Ubisoft Barcelona faces 51 layoffs despite Black Flag Resynced's record launch

Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced sold more than 2 million copies on its first day, topped Steam’s weekly sales chart and reached nearly 100 000 concurrent players, setting a series‑wide record. The launch generated roughly $35 million in revenue on Steam, with an additional $1 million coming from optional DLC packs.

The game also sparked a community treasure hunt: a Reddit user uncovered the hidden Explorer outfit by diving at coordinates 28.292 in the Chinchorro region of the Caribbean, confirming that the costume was not removed but offered as a secret reward.

Amid the commercial success, Ubisoft Barcelona was hit by a restructuring plan that will lay off 51 staff members – about 28 % of the studio – many of whom worked on the underwater sections of Resynced. Workers have organized strikes and protests, demanding job security and better severance, while the company cites a strategic shift toward Rainbow Six projects.