Ubisoft Closes Halifax Studio Weeks After Unionizing, Affects Assassin’s Creed: Rebellion

Ubisoft has announced the closure of its Halifax Studio, affecting 71 employees. This decision follows closely on the heels of a recent unionization vote involving 61 out of 71 workers, performed by the Game & Media Workers Guild of Canada.

Details of the Closure

The studio’s shutdown is part of Ubisoft’s broader initiative to streamline operations. The company aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs, amidst ongoing financial challenges.

Unionization and Its Impact

• 61 of 71 workers voted to unionize three weeks prior to the studio’s closure.
• The union was officially certified six months after employees expressed their intentions.
• 74% of eligible employees, including producers, programmers, and artists, supported the unionization effort.

This move marked the first successful unionization of a Ubisoft studio in North America. Ubisoft maintains that the studio closure is not connected to the unionization, arguing that it is part of a larger restructuring strategy. The decision also coincides with declining revenues from the mobile game Assassin’s Creed: Rebellion, which will cease operations.

Company’s Supporting Efforts

Ubisoft has stated its commitment to supporting affected employees. This support will include comprehensive severance packages and additional career resources.

Context of Financial Challenges

In recent years, Ubisoft has undergone significant downsizing. The company has laid off employees, shut down studios, and canceled numerous projects amid disappointing financial results.

To address its fiscal difficulties, Ubisoft partnered with Tencent, creating a new business entity for key franchises including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six, in which Tencent holds a 25% stake.

History of Ubisoft Halifax Studio

Ubisoft Halifax was established as a branch of Longtail Studios in 2003. It became known for its work on the Rocksmith series and various mobile games. In 2015, Ubisoft acquired Longtail and rebranded it as Ubisoft Halifax. The studio contributed significantly to mobile games like Assassin’s Creed: Rebellion and Rainbow Six Mobile.

Following this closure, the Ubisoft Workers of Canada expressed their devastation, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to fight for their members’ rights.