Ubisoft shuts Winnipeg studio, laying off 65 employees

Ubisoft announced the permanent closure of its Winnipeg studio, ending operations that began in 2018 and resulting in the loss of 65 jobs. The shutdown is part of the French developer's third phase of a global cost‑saving programme aimed at trimming €200 million in expenses over the next two years.

The restructuring also includes the closure of Ubisoft’s Belgrade studio and a reorganisation of the Barcelona office, which will now focus exclusively on the Rainbow Six franchise. Ubisoft said the combined actions could affect up to 380 positions across its worldwide network. The moves follow earlier closures, such as the Halifax studio, and reflect broader challenges in the AAA video‑game market, where development costs have risen sharply.

Ubisoft highlighted that the Winnipeg studio had contributed to major titles like Rainbow Six, Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, and had benefited from substantial Canadian tax incentives. The company expects the reductions to strengthen its long‑term financial position while concentrating resources on its core franchises.