Ubisoft Closes Studio Following Recent Unionization Efforts

In December 2025, the team at Ubisoft Halifax, known for the mobile title Assassin’s Creed Rebellion, made a significant move by voting to unionize and join the Game & Media Workers Guild of Canada. However, just weeks later, Ubisoft announced the closure of Ubisoft Halifax, resulting in the layoffs of 70 employees. Reports indicate that Ubisoft has refuted any connection between the studio’s closure and the recent unionization efforts, asserting that the decision was made prior to the vote. A spokesperson for the company explained that over the past two years, Ubisoft has been implementing measures to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and cut costs. “As part of this, Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio… 71 positions will be affected. We are committed to supporting all impacted team members during this transition with resources, including comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance,” the spokesperson stated. Last year, Ubisoft faced criticism for encouraging employees to consider “voluntary career transition,” essentially offering early layoffs. Additionally, Marc-Alexis Côté, the executive producer of the Assassin’s Creed series, departed the company after nearly 20 years, clarifying that his exit was not voluntary. In November, Ubisoft reported a 39% year-over-year increase in earnings for Q2 of its fiscal year and noted that the Assassin’s Creed franchise had surpassed expectations, yet this success did not prevent further job losses at its partner studios.