Following cancelled Ubisoft games, employees reportedly set to mass quit before layoffs

After six more cancelled Ubisoft games and additional layoffs looming, anger may be boiling over. Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming reports that workers are openly criticizing leadership. Rather than wait for the next round of job cuts, many developers are preparing to leave the publisher.

Ubisoft workers are not holding back

Shared on his social media account, Henderson explains that “Ubisoft's internal communication channels are full of employees shaming upper management and asking for change.” He remarks that this type of blunt criticism, likely visible to executives, is rare at studios.

Some workers have begun exploring alternatives, while others are accelerating planned exits. Despite still holding positions at the company, LinkedIn is experiencing an influx of activity from these job seekers. Henderson expects that “Ubisoft is going to experience a massive exodus of talent, even without the impending layoffs.”

The insider also provided commentary shortly after the latest restructuring goals went public. The company had already let 3,500+ employees go since September 2022, reducing its workforce to under 17,100. The Editor-in-Chief anticipates around 2400 more job losses by March 2028.

More reasons why Ubisoft teams are enraged 

Recently, the publisher shuttered studios in Stockholm and Halifax and trimmed staff at an Abu Dhabi location. The surviving developers are undoubtedly frustrated with the lack of job security. Also, many of the Ubisoft games they had dedicated years of effort to will never see the light of day. The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake had been in the works since 2020.

Workplace requirements could be another reason why staff are abandoning ship. As part of its cost-cutting strategy, they will have to commute to offices five days a week. Even if the individuals can continue remote work on a limited basis, it’s a change that can have a massive effect on families.

As Ubisoft's stock plummets, the publisher's future has never been more in doubt. Both investors and remaining employees are skeptical about its plan to save another €200 million. The move may not address the failure of leadership that has plagued the company throughout its struggles.