Ubisoft closes Winnipeg and Belgrade studios in major restructuring

Ubisoft is permanently closing its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios while restructuring its Barcelona office, affecting up to 380 jobs, according to VGC. The closures are part of a €200 million cost-saving plan that has already resulted in multiple layoffs and game cancellations this year.

Which studios are affected by the closures?

Ubisoft Winnipeg, founded in 2018 with around 100 employees, focused on developing technology for the company's Anvil and Snowdrop game engines. The studio played a crucial role in the technical infrastructure powering games like Assassin's Creed and The Division series.

Belgrade, established in 2016, contributed to major titles including The Crew 2, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, Riders Republic, and Skull & Bones. The Serbian studio had become an important support hub for several of Ubisoft's key franchises.

Meanwhile, Ubisoft Barcelona will undergo restructuring to focus solely on Rainbow Six projects, suggesting a shift toward more specialised development roles within the company's global network.

What this means for Ubisoft's global strategy

The closures represent Ubisoft's shift toward autonomous 'creative houses' — smaller, more focused teams that can operate independently. This marks a significant departure from the publisher's previous model of large, multi-project studios spread across numerous locations.

The restructuring follows a pattern of consolidation across the gaming industry, similar to Xbox's recent layoffs and PlayStation's studio closures. Publishers are increasingly prioritising proven franchises over experimental projects.

Ubisoft has already cancelled at least six games and postponed seven others as part of this 'major reset'. The company aims to reduce fixed costs by €200 million over the next two years, indicating more changes may be coming.

Pattern of industry-wide cuts continues

These latest closures add to a growing list of Ubisoft reductions in 2024. In March, the publisher cut around 100 jobs at historic Tom Clancy studio Red Storm Entertainment, which will no longer develop its own games.

Ubisoft also proposed eliminating up to 200 positions at its Paris headquarters — roughly 18% of staff — and confirmed layoffs at its Toronto studio. The Global Publishing team has also undergone organisational changes resulting in role reductions.

The gaming industry has seen widespread consolidation, with major publishers streamlining operations following years of expansion during the pandemic. However, regions like the UAE continue investing in gaming development, with initiatives like Abu Dhabi Gaming's AI partnerships showing regional growth potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ubisoft studios are closing?

Ubisoft is permanently closing its Winnipeg studio in Canada and Belgrade studio in Serbia. The Barcelona office is being restructured to focus exclusively on Rainbow Six projects.

How many jobs is Ubisoft cutting?

Up to 380 roles are expected to be impacted across the studio closures, team restructuring, and reductions in the Global Publishing division.

Why is Ubisoft closing these studios?

The closures are part of a €200 million cost-saving plan over two years. Ubisoft is restructuring into smaller, autonomous 'creative houses' focusing on proven franchises.

When will the studios close?

Specific closure dates have not been announced. The restructuring is part of Ubisoft's ongoing 'major reset' that began earlier in 2024.

Are any UAE operations affected?

No UAE-based Ubisoft operations appear to be affected by these closures. The company maintains regional partnerships through Abu Dhabi Gaming initiatives.

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