**Ubisoft Shuts Down Halifax Studio Following Unionization**
Ubisoft has announced the closure of its Halifax studio in Canada, which was responsible for mobile titles such as Rainbow Six Mobile and Assassin’s Creed Rebellion. This decision comes shortly after the studio celebrated the successful unionization of its workforce—a move signaling a significant change in labor relations within the company.
According to a report by Gamesindustry.biz, the employees of Ubisoft Halifax voted overwhelmingly to form the company’s first labor union in North America, with approximately 74% of staff from various departments—programming, production, design, art, and R&D—supporting the initiative. The vote had originally been scheduled for June 2025 but faced challenges from Ubisoft that were eventually dropped, paving the way for a successful outcome in December.
In their announcement, the newly formed union expressed optimism about collaboration with Ubisoft, stating, “We believe that creativity flourishes when workers feel secure, supported, and empowered.” Their goal was to partner with the company to enhance equity and innovation within the studio.
Despite this positive outlook, Ubisoft has decided to close the Halifax studio, affecting 71 positions. The company emphasized that the decision was part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the subsequent decline in pandemic-era revenue. An Ubisoft spokesperson reassured that the closure was not directly related to the studio’s recent unionization, highlighting the company’s commitment to support affected employees with severance packages and career assistance.
However, the swift closure of the studio shortly after the formation of the union raises concerns about Ubisoft’s intentions regarding labor relations. While there are numerous unionized employees in other Ubisoft regions, the timing of the Halifax studio’s shutdown suggests a reluctance to engage in constructive dialogue with its newly organized workforce.
Ubisoft Halifax was not always focused on mobile games; prior to being acquired by Ubisoft in 2015, the studio operated under the name Longtail and developed the guitar game Rocksmith.
The closure of Ubisoft Halifax is a part of a larger restructuring initiative undertaken by the company, which has been grappling with declining stock prices and shareholder dissatisfaction. Ubisoft is currently reshaping itself into a Tencent-funded “creative house,” focusing on core franchises like Far Cry, Assassin’s Creed, and Rainbow Six, while downsizing operations in less profitable areas. Recent reports indicate further layoffs and strategic shifts, particularly regarding teams working on Tom Clancy’s The Division and Trials.
As Ubisoft Halifax’s former employees seek new opportunities, it remains to be seen how the company will handle union relations and employee concerns going forward.
