Ubisoft implementing cost-reduction restructuring, cancelling various games and closing studios

Ubisoft are implementing various cost-cutting measures and have announced they've cancelled 6 games, while also closing studios in a big shift.

Studios being closed are noted to include the Halifax mobile studio, the Stockholm studio, as well as restructuring at Abu Dhabi, RedLynx and Massive. They say this new model for how Ubisoft works will be centred on "Open World Adventures and *GaaS-native experiences, supported by targeted investments, deeper specialization, and cutting-edge technology" and of course "accelerated investments behind player-facing Generative AI".

*GaaS = games as a service, as in live service games.

As part of this they announced the formation of what they're calling "Creative Houses", which combine together production and publishing under one roof split across a few different IP. From the press release they confirmed that 6 games have been cancelled including Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, 4 unannounced titles, including 3 new IP's, and a mobile title. They've said additional development time has been given for 7 other games, 1 of which was unannounced but due this year that has moved to next year.

Their "Creative Houses" will be split across:

• CH1 (Vantage Studios), focused on scaling and extending Ubisoft’s largest and
  established franchises to turn them into annual billionaire brands;
  • Brands: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six
• CH2 dedicated to competitive and cooperative shooter experiences;
  • Brands including The Division, Ghost Recon, Splinter Cell
• CH3 designed to operate a roster of select, sharp Live experiences;
  • Brands including For Honor, The Crew, Riders Republic, Brawlhalla, Skull & Bones
• CH4 dedicated to immersive fantasy worlds and narrative-driven universes;
  • Brands including Anno, Might & Magic, Rayman, Prince of Persia, Beyond Good & Evil
• CH5 focused on reclaiming position in casual and family-friendly games.
  • Brands including Just Dance, Idle Miner Tycoon, Ketchapp, Hungry Shark, Invincible: Guarding the Globe, Uno, Hasbro

Going along with this Ubisoft also intends to force workers back on-site for five days per week, with an "annual
allowance of working-from-home days".

Source: Ubisoft