Ubisoft has officially closed its Halifax studio, resulting in the loss of 71 jobs. The decision stems from the company’s broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs. Ubisoft, which has a workforce of approximately 17,000 worldwide, stated that the move is part of ongoing efficiency measures.
Reason Behind Closure
In a recent news release, Ubisoft explained that over the last two years, it has initiated various company-wide actions aimed at improving efficiency. The closure of the Halifax studio was one of those strategic decisions, particularly influenced by the declining revenue of “Assassin’s Creed Rebellion,” a game the studio had been developing since its launch in 2018.
Unionization Context
Interestingly, the Halifax studio was the first Ubisoft location in North America to form a union, with 60 employees joining together in late December. This development prompted concerns among employees regarding the motivations behind the studio’s closure. Ubisoft spokesperson Antoine Leduc-Labelle clarified that the restructuring process began before the unionization took place.
Employee Reactions
- T.J. Gillis, a senior server developer with five years at Ubisoft Halifax, expressed shock over the studio’s sudden closure.
- Gillis and his colleagues had been aware of industry trends where studios were frequently shuttered.
- He described the closure’s timing as “awfully suspicious” and indicated that the union would seek clarification from Ubisoft regarding their decision.
Impact on Game Development in Nova Scotia
With the closure of the Halifax studio, local employment options for game developers have diminished significantly. This decline follows Microsoft’s closure of its Alpha Dog studio in Halifax in 2024, leaving a gap in the market for local game development talent.
Next Steps for the Affected Employees
The president of the union, CWA Canada, Carmel Smyth, stated that they will request Ubisoft to provide a detailed explanation about the closure. They aim to ascertain whether the decision was influenced by the employees’ recent unionization efforts.
Conclusion
As Ubisoft Halifax shuts its doors, multiple employees find themselves navigating an uncertain job landscape, highlighting ongoing challenges within the gaming industry.
