Ubisoft has announced the closure of its Leamington studio as part of a broader restructuring effort that will result in 185 job cuts across multiple locations. The company is also downsizing operations in Düsseldorf, Stockholm, and Newcastle-based Ubisoft Reflections, citing cost-cutting measures to streamline projects and ensure long-term stability.
“Unfortunately, this should impact 185 employees overall. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and are committed to supporting them through this transition,” a Ubisoft spokesperson told Eurogamer. While some Leamington employees will transition to remote roles, the studio will cease operations entirely.
The decision comes amidst Ubisoft’s mounting financial and operational struggles, exacerbated by underperforming titles and repeated project delays. Star Wars Outlaws—which involved the Leamington studio—failed to meet sales expectations, while Assassin’s Creed Shadows, originally slated for November 2024, has now been pushed to March 20, 2025. The company has steadily reduced its workforce since 2022, when it had 20,279 employees. By September 2024, that number had dropped to 18,666, and with this latest round of layoffs, the company continues to shrink its headcount.
Founded in 2002 as FreeStyleGames, Ubisoft Leamington first gained recognition for its work on the DJ Hero franchise under Activision before Ubisoft acquired it in 2017. Since then, the studio has contributed to Tom Clancy’s The Division, Star Wars Outlaws, Far Cry 5, and Skull and Bones. The restructuring extends beyond Leamington, affecting Düsseldorf (Anno, The Settlers), Stockholm (Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora), and Ubisoft Reflections in Newcastle, which has assisted on several flagship Ubisoft franchises.
These layoffs are part of an industry-wide trend, with major gaming companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Bungie also implementing layoffs in response to economic pressures. Ubisoft is reportedly exploring additional restructuring options, including a potential investment from Chinese tech giant Tencent, though CEO Yves Guillemot’s insistence on retaining control has complicated negotiations. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows now positioned as a pivotal release, its commercial success could determine Ubisoft’s next steps in an increasingly competitive gaming market amid ongoing restructuring.
Words by Khushboo Malhotra
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