Ubisoft Halifax Studio Closes, 71 Jobs Hit
Ubisoft has shut down its Halifax studio, pulling the plug on 71 positions. The layoff comes just weeks after most staff voted to form Ubisoft’s first labor union in North America. The timing has sparked debate and claims of union busting from the Game & Media Workers Guild of Canada. Ubisoft counters that the move fits a larger plan to trim costs and speed up operations over the next two years. Officials say the shutdown is tied to weaker sales from older games and a broader rework of the mobile gaming side of the business.
Union Vote Adds Heat to the Move
Workers in Halifax voted to organize, marking a milestone for Ubisoft in North America. Critics say the timing of the closure targets a new voice at the studio. Ubisoft argues the decision is part of a wide move to steady finances and align teams with long-term goals. The company notes the plan spans two years and aims to reduce expenses while keeping key projects in motion.
What This Means for Rainbow Six Mobile
One major project in Halifax was Rainbow Six Mobile. The game is set for a global launch on February 23, 2026. Official updates say the project stays on track, but the loss of a big local team raises questions about ongoing support after launch. Fans fear post-launch updates, bug fixes, and live events might slow down or face gaps without the Halifax crew.
Assassin’s Creed Jade on the Backburner
Assassin’s Creed Jade is also in flux as Ubisoft shifts resources. The publisher leans more on Vantage Studios, a new division that has backing from Tencent in part. This reallocation could delay Jade’s progress or alter its path, depending on how resources are split with the rest of Ubisoft’s lineup.
Vantage Studios and a New Mobile Roadmap
The Halifax closure is part of a broader push to bolster Ubisoft’s mobile strategy. The company plans to fold major franchises like Far Cry, Assassin’s Creed, and Rainbow Six under Vantage Studios’ umbrella. The goal is smoother development and a steadier road to launches. Ubisoft says it will offer severance and career help to affected workers, though the move has a chilling effect on other North American teams weighing union activity.
Live Ops and What the Loss Means for the Studio Network
The shutdown will also affect live operations tied to titles developed in Halifax, such as Assassin’s Creed Rebellion. Ubisoft plans to phase out live support for that project as part of the shift. This mirrors a wider trend of pooling live-services work into a handful of studios under Vantage Studios. The change could speed up updates for big games while reducing day-to-day work at smaller sites.
A Broader Shift in Ubisoft’s Mobile Focus
This is the latest step in a string of cost controls from Ubisoft. The firm is refitting its mobile business to be more efficient and less prone to slowdowns. As it reallocates teams, questions arise about how quickly other studios can adapt. Still, Ubisoft stays firm that the restructuring will help the company weather tougher market days and keep its big franchises moving forward.
What Workers and Fans Should Watch For
Staff respect the move as a tough but necessary step by the company’s own account. The severance packages and career aid are meant to soften the hit. For fans, the key questions lie in the cadence of Rainbow Six Mobile’s updates and how Jade will unfold under the new studio setup. The shift hints at a tighter web of teams coordinating under Vantage Studios, with Tencent’s influence playing a quiet but real role.
Keeping the Conversation Honest
As Ubisoft steers its mobile and live-service strategy, the risk of more cuts looms. The Halifax case shows how labor actions can influence company plans. Even as developers focus on building new titles, the industry keeps a close watch on how unions are treated and how workers are supported during big changes. The balance between cost control and creative momentum will shape Ubisoft’s next moves in the crowded mobile space.
Final Thoughts from the Front Lines
Players and staff alike will be looking for clear roadmaps from Ubisoft. The publisher must keep its promises to launch Rainbow Six Mobile on schedule while ensuring a steady stream of updates after launch. Jade’s future will ride on how well Vantage Studios can shepherd diverse projects under one umbrella. The road ahead remains busy, with many eyes on Ubisoft’s capacity to blend cost discipline with strong game support.
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