Ubisoft has started 2026 in a turbulent manner, marking a new chapter of challenges and restructuring within the company. The publisher has announced the cancellation of six games, including the highly anticipated remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and has delayed the release of another seven titles. Additionally, the closure of its studios in Halifax and Stockholm has been confirmed, adding to the 55 previous layoffs at Massive Entertainment, which represents a severe blow to its workforce.
A reorganization with potentially catastrophic results
As part of this strategic reset process, Ubisoft has decided to order its employees to return to the office full-time. This change has caused discomfort among workers, who perceive the measure as a setback regarding the work flexibilities implemented during the pandemic. The Solidaires Informatique union has described the plan as “disastrous,” calling for strikes and demanding not only the expansion of remote work but also salary adjustments that reflect adequate living conditions.
Ubisoft justifies the return to an in-person model under the argument of improving collaboration and fostering a more dynamic work environment, in order to maintain its competitiveness in the AAA market. However, this policy is not well received. Employees have expressed their disagreement and have threatened with mobilizations, including a half-day strike that could include other future actions.
The CEO of Ubisoft has acknowledged that the company will face potential strikes and will seek negotiations with unions to define the conditions for returning to in-person work. The combination of studio closures and restructuring amid a tense work environment presents an uncertain outlook for the future of Ubisoft, one of the major publishers in the video game industry.
