Ubisoft Proposes Voluntary Redundancies Amid Restructuring

Ubisoft has announced a proposal to cut up to 200 jobs from its Paris headquarters, representing approximately 18% of the staff at Ubisoft International. This move is part of a broader restructuring effort that includes the cancellation of six games and the delay of seven others. The company has initiated a voluntary redundancy program under France's Rupture Conventionnelle Collective (RCC), which allows employees to mutually agree to terminate their contracts. The proposal is still in negotiation and will require a collective agreement with employee representatives before any final decisions are made.

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The proposed job cuts follow a significant restructuring announced by Ubisoft, which aims to consolidate its operations into five "creative houses." Each house will focus on specific game brands and will be supported by a central creative studio and a business operations division. This restructuring is intended to streamline decision-making and enhance the company's ability to respond to industry trends and technological developments. The recent changes come after Ubisoft faced challenges, including the closure of its Halifax studio and the shuttering of its Stockholm office.

Ubisoft launches voluntary redundancy process to cut 200 jobs from Paris head office

Ubisoft stated that the voluntary redundancy process is limited to employees under French contracts at its Paris headquarters and will not affect other Ubisoft offices in France or worldwide. The company emphasized that the proposal remains a negotiation and no final decisions will be made until an agreement is reached with trade unions.

Ubisoft launches voluntary redundancy process to cut 200 jobs from Paris head officeAssassin's Creed studio Ubisoft returns with more bad news, proposing "voluntary" layoffs that could cut up to 200 people at its France locationUbisoft proposes even more layoffs after last week's studio closures and game cancellations

The restructuring has faced criticism from the trade union Solidaires Informatique, which described the return-to-office mandate as a "disguised redundancy plan" aimed at pushing employees out of the company. The union expressed that the changes have caused "anger and despair" among staff and indicated that it is consulting with employees about potential industrial action.

Ubisoft launches voluntary redundancy process to cut 200 jobs from Paris head officeUbisoft proposes even more layoffs after last week's studio closures and game cancellationsAssassin's Creed studio Ubisoft returns with more bad news, proposing "voluntary" layoffs that could cut up to 200 people at its France location

While Ubisoft has framed the job cuts as voluntary, there is uncertainty regarding the company's plans if the proposed number of voluntary redundancies is not met. The lack of clarity on this point raises concerns among employees about the potential for compulsory layoffs, which have not been explicitly addressed in the company's communications.

Ubisoft launches voluntary redundancy process to cut 200 jobs from Paris head office

“In line with last week’s announcements on its new operating model and the acceleration of cost-reduction initiatives, Ubisoft International has initiated discussions regarding a potential Rupture Conventionnelle Collective (RCC), a collective, voluntary mutual termination agreement that could involve up to 200 positions at its headquarters in France,” — Ubisoft Statement

Ubisoft launches voluntary redundancy process to cut 200 jobs from Paris head office

“Taken together, these measures mark a decisive turning point for Ubisoft and reflect our determination to confront challenges head-on to reshape the Group for the long term,” — Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft

Assassin's Creed studio Ubisoft returns with more bad news, proposing "voluntary" layoffs that could cut up to 200 people at its France location

As Ubisoft navigates these significant changes, the outcomes of the proposed redundancies and the reactions from employees and unions will be closely monitored.

Ubisoft launches voluntary redundancy process to cut 200 jobs from Paris head office