Ubisoft Closes Newly Unionized Halifax Studio, Affecting 71 Jobs

Ubisoft has announced the closure of its Halifax studio, which recently formed the company’s first labour union in North America. This decision impacts 71 jobs as the studio was working on mobile titles for Rainbow Six and Assassin’s Creed. The announcement follows a company-wide initiative aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs.

In a statement, Ubisoft explained that the closure is part of a broader effort to improve efficiency. “Over the past 24 months, Ubisoft has undertaken company-wide actions to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs,” the company said. “As part of this, Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio. 71 positions will be affected. We are committed to supporting all impacted team members during this transition with resources, including comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance.”

The Halifax studio was established in 2010 as Longtail Studios Halifax and gained recognition for its work on the music-tutoring title Rocksmith. It became a part of Ubisoft in 2015 and was subsequently renamed. The studio’s recent projects included Rainbow Six Mobile, set to be released in 2025, and the earlier title Assassin’s Creed Rebellion, released in 2018.

The closure highlights ongoing challenges for Ubisoft, which has faced a series of job cuts across various studios. Recent layoffs occurred at RedLynx and Massive late last year. Furthermore, the company’s restructuring efforts included spinning off its main franchises into a separate business backed by the Chinese conglomerate Tencent.

As a result of the Halifax studio’s closure, development of Assassin’s Creed Rebellion will be halted. The studio’s employees, who had recently united to form a union, are now faced with uncertainty as Ubisoft navigates its path forward. The company’s commitment to providing support during this transition underscores the impact of this decision on the local gaming community and the wider industry.

Ubisoft’s actions reflect a significant shift in the company’s operational strategy, particularly after the recent establishment of a union at its Halifax location. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the closure raises questions about job security and the future of unionization within the sector.