Ubisoft Entertainment SA shut its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios Thursday, eliminating hundreds of jobs immediately. The French publisher confirmed the closures in a statement released today as part of a global restructuring plan. Staff at both locations received notice earlier this week.
Ubisoft confirms studio closures and layoffs
The move marks a significant contraction for the French publisher. It follows a pattern of workforce reductions seen elsewhere within the group. Nearly one-third of Ubisoft's Barcelona studio employees have also been laid off recently, according to public records[5].
Ubisoft stated that the total number of affected employees is not yet finalized. Details regarding the exact timeline for the shutdowns remain pending further internal review. The firm noted that these closures are distinct from other recent adjustments.
Displaced workers will receive severance packages and transition assistance. The specific terms of these support measures are still being prepared for distribution.
Record bookings contrast with job cuts
Ubisoft reported its highest net bookings ever while cutting 1,700 jobs since 2022. Net bookings rose 33.5 percent between 2023 and 2024 despite the workforce reduction, the game developer reported[3]. CEO Yves Guillemot stated the cuts aim to focus resources on fewer, larger projects.
Ongoing game development titles previously handled by the closed studios face uncertain futures. Management confirmed that specific project cancellations will be announced as part of this strategic pivot.
Impact on Canadian and Serbian developers
Video game developers, artists, and engineers in Winnipeg and Belgrade face immediate job loss following the studio closures. The move removes a significant presence from the local tech ecosystems in both cities. Wikipedia reports[5] that Ubisoft has closed its studios in these two locations.
The Winnipeg facility represented a long-standing anchor for the city's software sector. Its departure leaves a gap in the regional development community that took years to build. Local firms may now compete for talent that previously flowed into the Ubisoft pipeline.
Belgrade served as a critical hub for Eastern European production within the publisher's network. The team there supported multiple major titles before the shutdown announcement. Its closure concentrates remaining development resources into fewer geographic centers.
Large publishers often consolidate operations during growth periods to prioritize efficiency over geographic expansion. Such moves typically occur even when overall revenue figures remain strong.
Further details on the restructuring will emerge during the next scheduled investor call. Executives are expected to address the timeline for finalizing all transfer agreements.
