Ubisoft has laid off 60 people from its offices in North Carolina and Newcastle, UK. The cut seems to have hit Ubisoft’s customer service department the most.
“Ubisoft’s Customer Relations Center team is evolving its organization to focus on where we can make the biggest impact while maintaining an unwavering commitment to consistently supporting players around the world.” said in an article statement.
Ubisoft continued:
Several former employees have already confirmed their layoffs on Twitter. According to these employees, they were not notified in advance of the cuts.
I (and about 60 wonderful people) were fired without notice today. I am divorced, living on my own with a mortgage, and have a loving daughter. Thank you very much. <3
— Matthew Hayes (@MatthewFace) May 10, 2023
After 6 years as the head of Ubisoft, I was fired. If you have a lead, please tell us about your social media position if possible 💖
— ✨ Jessie ✨ (@leftistcutie) May 10, 2023
Out of nowhere came a massive layoff that freed me from my job at Ubisoft. No instructions, no preparation.
I really don’t know how to feel. If anyone has a game audio related or game tech related job please let me know.I’m in a weird place lol
— Matthew Harnage (@matthewharnage) May 10, 2023
The news follows a report in January in which Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot conducted a company-wide Q&A on the upcoming restructuring. Guillemot’s comment in Q&A prompted a call to strike at the company’s Paris studio.
The company has faced some challenges over the past few years. Ubisoft has postponed Skull & Bones for the sixth time and canceled three unannounced games. Additionally, games like Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and Just Dance 2023 underperformed. Back in February, Ubisoft admitted that all delays and cancellations were necessary because the company was producing too many games at once.
Ubisoft isn’t the only video game company currently undergoing layoffs.Other such as unity, private departmentXbox Games Studios, and Riot Games all laid off employees this year.
George Yang is a freelance writer for IGN. He has been writing about the industry since his 2019 and has also worked with other publications such as Insider, Kotaku, NPR and Variety.
When he’s not writing about video games, George plays them. surprised! You can follow him on Twitter @Yinyangfooey.
