Ubisoft’s latest restructuring has reached a breaking point, with unions in France and Canada leading coordinated action against what workers describe as a leadership crisis. A three-day strike has been called for February 10–12, targeting layoffs, studio closures, and a sudden reversal on remote work policies. In parallel, Canadian workers in Halifax are rallying this week, demanding accountability for the shutdown of Ubisoft’s local studio and questioning the company’s handling of severance.
The strike, organized by five French unions including Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du jeu Vidéo (STJV), follows months of turmoil under Ubisoft’s so-called major reset. The restructuring has eliminated 200 jobs at the Paris headquarters alone, consolidated studios into five Creative Houses, and canceled or delayed multiple high-profile projects—including the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Remake. Beyond cancellations, the move has pushed out veteran talent, with former leads suing over what they call constructive dismissal.
Remote Work Reversal Sparks Defiance
At the heart of the strike is Ubisoft’s abrupt decision to end remote work, a policy that unions say was agreed upon as recently as September 2025. Workers argue that CEO Yves Guillemot’s refusal to engage directly with employees—coupled with a history of mismanagement—has eroded trust. The unions’ statement calls out a leadership that does not take responsibility for the consequences of catastrophic management, while critics note that Ubisoft’s share value has plummeted by nearly 95% over the past eight years.
Guillemot has faced direct criticism from unions for allegedly lacking knowledge or understanding of his company. Earlier this month, Solidaires Informatique accused him of isolationism, claiming he has distanced himself from the workforce while overseeing a restructuring that has reshaped Ubisoft’s global footprint. The shift includes shuttering studios in Halifax and Stockholm, layoffs at Massive Entertainment and RedLynx, and a broader push to centralize operations under the new Creative Houses model.
Canadian Workers Rally as Nova Scotia Investigates
While French unions prepare for strike action, Canadian workers are organizing in Halifax, where Ubisoft’s local studio closure has left dozens without jobs. The Communication Workers of America (CWA) Canada is hosting a rally on January 29, demanding transparency from both Ubisoft and the Nova Scotia government. The union has accused Ubisoft of rushing the closure process and has launched a letter-writing campaign to pressure officials to intervene.
Initial reports suggested Ubisoft would offer affected workers a modest severance package, but public pressure has reportedly led the company to reconsider. The Nova Scotia Labour Board is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the shutdown, with the CWA arguing that the decision lacks justification. Meanwhile, Ubisoft’s broader restructuring has left some projects untouched—Beyond Good & Evil 2 remains in production, though its survival is framed as an exception in an otherwise turbulent landscape.
What’s Next for Ubisoft?
The strike and rally mark a pivotal moment for Ubisoft, testing whether internal and external pressure can force meaningful change. For workers, the issues extend beyond job security to fundamental questions about corporate governance, transparency, and respect. As the dust settles from the major reset, the coming weeks will reveal whether Ubisoft’s leadership is willing to address these concerns—or if the unrest will escalate further.
