. Backed financially by Tencent, this studio will focus on advancing the Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six franchises. This decision is part of a broader downsizing initiative that already saw layoffs in January and February of this year. The company is employing various measures, including voluntary separation programs and office closures, to streamline operations amid challenging market conditions.

The reduction in staff and studio closures highlight the difficulties Ubisoft is facing in today’s gaming market.

Source: internal company memo

These decisions could impact project development and the company’s overall strategy, as the cuts may limit opportunities for innovation and new game creation. At the same time, the creation of Vantage Studios might represent a step toward adapting to new circumstances and a strategy that allows the company to focus on its most successful franchises.