Ubisoft has recently implemented staff reductions at its Toronto office, resulting in the layoff of 33 employees. The company has attributed these cuts to a “targeted realignment” strategy aimed at achieving its ambitious development goals.
In a statement to the press, Ubisoft explained that the layoffs were essential for ensuring the delivery on its extensive project timeline.
Staff Reductions at Ubisoft Toronto
“Ubisoft Toronto has decided to conduct a targeted realignment to ensure it can deliver on its ambitious roadmap,” a company representative stated to PC Gamer.
According to the statement, 33 team members are affected by this decision. Ubisoft has committed to supporting the impacted employees with severance packages and career assistance to aid them during the transition period.
Impact on Projects
The specific departments affected by these layoffs have not been specified, and it remains uncertain how this restructuring will influence the development of ongoing projects such as the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. Despite these changes, Ubisoft maintains that their plans for the Splinter Cell remake and other projects at the Toronto studio remain unchanged.
Industry-Wide Layoffs
The layoffs at Ubisoft Toronto are part of a broader trend of job cuts within the gaming industry. By the end of May 2024, over 10,000 individuals had been laid off across the sector. That number has since increased to 10,800, surpassing the 10,500 industry layoffs recorded in 2023.
Chris Dring of GamesIndustry.biz at Eurogamer said, “The layoffs will slow down. Most of the big companies have made their moves now, and hopefully they won’t need to go further. Some analysts believe companies may need to hire back up within a few years. But the pain isn’t over.”
Response to Criticism
Additionally, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot recently condemned “malicious and personal online attacks” directed at developers, following the online response to the reveal of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Wrapping Up
The layoffs at Ubisoft Toronto are a reflection of current challenges within the gaming industry. Despite this, Ubisoft remains committed to its project timelines and supporting affected employees during this transition. For further insights and updates on the industry, visit HitPlay.
