Ubisoft is initiating a restructuring plan that will result in the layoff of 51 employees at its Barcelona studio, representing approximately 28% of the local workforce. According to reporting by La Vanguardia, the French multinational intends to focus the Barcelona site exclusively on the development of Rainbow Six Siege, marking a pivot away from its previous multi-franchise approach.
Why is Ubisoft restructuring its global operations?
The company is streamlining its business to reduce costs and concentrate resources on its most successful intellectual properties. Internal sources cited by La Vanguardia indicate that this strategy is a response to a broader financial crisis that has impacted the developer for several years. Since 2024, the company has implemented a series of cost-cutting measures, including project cancellations and the closure of international studios, such as Ubisoft Winnipeg in Canada and Ubisoft Belgrade in Serbia.
Ubisoft Barcelona has operated in Catalonia for nearly three decades, having been founded in 1998. At its peak, the company maintained a presence of up to 300 employees across its two local divisions.
How will the Barcelona layoffs affect current projects?
The restructuring specifically targets the team responsible for Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, which is slated for release on July 9. While this project remains active, the company aims to move away from the model where the Barcelona studio contributes to various Ubisoft franchises simultaneously. It is important to note that these cuts are isolated to the main Ubisoft Barcelona studio; the separate entity, Ubisoft Barcelona Mobile, remains unaffected by this specific round of layoffs.
What is the history of labor tension at the studio?
This layoff announcement follows a period of significant internal friction regarding workplace policies. In February 2025, employees at the Barcelona office organized a strike to protest changes to remote work policies. Some staff members initiated legal action against the company, arguing that the mandatory return-to-office directive constituted a substantial breach of previously negotiated labor agreements.
When tracking industry trends, look at studio specialization. Companies often shift from “support studio” models—where sites assist on many games—to “focused” models to mitigate project management risks during financial downturns.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many employees are affected in Barcelona? 51 employees, which is 28% of the staff at the main studio.
- Is Ubisoft Barcelona Mobile also closing? No, the mobile division is not part of this restructuring.
- What is the primary focus for the studio moving forward? The studio will dedicate its resources exclusively to Rainbow Six Siege.
- Are other studios being affected? Yes, the company has confirmed closures in Winnipeg and Belgrade, as well as job cuts in San Francisco.
Are you following the shifts in the gaming industry? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on major studio developments, or share your thoughts on the current state of large-scale game development in the comments below.
