Ubisoft is closing its recently unionized Halifax studio, impacting 71 positions

Ubisoft has made the decision to shutter its Canadian studio, Ubisoft Halifax, which was focused on mobile games for the Rainbow Six and Assassin's Creed franchises. This move impacts 71 employees.

Earlier this week, staff at the studio had successfully established the first labor union for Ubisoft in North America. The unionization effort commenced in June 2025. According to Ubisoft, the closure aligns with an ongoing initiative to streamline operations and cut costs, a strategy that has resulted in notable layoffs across various studios over the past two years.

In an official statement, Ubisoft explained, "Over the past 24 months, Ubisoft has undertaken company-wide actions to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. As part of this, Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio. 71 positions will be affected. We are committed to supporting all impacted team members during this transition with resources, including comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance.”

A representative highlighted to Gamesindustry.biz that the decision stems from ongoing financial adjustments initiated soon after the pandemic, preceding the unionization process at Halifax in 2025. Ubisoft continues to engage with unionized employees worldwide.

The Halifax closure adds to a series of cost-reduction measures at Ubisoft, with previous reductions affecting employees at RedLynx and Massive last year. Additionally, Ubisoft has restructured its key franchises, including Far Cry, into a new entity called Vantage Studios, supported by an investment of 1.16 billion EUR from Tencent.

Established in 2010 as Longtail Studios Halifax, the Canadian studio became part of Ubisoft in 2015 and was renamed Ubisoft Halifax. Recently, it has been involved in developing Rainbow Six Mobile, which is expected to launch globally soon, as well as 2018’s Assassin's Creed Rebellion. Future operations for both the Rainbow Six and Assassin's Creed series, along with Far Cry, will now be under Vantage Studios.

It has come to Gamesindustry.biz's attention that the live service for AC Rebellion will end due to a consistent decline in its financial performance.