Ubisoft continues to face challenges as it reportedly lays off staff at its Abu Dhabi studio amidst company-wide job cuts. This follows similar layoffs at other Ubisoft locations including Halifax, Massive Entertainment, and Stockholm, raising concerns over the future of the company's development capacity. Although the complete impact of these layoffs remains uncertain, the Abu Dhabi studio, established in 2011, has primarily focused on mobile games and free-to-play titles.

The speculation around these job cuts coincides with Ubisoft's restructuring plans involving a new collaboration with Tencent to manage key franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry. With these properties viewed as central to Ubisoft’s future, studios not directly involved are feeling the brunt of the restructuring.

Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Ubisoft has announced its intent to release notable titles in 2026, including remakes of classic games like Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, alongside potential surprises in store through its upcoming release schedule.

What does the future hold for Ubisoft after these layoffs?

While the immediate outlook is challenging due to recent layoffs, Ubisoft is expected to focus on its major franchises, with significant projects in development, which may help bolster the company's position in the gaming market.

Founded in 1986, Ubisoft has grown to become one of the leading video game developers and publishers worldwide, known for franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, and Far Cry. The company's strategic moves in response to layoffs include streamlining its operations, ensuring that core titles continue to receive the investment and focus necessary for success.