Ubisoft is cutting 380 jobs and closing its studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade as part of a multi-year effort to reduce expenses by 500 million euros by 2028. According to reports, the company is also restructuring its Barcelona team and downsizing global publishing operations to prioritize core titles like Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege.
Why is Ubisoft reducing its workforce?
The job cuts are part of a long-term fiscal strategy to save 500 million euros between 2023 and 2028. Financial data indicates the company’s headcount has dropped from over 20,000 employees in 2023 to 16,590 prior to these latest reductions. These cuts follow a broader trend at the publisher, which saw 1,500 positions eliminated throughout the previous year.
The studio closures in Winnipeg and Belgrade follow similar shutdowns earlier this year in Halifax and Stockholm. This indicates a shift away from decentralized regional offices toward concentrated development hubs.
What happens to existing game projects?
Ubisoft intends to protect the development of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege by focusing resources within the newly restructured Barcelona office. While the company is scaling back its global publishing operations, management has signaled that this specific title remains a priority. It is not currently clear which employees will be reassigned to other divisions and which will face termination as the company continues its five-year plan.
How does this compare to previous years?
The current downsizing represents a continuation of the 1,500 jobs lost in 2023. By comparing these figures, it becomes clear that the pace of restructuring is accelerating as the company approaches the midpoint of its cost-saving window. While 2023 saw broad cuts across various departments, the current strategy specifically targets studio consolidation to streamline operations.
Keep an eye on official investor relations reports. These documents often provide the most accurate timeline for when specific fiscal goals—like the 500 million euro savings target—are expected to be met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ubisoft studios are closing?
Ubisoft is closing its studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade. Previously, the company closed its locations in Halifax and Stockholm in January of this year.
How many jobs are being cut?
A total of 380 jobs are currently at risk due to the latest round of studio closures and internal restructuring.
Will these be the final layoffs?
Given that Ubisoft’s cost-saving plan extends through 2028, further workforce reductions are likely as the company continues to downsize its total headcount, which has already fallen by several thousand since 2023.
Are you concerned about the future of your favorite Ubisoft franchises? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on industry trends.
