Ubisoft closes Halifax studio post-unionization

Ubisoft has closed its Halifax studio in Canada, resulting in 71 job losses. The company stated this decision is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, which has been ongoing for the past 24 months. This closure comes just 16 days after 61 employees at the Halifax studio voted to unionize and join the Game & Media Workers Guild of Canada, a branch of Canada. While Ubisoft denies any connection between the unionization and the closure, the timing has raised suspicions among union representatives like Ron Carroll. The Halifax studio was primarily involved in developing mobile games for the Assassin's Creed and Rainbow Six franchises. Ubisoft has promised comprehensive severance packages and career assistance for the affected employees. This event is part of a larger trend of studio closures and layoffs by Ubisoft, which has seen its headcount decrease by 8% over the past few years, including previous closures in San Francisco, London, and Leamington.