Ubisoft Shuts Halifax Studio, 71 Roles Are Cut
Ubisoft has closed its Halifax location, ending 71 jobs. The move comes just weeks after most staff voted to form Ubisoft’s first labor union in North America. The Game & Media Workers Guild of Canada raised concerns about how the move was handled. Ubisoft says the decision fits a broader plan and is not meant to block worker groups.
A Two-Year Plan to Slim Down and Save Cash
Ubisoft frames the closure as part of a longer effort to make the company leaner. The plan runs over two years and aims to streamline operations. Officials say revenues from older games have fallen, and the mobile games group is being reorganized. The goal is to lower costs while keeping key projects moving forward.
What This Means for Rainbow Six Mobile
The Halifax studio helped build Rainbow Six Mobile, a title now set for a global release on February 23, 2026. Ubisoft says the game remains on track, but the loss of a major support hub worries some players and teams. Ongoing updates, bug fixes, and live events could feel the impact if other studios pick up the slack too late.
Assassin’s Creed Jade Watched, Vantage Studios Emerges
Assassin’s Creed Jade is also in the mix as Ubisoft reorganizes its people and money. The game faces a future shaped by a new business arm, Vantage Studios, which has ties to Tencent. The shift signals a larger push to fund and run big mobile titles from a central hub.
Where Ubisoft Hones Its Mobile Strategy
The Halifax shutdown stacks on recent cost cuts aimed at stabilizing the company’s bottom line. Live operations for Assassin’s Creed Rebellion, a project that started in Halifax, will be phased out. Ubisoft appears to place more weight on major brands like Far Cry, Assassin’s Creed, and Rainbow Six under Vantage Studios. The aim is to speed work and cut delays across major franchises.
Staff Moves and Industry Reactions
Affected workers can access severance and career counseling. Still, the quick change spooks other studios in North America. Some teams see a similar path if they push for new labor talks. The scene around workers’ rights in gaming is growing louder, and publishers feel the heat to respond clearly.
What Comes Next for Ubisoft’s Mobile Push
Ubisoft keeps a clear thread: focus on big mobile titles tied to well-known names. The plan puts Vantage Studios at the center of many launches and updates. Tencent’s backing plays a role in funding and guiding development for some projects. The company insists this shift will help speed up release cycles and support post-launch care.
Industry Context and the Road Ahead
The Halifax decision highlights how big publishers handle long-term cost needs. A stronger push for live service titles means reliable teams and steady support are vital. Ubisoft’s move may set a tone for other studios watching unions and job security closely. For fans, the question stays simple: will the games keep running smoothly after this shakeup?
Looking Forward for Ubisoft and Its Fans
Ubisoft faces a tough balance between cutting costs and keeping its big names alive. The game catalog will rely on a tighter team structure and a larger central studio network. If Rainbow Six Mobile and Assassin’s Creed Jade keep up, the next year could test how well the new setup handles support, updates, and growth.
Please note that when you make a purchase through our links at GameHaunt, we might earn a small commission. This helps us keep bringing you the free journalism you love on our site! And don’t worry, our editorial content remains totally unbiased. If you’d like to show some support, you can do so here.
