Ubisoft has announced a wide-ranging restructuring plan that includes cancelling multiple games, closing several studios, and introducing new workplace rules. The changes are part of a revised three-year strategy aimed at lowering operating costs and reshaping how the company manages its major franchises.
The announcement comes despite Ubisoft already carrying out a large round of layoffs last year and launching a new subsidiary supported by Tencent investment. According to the company, further cost reductions are needed to stabilize operations and improve long-term performance. Ubisoft expects these measures to reduce fixed costs by at least €200 million over the next two years.
As part of the restructuring, Ubisoft will close “several” studios, including its Stockholm studio. This follows the earlier shutdown of its Halifax mobile studio and restructuring efforts across teams in Abu Dhabi, RedLynx, and Massive Entertainment. A source cited by Insider Gaming claims the latest changes could lead to layoffs affecting hundreds of employees.
Ubisoft is also introducing a new return-to-office policy. Employees will be required to work from the office five days a week, with an annual allowance of work-from-home days that can be used flexibly. The company has not shared how many remote days will be provided to staff.
The publisher says the restructuring is intended to improve quality in its open-world adventure games while renewing focus on its live-service business. As a result, Ubisoft has cancelled six projects that it says no longer meet its updated quality goals.
Among the cancelled titles is the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, a project that has faced multiple delays since its announcement. Ubisoft also confirmed the cancellation of an unannounced mobile game and three new IPs. The company has also delayed the release of seven games. One of the delayed titles is believed to be the rumored Assassin’s Creed Black Flag remake, which has appeared in several industry leaks.
Ubisoft stated that four new IPs are still in development, including March of Giants, which the company recently acquired. Alongside these changes, Ubisoft will reorganize its development structure by dividing its franchises into five creative houses. Each group will be responsible for development, marketing, branding, publishing, and financial results for its assigned IPs.
The new creative house structure is as follows:
- CH1 (Vantage Studios): Focused on Ubisoft’s largest franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.
- CH2: Dedicated to competitive and cooperative shooters such as The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell.
- CH3: Managing live-service titles like For Honor, The Crew, Riders Republic, Brawlhalla, and Skull & Bones.
- CH4: Focused on narrative-driven and fantasy franchises, including Anno, Might & Magic, Rayman, Prince of Persia, and Beyond Good & Evil.
- CH5: Centered on casual and family-oriented games such as Just Dance, Idle Miner Tycoon, Hungry Shark, Uno, and licensed Hasbro titles.
Each creative house will be accountable for profits, losses, and cash flow. Ubisoft says this approach is designed to give teams clearer ownership of their projects while aligning development and publishing decisions under a single structure.
