Ubisoft has announced the closure of its Finnish studio RedLynx, the developer behind the Trials series, and significant layoffs at Ubisoft Singapore, the studio responsible for the recently released Skull and Bones. These actions are part of a broader cost-cutting initiative within the company.
RedLynx will reportedly close down, resulting in the loss of up to 52 jobs. Meanwhile, Ubisoft Singapore is said to be cutting 70 staff members, which represents approximately one-fifth of its total workforce. Despite these reductions, Ubisoft stated that Ubisoft Singapore remains an important part of its global production organization.
Skull and Bones, which launched in early 2024 with a $70 price tag, underwent a notoriously long and troubled development cycle. The game's most recent content update, "Crimson Waters," was released in August as part of its Year 3 Season 2.
RedLynx, acquired by Ubisoft in 2011, achieved considerable success with titles like Trials 2, Trials HD, and Trials Evolution. These games challenged players with physics-based motorcycle navigation. Following the release of Trials Rising in 2019, RedLynx transitioned into a support studio role for Ubisoft.
Ubisoft has been undergoing a period of restructuring, leading to multiple studio closures, job cuts, and game cancellations across the company. These efforts aim to streamline operations and focus on fewer projects. In a recent organizational shift, Natalie Francis was appointed Studio MD of Massive Entertainment in Malmö, Sweden, while Thomas Andrén became General Manager for Ubisoft’s Creative Network. Massive Entertainment is currently leading the development of The Division 2 and The Division 3, manages the Snowdrop game engine, and contributes to Ubisoft Connect.