Ubisoft has initiated discussions with its Works Council in Germany regarding a voluntary departure plan that could see around 100 employees leave the company. This move affects studios in Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Mainz, which collectively employ roughly 600 people. The publisher is reportedly offering buyouts, calculated as 1.5 times an employee's monthly salary multiplied by their years of service, as an alternative to layoffs.
This latest development follows a series of cuts and closures across Ubisoft's global operations, including the intended closure of Ubisoft Redlynx in Finland and layoffs at Ubisoft Singapore. The German studios, historically associated with the Blue Byte brand responsible for series like Battle Isle and The Settlers, are now integrated into Ubisoft's new 'Creative House' and 'Creative Network' structures. Ubisoft Mainz, in particular, is primarily associated with the Anno franchise.
Employees in these German studios were previously affected by 185 layoffs in 2025. While voluntary departures with buyouts are generally seen as a more favorable option than forced redundancies, the ongoing restructuring and workforce reductions suggest continued financial pressures for the company. These measures come as Ubisoft's stock value has seen a significant decline, falling below €5 per share, a stark contrast to its 2018 valuation.