Paris, June 13, 2026 — French gaming giant Ubisoft has announced another devastating round of workforce reductions, closing two additional studios in Winnipeg, Canada and Belgrade, Serbia while cutting staff across at least five global locations — marking the company’s sixth restructuring event in 2026 alone.
The Latest Layoff Details
The latest cuts are expected to impact up to 380 positions, representing approximately 2.3% of Ubisoft’s total global workforce.
Complete Disruptions
| Location | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg, Canada | Permanently shuttered | All jobs eliminated |
| Belgrade, Serbia | Permanently shuttered | All jobs eliminated |
| Montreal | Downsizing | 120 jobs cut |
| Barcelona | Narrowed focus | Reduced to one franchise |
| Global Publishing | Reduction proposed | Additional layoffs |
This restructuring will also affect three other studios beyond the two permanent closures, with targeted restructurings proposed across the company’s global operations.
The Context: Six Restructuring Events This Year
This latest announcement represents Ubisoft’s sixth restructuring in 2026, highlighting the company’s continued struggle with declining profits and slowed blockbuster game output.
Previous 2026 Disruptions
Earlier in January 2026, Ubisoft:
- Canceled six games including Prince of Persia
- Closed two studios in Stockholm (Sweden) and Halifax (Canada)
- Delayed seven titles as part of restructuring
- Cut 185 jobs at Leamington, Düsseldorf, Stockholm, and Reflections
Earlier Closure: Ubisoft Leamington
In January 2025, Ubisoft permanently closed Ubisoft Leamington (a 50-person support studio in England) while cutting staff at three other locations, eliminating 185 jobs total.
Leamington contributed to major titles including Star Wars Outlaws and Far Cry 5.
Why Ubisoft Is Struggling: The Root Causes
The continued downsizing follows a period where profits have fallen and the company’s blockbuster game output has slowed, forcing the French publisher to implement aggressive cost-cutting measures.
Empire-Wide Cost Reduction Plan
The layoffs and closures are part of Ubisoft’s €500 million cost-reduction plan, designed to ensure long-term stability and prioritize high-value projects.
Statement from Ubisoft
“As part of our ongoing efforts to prioritize projects and reduce costs that ensure long-term stability at Ubisoft, we have announced targeted restructurings,” the company stated in communications to gaming news outlets.
Barcelona to Single Franchise
The Barcelona studio has been narrowed to focus on a single franchise, representing Ubisoft’s strategic pivot toward concentrating resources on proven, high-performing games rather than maintaining multiple experimental projects.
Global Publishing Business Cuts
Further job reductions are being proposed across Ubisoft’s global publishing business, extending the restructuring beyond just development studios to include corporate and distribution operations.
Impact on Ubisoft’s Franchise Portfolio
While specific projects aren’t detailed, Ubisoft’s major franchises include:
Cancellations and Delays
The January restructuring included:
Industry-Wide Layoffs
Ubisoft’s troubles mirror broader challenges in the gaming industry, where layoffs continue to plague major publishers amid shifting market dynamics and increased development costs.
Rise of Private Credit and Consolidation
The gaming industry’s financial pressures are also being addressed through alternative financing models, similar to the $35 billion Apollo-Blackstone AI lending deal announced this week, which could signal future funding opportunities for major studios seeking capital certainty.
What This Means for Gamers
- Franchise consolidation: Expect focus on proven franchises like Assassin’s Creed
- Reduced experimental projects: Fewer new genre attempts
- Longer development times: Cuts may delay remaining projects
- Quality concerns: Repeated restructuring could impact game quality
For Industry Professionals
- Job market instability: Gaming sector layoffs continue
- Skill diversification needed: Adaptability increasingly valuable
- Alternative studios: Consider indie or competing publishers
- Contract work: More opportunities in temporary positions
Cost Reduction Progress
The €500 million cost-reduction plan appears to be progressing through multiple restructuring waves, with this sixth event in 2026 representing continued aggressive downsizing.
Revenue Concerns
The repeated need for restructuring suggests ongoing revenue challenges, with declining profits and slowed blockbuster output forcing the company to cut costs rather than invest in growth.
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