**Ubisoft Developers Strike in Paris and Milan: A Response to Company Restructuring**
In a significant move, over 1,200 Ubisoft developers in Paris and Milan have initiated a strike, responding to the company’s recent restructuring actions and new policies regarding remote work. This figure was confirmed by Marc Rutschlé, a member of Ubisoft Paris and a representative of the Solidaires Informatique union, during a statement made to GamesIndustry.biz.
The strike was primarily motivated by Ubisoft’s decisions to cancel or close several games and studios, leading to an uncertain number of job losses, which are likely to be in the hundreds. The developers expressed their frustration not only over these layoffs but also concerning delayed salary increases and a shift towards a limited remote work policy, which now allows employees only a designated number of homeworking days each year. The strikers have also voiced their discontent towards Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot, criticizing his leadership and understanding of employee needs.
Rutschlé remarked, “At this stage, it seems clear to us that Yves Guillemot has no knowledge or understanding of his company or its employees.” He emphasized that ongoing cost-cutting measures and layoffs have resulted in increased pressure on remaining staff, who often find themselves working understaffed. Many employees have reportedly gone years without significant pay raises, and there is a widespread belief that they will not see an increase in compensation this year either.
The strike is scheduled to run from February 10th to 12th, following a short-notice half-day strike that occurred on January 22nd, just after Ubisoft’s announcement of its planned restructuring. Solidaires Informatique, along with other unions such as STJV, CGT, Printemps Ecologique, and CFE-CGC, had made an international call for action towards the end of January, although Rutschlé noted that the majority of strike activities have primarily taken place in France.
As the strike continues, the developers are advocating for more favorable working conditions and challenging the company’s recent decisions that they believe undermine both job security and employee well-being. The situation at Ubisoft highlights ongoing tensions within the gaming industry, particularly regarding labor rights and corporate policies that affect developers directly.
