Ubisoft has shut down its Winnipeg studio, resulting in 65 layoffs as part of a broader company reorganization affecting multiple studios worldwide. This marks another significant reduction in Ubisoft’s Canadian operations just months after the Halifax office closure.
- Winnipeg office closure puts 65 employees out of work
- Part of Ubisoft’s ongoing global cost reduction and refocus
- Follows Halifax studio closure and Barcelona layoffs
What happened
Ubisoft has officially closed its Winnipeg office, which resulted in laying off 65 employees. This move is part of a larger organizational restructuring affecting up to 380 workers globally, including studio closures in Belgrade and layoffs in Barcelona.
The Winnipeg studio, opened in 2018 as Manitoba’s first AAA game development site, was a significant hub for Ubisoft’s flagship titles like Rainbow Six, Assassin’s Creed, and Far Cry. Despite previous plans to expand the studio to 300 employees by 2030, the closure indicates a strategic shift in the company’s operations.
Why it matters
This closure underscores ongoing challenges in the gaming industry, where rising production costs and the need to concentrate on core franchises are driving major studios to downsize and restructure. Ubisoft is undertaking targeted cost-cutting to strengthen its business through long-term financial sustainability.
The move follows shortly after the Halifax studio closed amid unionization efforts, reflecting tensions between labor developments and corporate restructuring. Ubisoft remains operational in Canada through offices in Toronto and four Quebec locations, maintaining some local presence despite recent reductions.
What to watch next
Industry watchers will be monitoring Ubisoft’s continued restructuring strategy, particularly how the company reallocates resources towards prioritized franchises like Rainbow Six. The impact on Canadian gaming employment and regional industry dynamics is also a key consideration.
Additionally, broader industry trends show other major players like Xbox planning layoffs, suggesting ongoing workforce adjustments across the gaming sector. The situation raises questions about the future of game development hubs in Canada amid global financial pressures.