Ubisoft Barcelona studio workers launch strike over 51 layoffs

Ubisoft announced a restructuring that will cut 51 jobs—about 28% of its Barcelona studio workforce—and close its Winnipeg and Belgrade studios, affecting roughly 380 employees worldwide. In response, the Video Game Union Coordinating Committee said staff will hold six partial strikes on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from June 30 to July 16.

The employees’ demands include a binding agreement to keep the 51 laid‑off workers on the payroll, a five‑year guarantee against future collective layoffs, immediate implementation of previously agreed internal promotions, restoration of the studio’s hybrid work policy allowing 60% remote work each month, and renewed negotiations on salaries and benefits. The action is limited to scheduled work stoppages, allowing parts of the studio to continue operating while negotiations proceed.