The French video game industry union, Solidaires Informatique, has issued a scathing critique of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot following the company’s recent “major reset.” This massive restructuring, which divided the publisher into five new “Creative Houses,” has led to the cancellation of six projects and the delay of seven others. Union representatives argue that these drastic changes demonstrate a fundamental lack of understanding of the company’s internal health and employee needs. Morale is reported to be at an all-time low, with staff expressing deep-seated anger and despair over the new direction and the pressure of working in understaffed environments.
Demands for Change and Better Conditions
In response to the management’s decisions, a strike was organized outside the Ubisoft Paris headquarters on January 22, 2026. The union has put forward three primary demands to address the current crisis. These include an immediate end to the aggressive cost-cutting program, the preservation and extension of flexible remote work policies, and the implementation of decent pay raises. Many employees have not seen a significant salary increase in years, yet the reorganization has reportedly created several new high-level positions with excessive salaries. This disparity has further fueled resentment among the rank-and-file workers who feel they are bearing the brunt of the company’s financial struggles.
A Precarious Future for the Gaming Giant
The fallout from the reset has been felt beyond the studio walls, as Ubisoft’s share price recently plummeted to its lowest level since 2011. The company has lost approximately 95% of its total value over the last eight years, a statistic that the union points to as evidence of failed leadership. Reports from internal communication channels suggest a toxic atmosphere where staff representatives have witnessed emotional breakdowns and extreme distress among colleagues. While some employees are publicly seeking new opportunities on professional networks, the future of Ubisoft remains uncertain as it attempts to navigate this period of intense instability and loss of trust.
