Ubisoft is reportedly continuing significant staff reductions, with up to 380 employees potentially facing layoffs as the publisher closes its studios in Winnipeg and Belgrade. Concurrently, Ubisoft Barcelona is undergoing a restructuring to concentrate exclusively on Rainbow Six games.
These closures and potential layoffs follow a pattern of cost-cutting measures implemented by Ubisoft throughout the year. The Winnipeg studio, established in 2018, primarily contributed to Ubisoft's Anvil and Snowdrop game engines. The Belgrade studio, founded in 2016, had a history of involvement in titles such as Ghost Recon Wildlands, The Crew 2, and Skull & Bones.
Ubisoft Barcelona's shift to a sole focus on Rainbow Six titles marks a change from its previous work on games like Assassin's Creed and The Division. This move comes after other recent workforce adjustments, including the reported layoff of approximately 100 staff at Red Storm Entertainment in March, which ceased to operate as a game development studio.
The publisher has been reorganizing its operations into distinct creative houses responsible for specific game series. This strategy includes the formation of a unit focused on Assassin's Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry, a move that saw Tencent provide financial backing to Ubisoft.
The exact number of employees affected by these latest layoffs remains pending consultation, as reported by industry publications. The ongoing restructuring efforts signal a broader shift within Ubisoft's operational strategy.