Ubisoft Closes Halifax Studio, Cuts 71 Jobs Post-Union

Ubisoft has closed its Halifax studio in Nova Scotia, Canada, eliminating 71 positions just over two weeks after employees there formed the company's first labor union in North America. The move, announced this week, affects a team that developed mobile games tied to Ubisoft's flagship franchises, including Rainbow Six and Assassin's Creed.

The studio's workers announced their unionization on December 22, with 61 of the 71 employees voting to join the Game Media Workers Guild of Canada. The effort, which began in June 2025, represented a significant step for labor organizing in the video game industry. Lead programmer Jon Huffman described the decision at the time as a "huge relief," noting that 73.8 percent of eligible staff supported it.

Ubisoft stated that the closure stems from ongoing companywide efforts to reduce costs and streamline operations, a process that has unfolded over the past 24 months. "Over the past 24 months, Ubisoft has undertaken companywide actions to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs," the company said in a statement. "As part of this, Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio. 71 positions will be...