Ubisoft Cancels 6 Games, Shuts Studios in Major Restructuring

On January 21, Ubisoft revealed a reorganisation initiative that has led to the cancellation of up to six games, studio closures, and the division of its business into five "Creative Houses". After years of development, Ubisoft has thrown Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake into the trash, making it the most well-known cancellation.

Three new intellectual properties, a mobile game, and an unannounced project that failed to match the company's new "enhanced quality" criteria are among the other titles that were scrapped. Additionally, the corporation has declared that it will postpone seven games until 2027 to guarantee that improved quality standards are properly fulfilled. The remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is one of the titles that has been postponed. Why the brand opted for reorganisation let’s explore.

Why Company is Opting for Revamping?

In a statement regarding the layoffs and cancelled games, Ubisoft CEO and founder Yves Guillemot stated that the company has chosen to streamline its portfolio in order to give the Creative Houses the best chance of success. In order to rightsize the company, the brand is now aiming for a significantly updated three-year roadmap and accelerating its cost-cutting activities 

Even if these choices are challenging, he continued, they are essential if the business is to become a more long-term, targeted, effective, and sustainable enterprise. According to Ubisoft, each Creative House will concentrate on particular kinds of user experiences and be structured around a unique creative genre. From development to publication, marketing, and sales, each of them will be fully accountable for their portfolio.

Creative Houses and their Operations

Last year, Vantage Studio, the first of the Creative Houses, was revealed. Three of Ubisoft's most well-known franchises—Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six—will be handled by the studio. The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell are among the shooter games that Creative House 2 will be in charge of. In addition to handling games like For Honour, The Crew, Riders Republic, Brawlhalla, and Skull & Bones, Creative House 3 will be in charge of live experiences.

Fantasy and narrative-driven universes will be handled by Creative House 4. It will be in charge of games like Prince of Persia, Anno, Might & Magic, Rayman, and Beyond Good & Evil. Just Dance, Idle Miner Tycoon, Ketchapp, Hungry Shark, Invincible: Guarding the Globe, Uno, and Hasbro are among the light-hearted and family-friendly titles that Creative House 5 will manage. According to Ubisoft, the creative houses for the four new IPs under development—including March of Giants—will be revealed at a "later stage".