Ubisoft has introduced a sweeping firm restructure that may consequence in the cancelation of six video games together with its Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, and a delay to an extra seven titles. Two Ubisoft studios will probably be closed fully consequently of the modifications, whereas others are topic to additional layoffs.
Of the half dozen video games which were absolutely scrapped, Ubisoft is just publicly naming one in the present day — its long-awaited Sands of Time remake that was rebooted as soon as already. Three of the canceled video games have been new IPs, whereas one was a cellular recreation. Ubisoft’s core focus going ahead, the corporate has stated, will probably be on open-world video games and live-services.
No particular element has been given of the seven titles that Ubisoft has delayed, both, although this quantity does embrace the unannounced recreation as soon as set for launch earlier than March 31 that’s broadly anticipated to be the corporate’s Murderer’s Creed: Black Flag remaster. This may now launch in the approaching monetary yr — so earlier than March 31, 2027.
Ubisoft Stockholm will absolutely shut consequently of the modifications, having beforehand collaborated on Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, alongside cellular studio Ubisoft Halifax (information of which first broke final week). “Restructurings” have additionally taken place at Ubisoft workplaces in Abu Dhabi, at Trials studio RedLynx and at Large, residence to The Division. As well as, all groups will probably be required to return to in-office working 5 days per week, albeit with an annual allowance of remote-working days.
“We went via an intensive overview of tasks throughout December [and] January, with the present market evolution in thoughts — which is persistently extra selective,” Ubisoft’s chief monetary officer Frederick Duguet advised IGN in the present day. “You’ve got seen the final quarter displaying a never-before-seen stage of competitors. Competitors is right here to remain.”
In an indication of how huge an affect Ubisoft expects this restructure to have, in addition to how badly it feels it’s wanted, the corporate has scrapped its earlier steering for the complete monetary yr and now expects web bookings of round €1.5 billion ($1.75 billion), down by €330 million ($386 million).
Through an announcement shared with IGN, Ubisoft stated this enormous discount mirrored modifications to the corporate’s upcoming launch pipeline following the implementation of its up to date improvement roadmap, and the choice to “postpone negations on sure partnerships” in the context of its new working mannequin.
(*6*)”Competitors is right here to remain…”“
Certainly, the shakeup comes as Ubisoft lastly lays out how its world improvement may is to be break up into 5 “Inventive Homes” that may function as unbiased enterprise items — the primary of which was detailed final yr. The previously-established Vantage Studios now encompasses the event of Ubisoft’s three largest manufacturers (Murderer’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six) and quickly the remaining divisions will tackle themed teams that cowl the corporate’s remaining franchises.
Inventive Home 2 will probably be devoted to shooters, and take care of The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell. Inventive Home 3 will deal with reside experiences, together with For Honor, The Crew, Riders Republic, Brawlhalla, and Cranium & Bones.
Inventive Home 4 will function narrative pushed and fantasy-orientated collection together with Anno, May & Magic, Rayman, Prince of Persia, and Past Good & Evil (sure, seemingly Past Good & Evil 2 nonetheless lives). Lastly, Inventive Home 5 will heart on household and informal gaming, together with Simply Dance, Uno, Hasbro, Idle Miner Tycoon, Ketchapp, Hungry Shark, and Invincible: Guarding the Globe.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s Information Editor. You’ll be able to attain Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or discover him on Bluesky (*2*)