Ubisoft is facing a "massive exodus of talent" amid widespread internal frustration, according to prominent insider Tom Henderson. The report follows the company's recent restructuring, which included the cancellation of several games including the long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake.
The final nail in the coffin
Henderson reported that following Ubisoft's third round of cost-cutting measures, the company's internal communication channels were "full of employees shaming upper management and asking for change." This suggests a significant breakdown in morale at the publisher, which has already seen layoffs at Massive Entertainment and other studios.
The situation has apparently pushed many employees to leave. "Some employees tell me that this was the final nail in the coffin for them, and that they will be seeking employment elsewhere," Henderson stated. He added that others have decided to "fast-track their already existing contingency plans in case they were laid off."
A pattern of cancellations
The internal turmoil comes after a series of disruptive announcements. The cancellation of the Prince of Persia remake was a major blow, as the project had been in development for years and was highly anticipated by fans. Additionally, the rumoured remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag has reportedly been delayed, alongside other unannounced projects being shelved.
These development shifts have had a tangible business impact. According to reports, the news has coincided with Ubisoft's share price falling to its lowest point in a decade, reflecting a lack of investor confidence in the company's current strategy.
What remains unclear
What remains unclear is the full scope of the talent drain and how it will impact Ubisoft's extensive pipeline of future games, which includes multiple upcoming Assassin's Creed titles. The company has not yet issued a public statement addressing Henderson's report or the claims of widespread employee dissatisfaction.
Ubisoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ubisoft facing a talent exodus?
According to insider reports, Ubisoft is facing a talent exodus due to widespread employee frustration over recent project cancellations, company restructuring, and ongoing cost-cutting measures. Many are reportedly concerned about potential layoffs and the company's direction.
Which Ubisoft games were cancelled or delayed?
Ubisoft recently cancelled the long-in-development remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The company also reportedly delayed the remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and cancelled several other unannounced projects as part of its restructuring.
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