Ubisoft has reportedly cancelled an unannounced life simulation game, dubbed Alterra, after developers spent nearly three years developing it. The game was expected to combine elements reminiscent of popular titles like Animal Crossing and Minecraft’s voxel building. Despite the cancellation, it has been reported that there have been no immediate layoffs as a result of this decision.
On April 21st, devs involved with Alterra were informed of the game’s cancellation. They have been offered opportunities to transition to other projects within Ubisoft, although there are concerns about the impact on the unnamed support studios that were also contributing to Alterra’s development.
When approached for comment, a Ubisoft spokesperson did not address Alterra specifically but mentioned the company’s approach to project management and development. They stated: “As part of our portfolio management approach and evolving creative house-led model, we continuously assess projects at every stage of development to ensure alignment with our strategic priorities, quality ambitions, and long-term market potential. Projects that no longer meet these expectations may be discontinued.”
Alterra was being developed at Ubisoft Montreal, headed by Patrick Redding, a veteran in the industry who previously served as the creative director for Gotham Knights. Redding has also worked on notable titles such as Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Far Cry 2, bringing considerable experience to the Alterra project.
The cancellation of Alterra comes in the wake of significant restructuring within Ubisoft. Earlier this year, the long-standing Tom Clancy studio, Red Storm, ceased its game development operations, leading to the layoff of 105 staff members. Additionally, Ubisoft canceled the highly anticipated Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, alongside five other projects, prompting further layoffs and triggering actions such as worker strikes due to the ongoing austerity measures within the company.
Overall, the cancellation of Alterra highlights the challenges Ubisoft is facing as it navigates through project evaluations and broader strategic shifts in the gaming market.
