Ubisoft Montreal veteran designer loses job after speaking out on policy
David Michaud-Cromp, a seasoned level design lead at Ubisoft Montreal, is no longer with the company. He logged 13 years there before a formal termination followed a brief suspension. The move came after he raised questions about the firm’s latest workplace rules. On February 2, 2026, he shared on LinkedIn that his employment had ended immediately. He added that the decision was not his to make and that he would take time to regroup before planning his next steps.
The moments that drew attention
The spark came when Michaud-Cromp used social media to challenge Ubisoft’s plan for workers to return to the office full time. He asked if the push for five days a week in the office was really about collaboration, or if it served other aims like control or covering costly real estate. Reports say he did not stop there. He is said to have spoke up in internal channels too, such as Ubisoft’s Agora discussion forum. His posts touched on several topics:
– Executive accountability: He argued that while workers face layoffs and studio shutdowns, upper leaders stay shielded from the effects of bad bets.
– Live service strategy: He pushed back on the company’s heavy bet on ongoing services that some feel could hurt the studio’s success.
– Nepotism questions: He reportedly questioned the leadership of Charlie Guillemot at Vantage Studios, a family-linked move at the top.
These remarks reportedly drew a line with the firm and helped frame the debate inside the company.
Ubisoft’s stance and where this sits in the industry
A Ubisoft spokesperson addressed the firing, saying respectful feedback does not end in dismissal. The company pointed to a breach of its Code of Conduct and an “escalation of measures” after a violation of the “duty of loyalty.” The incident comes as Ubisoft faces a rough stretch. The publisher has weathered a large drop in its stock, facing about a 95% slide over the past five years. There have also been canceled games, including a Sands of Time remake, and several studio closures. The firing has drawn attention from industry unions and fellow developers who see it as part of a wider strain in labor relations at the publisher.
What this signals for workers and the studio
The case highlights how tied gaming work is to both policy shifts and public optics. When seasoned pros speak out, firms must balance the value of candid input with the need to keep teams aligned. Some in the industry warn that strict penalties over comments can chill honest discussion. Others argue that clear conduct rules protect projects and budgets from drift. This episode makes the risks around workplace speech clear, especially for staff who watch major policy shifts take shape from the top.
Ubisoft has faced a broader set of pressures in recent years. The push toward big live-service titles has shaped internal teams and the way resources are used. Critics say such shifts can stretch staff thin while rewarding a few long-running products. Supporters point to steady streams of ongoing content that can keep players engaged for years. The balance remains tough, and the mix of policy, money, and expectations keeps the conversation lively inside studios around the world.
Impact on team morale and future moves
For many workers, news like this hits hard. It raises questions about who gets to speak up, and who bears the risk when plans shift. Teams may hesitate before raising concerns, fearing a similar outcome. At the same time, unions and group reps watch these events closely. They see them as signals about labor climate and how companies handle disagreements. The industry needs clear rules and fair processes that protect both ideas and people.
In the months ahead, Ubisoft will likely face questions about how it handles internal dialogue and how it diagnoses the value of its live-service strategy. Leaders may need to show how they keep projects moving while listening to staff concerns. Workers will be watching for clear paths to voice feedback and for a sense that leadership takes responsibility when strategy changes. The aim is to keep studios creative and stable, even as the market demands faster game cycles and more player engagement.
Looking forward for Ubisoft and its teams
The broader lesson is simple: strong, open dialogue matters, but so does accountability. Companies in this space must strike a line between protecting project goals and inviting honest input from teams on the ground. The next steps for Ubisoft could involve clearer guidelines on how feedback is shared and how decisions are explained to staff. It may also require a careful review of how leadership roles are structured and how broadcasts of policy decisions affect day-to-day work.
For players watching from outside, this drama underlines a bigger trend in game making. Big studios are reshaping how they work, what they invest in, and how they talk with their crews. The tone of leadership matters, and the clarity of policy can affect both morale and output. As the industry moves forward, teams will look for fair, open channels that honor both business needs and the voices of the people who build the games.
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