Ubisoft cuts 45 jobs in latest layoffs

Ubisoft

Ubisoft cut 45 additional jobs on the publishing side of its business at the end of March 2023 in its latest wave of layoffs, according to journalist Ethan Gach. Confirming this report, the French company explained that these were “not decisions taken lightly” and were only made in order to “enhance our collective efficiency.” No impact on the development of upcoming games is to be expected as a result of this move.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, which was lauded as a success, and the troubled Skull and Bones, which by all accounts has not sold well – though Ubisoft stated that player engagement with the title was on record level – are Ubisoft’s biggest releases of 2024 so far.

XDefiant being delayed to an unknown launch date from the initial March 2024 release, it looks like Ubisoft Massive’s open-world RPG Star Wars Outlaws and the highly anticipated Assassin's Creed game set in feudal Japan – codenamed Red – are the most attractive remaining items in Ubisoft’s catalog for the rest of the year. 

A statement provided by Ubisoft to GameSpot in regards to the layoffs said: “Over the past few months, every team within Ubisoft has been exploring ways to streamline our operations and enhance our collective efficiency so that we are better positioned for success in the long term. In this context, today we announced that we are further reorganizing our Global Publishing central and APAC structures to adapt them to the market evolution with a more efficient and agile approach. Those changes will impact 45 positions overall. These are not decisions taken lightly and we are providing comprehensive support for our impacted colleagues. We also want to share our utmost gratitude and respect for their many contributions to the company.”

Ubisoft previously eliminated more than 100 roles in November 2023. These cost reductions are part of a larger effort to cut spending. Between October 2022 and 2023, Ubisoft let go of around 1,000 employees, bringing back its total workforce to below 20,000 people worldwide.

Ubisoft’s efforts in this direction are not an exception at all – the entire games industry is trying its best to reduce costs at the moment. Microsoft eliminated 1,900 jobs earlier this year and Riot Games counted 530 layoffs. Large companies like Amazon and Embracer Group have been undergoing a similar process already – with the latter even selling off two major subsidiaries in Saber Interactive and Gearbox to improve its outlook. There is one ray of hope, at least: After its sale of Gearbox, Embracer stated that its cost reduction program was done for the time being.