Home News Ubisoft Lays Off 185 Workers and Shuts Down UK Studio

Ubisoft Lays Off 185 Workers and Shuts Down UK Studio

In a significant move, Ubisoft is set to close its UK studio in Leamington while downsizing teams in Düsseldorf, Stockholm, and Newcastle’s Ubisoft Reflections. This restructuring, part of broader efforts to stabilize its business, will impact 185 employees globally. Notably, Ubisoft’s headcount has been steadily shrinking—from 20,279 employees in 2022 to 18,666 as of late 2024—a trend reflecting ongoing challenges for the gaming giant.

The Context Behind Ubisoft’s Decision

The announcement marks another chapter in Ubisoft’s cost-cutting strategy, aimed at navigating financial strain caused by underperforming titles and delayed projects. Recent launches such as Star Wars Outlaws and XDefiant have fallen short of expectations, while delays to Assassin’s Creed Shadows have heightened pressure on the company to deliver a hit.

Founded in 2002, the Leamington studio—formerly FreeStyleGames—has a storied history. Known for developing the DJ Hero series and contributing to major Ubisoft titles like The Division and Far Cry 5, its closure signals the end of an era for the UK-based team. A small number of staff will transition to remote contracts, but the majority face layoffs.

Broader Impact Across Studios

The downsizing also affects:

Ubisoft Düsseldorf, renowned for franchises like Anno and The Settlers.
Ubisoft Stockholm, which supported Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
Ubisoft Reflections, a veteran team assisting AAA game development since 1984.

In a statement, Ubisoft emphasized its commitment to supporting affected employees during this transition, expressing gratitude for their contributions.

What This Means for Ubisoft’s Future

Ubisoft’s ongoing restructuring reflects its need to adapt in a fiercely competitive market. The company has hinted at exploring strategic options, including partnerships or investments, with reports suggesting interest from Tencent. However, CEO Yves Guillemot’s desire to retain control could complicate potential deals.

With the March 20 release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher. Success could provide much-needed momentum, while failure might exacerbate concerns over Ubisoft’s long-term stability.

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Sai T.

Sai is a social media manager and senior web content creator who spends his days juggling game research, deadlines, and the usual existential crisis. When he isn’t crafting content that hopefully goes viral, he’s a dedicated single parent doing his best to navigate work life balance. And in the rare moments when free time actually appears, he’s usually found with his two dogs, who are fully convinced they’re the ones in charge.