Ubisoft Shuts Down Halifax Studio, Restructuring Impacts Over 70 Employees
Ubisoft, one of the largest video game publishers globally, began 2024 with the significant closure of its Halifax studio located in Canada.
The move, which affects more than 70 employees, is part of Ubisoft's ongoing efforts to streamline operations and optimize its global resource allocation amid changing industry dynamics.
Most notably, Ubisoft Halifax was best known for its focus on mobile game development and its support for major franchises such as Rainbow Six and Assassin's Creed. The decision was officially communicated to staff on Wednesday, with a Ubisoft spokesperson confirming, “Over the past 24 months, Ubisoft has undertaken company-wide actions to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
As part of this, Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio.
Seventy-one positions will be affected, and we are committed to supporting all impacted team members during this transition with resources, including comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance.” Despite its relatively small size, Ubisoft Halifax contributed to some of Ubisoft’s most recognized intellectual properties, including collaborative efforts on Rainbow Six and Assassin’s Creed.
While the primary focus of the studio was on mobile gaming, its closure comes amid a broader industry shift and cost-saving measures that have seen several big game companies reassess their global footprints and studio portfolios. Importantly, the Halifax closure comes only one month after approximately 60 employees at the studio unionized by joining the Game & Media Workers Guild of Canada.
Ubisoft emphasized that the studio’s closure had been decided “well before” the unionization process began and further stated its respect for the rights of employees to organize and join unions.
In response, the union has issued a public statement expressing its intent to pursue all available legal avenues to support its affected members. This development forms part of a wider series of organizational changes at Ubisoft.
In the past year, the company has increased its collaborations with partners like Tencent, a major force in Asia, to focus on flagship franchises such as Assassin’s Creed.
Ubisoft has also marked significant milestones, notably celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Rayman series.
Meanwhile, the company expanded its platform reach, launching Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the Nintendo Switch 2 in December.
While the Nintendo Switch version initially faced technical issues, a series of post-launch updates have resolved stability and crash concerns, reflecting Ubisoft’s commitment to supporting its player base across platforms including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop. The closure of Ubisoft Halifax underscores the ongoing challenges facing AAA and mobile game development sectors worldwide.
As industry leaders like Ubisoft continue to navigate shifting economic realities and evolving player expectations, the impact on regional studios highlights the complexities of maintaining a global development network in today’s gaming landscape.
The move, which affects more than 70 employees, is part of Ubisoft's ongoing efforts to streamline operations and optimize its global resource allocation amid changing industry dynamics.
Most notably, Ubisoft Halifax was best known for its focus on mobile game development and its support for major franchises such as Rainbow Six and Assassin's Creed. The decision was officially communicated to staff on Wednesday, with a Ubisoft spokesperson confirming, “Over the past 24 months, Ubisoft has undertaken company-wide actions to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
As part of this, Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio.
Seventy-one positions will be affected, and we are committed to supporting all impacted team members during this transition with resources, including comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance.” Despite its relatively small size, Ubisoft Halifax contributed to some of Ubisoft’s most recognized intellectual properties, including collaborative efforts on Rainbow Six and Assassin’s Creed.
While the primary focus of the studio was on mobile gaming, its closure comes amid a broader industry shift and cost-saving measures that have seen several big game companies reassess their global footprints and studio portfolios. Importantly, the Halifax closure comes only one month after approximately 60 employees at the studio unionized by joining the Game & Media Workers Guild of Canada.
Ubisoft emphasized that the studio’s closure had been decided “well before” the unionization process began and further stated its respect for the rights of employees to organize and join unions.
In response, the union has issued a public statement expressing its intent to pursue all available legal avenues to support its affected members. This development forms part of a wider series of organizational changes at Ubisoft.
In the past year, the company has increased its collaborations with partners like Tencent, a major force in Asia, to focus on flagship franchises such as Assassin’s Creed.
Ubisoft has also marked significant milestones, notably celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Rayman series.
Meanwhile, the company expanded its platform reach, launching Assassin’s Creed Shadows for the Nintendo Switch 2 in December.
While the Nintendo Switch version initially faced technical issues, a series of post-launch updates have resolved stability and crash concerns, reflecting Ubisoft’s commitment to supporting its player base across platforms including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop. The closure of Ubisoft Halifax underscores the ongoing challenges facing AAA and mobile game development sectors worldwide.
As industry leaders like Ubisoft continue to navigate shifting economic realities and evolving player expectations, the impact on regional studios highlights the complexities of maintaining a global development network in today’s gaming landscape.
