Paris-based game developer, Ubisoft, announced the closing of its Halifax studio which came as an abrupt surprise to the 70-plus workers. The announcement comes only 15 years after it first established itself in Nova Scotia, where it has had a pioneering impact on the gaming industry.
Staff were called to an impromptu meeting to find out that they would be laid off. It comes as a particularly hard blow as employees at the Halifax office unionized in late December, forming the company’s first North American union, joining CWA Canada local 30111. Ubisoft said that the staff’s decision to unionize did not influence the greater company’s conclusion to close the studio, but the timing of the decision and the circumstances are dubious.
In a statement to Global News, Ubisoft PR manager Caroline Stelmach said, “Over the past 24 months, Ubisoft has undertaken company-wide actions to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. As part of this, Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio. 71 positions will be affected. We are committed to supporting all impacted team members during this transition with resources, including comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance.”
The company has cited increased competitiveness in the gaming industry as the leading reason for the closure, instead focusing resources and energies on projects with the greatest potential for success, though the Halifax team was responsible for franchises like Assassin’s Creed.
According to Ubisoft’s half-year fiscal update for 2025-26, revenue was up as it approached the end of the year, with reported 20.3 percent net booking gains compared to the first half of 2024-25, though it held nearly 1.15 billion euros in debt as of the end of September 2025. It also closed a deal with Tencent to establish Vantage Studios in partnership, which gave it a massive cash infusion and made a deal to purchase IP and studio from Amazon in December, which indicates that the financial position of the company was not necessarily poor.
“In a highly competitive market, Ubisoft delivered net bookings above guidance, on the back of stronger-than-expected partnerships that underscore the appeal and reach of our brands,” wrote Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot in the company’s half-year report. “The Assassin’s Creed franchise exceeded our expectations, confirming its positive momentum and ability to engage players over time.”
The company also received substantial financial incentives from the province to support its operations, which adds another level of scrutiny to the decision. In a statement, the premier’s office said, “The government is deeply concerned about the closure of Ubisoft’s Halifax studio and the impact on the 71 Nova Scotians who have lost their jobs,” adding, “This decision was made by the company—it was not a decision that required government approval.”
Employees can lean on Employment Nova Scotia for support and the potential to be connected to new opportunities, though many will have to consider relocating as they seek out new opportunities.
