- Ubisoft shuts down UK’s Leamington studio, laying off 185 workers
- Restructuring hits multiple studios amid financial struggles
- Success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows crucial for Ubisoft’s future
2025 doesn’t seem to be kind to Ubisoft studios; the company recently announced the shutdown of its Leamington studio in the UK and is laying off a significant amount of its workers.
Ubisoft’s Restructuring Storm
This will impact a total of 185 employees across the company’s different studios. The Ubisoft Spokesperson stated while speaking to the Eurogamer,
“Unfortunately, this should impact 185 employees overall. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and are committed to supporting them through this transition.”
The shutdown of Leamington, formally known as FreeStyleGames, marks a significant change. It has been playing the role of support studio since Ubisoft bought it in 2017, contributing to titles such as Tom Clancy’s The Division series, Star Wars Outlaws, Far Cry 5, and more games.
Despite the closure few members will still be working while adopting the remote work mode. This decision is made to downsize some offices and focus on the major projects on which the company’s future depends.
Not only Leamington but other studios are also under the influence of this strategy. The Spokesperson further mentioned:
“As part of our ongoing efforts to prioritise projects and reduce costs that ensure long-term stability at Ubisoft, we have announced targeted restructurings at Ubisoft Düsseldorf, Ubisoft Stockholm and Ubisoft Reflections and the permanent closure of Ubisoft Leamington site,”
This restructuring strategy comes due to Ubisoft’s financial crisis, low sales and failure of recent launches. For instance, Star Wars Outlaws could not meet expectations, while Skull and Bones suffered from a troubled development cycle and eventually performed worse.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: The Light at the End of the Tunnel?
These setbacks have raised concerns regarding Ubisoft’s future and its status in the highly competitive gaming industry. The company is going through quite crucial times. Even discussion about selling it to Tencent has also taken place, but the Guillemot family, owner of Ubisoft, isn’t ready to take any step like this.
Currently, Ubisoft is gearing up for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and all eyes are on this upcoming most-awaited instalment, as the company’s future will be determined by the game’s success or failure.
Although there have been multiple delays in its release, it has given developers time to make sure the game is fit for the launch. Now fans are looking forward to March 20, 2025, for the Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ arrival and waiting for how the game will redefine everything for the company.
