Ubisoft Shuts Door on Unionized Studio, Cites Costs Over Conflict

Unionizing game devs get the ax—Ubisoft calls it a cost-cut, but the math doesn’t add up. The publisher announced the closure of its recently unionized Halifax studio, citing 24 months of cost-cutting measures. A statement read:

"Over the past 24 months... we have made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio. 71 positions will be affected."

The timing is ironic: 74% of employees voted to unionize in July, following a June filing. Carmel Smyth of CWA Canada responded:

We will pursue every legal recourse... this had nothing to do with the employees joining a union.

Ubisoft Halifax worked on mobile titles like Assassin's Creed Rebellion and Rainbow Six Mobile. Meanwhile, Rockstar Games terminated over 30 GTA 6 developers last year for unionization efforts, calling it "gross misconduct."