Ubisoft has confirmed the closure of its Halifax studio in Canada, a move that will affect 71 employees, as part of its broader global restructuring and cost optimization efforts. The development comes just weeks after Ubisoft Halifax announced it had voted to unionize and joined CWA Canada, adding to ongoing discussions around labor movements within the video game industry. The closure was first reported by VGC, which cited an internal email sent to staff explaining that the decision was linked to company wide actions taken over the past 24 months to streamline operations, improve efficiency and reduce costs. Several Ubisoft Halifax employees later confirmed the news through posts on their LinkedIn profiles, marking an abrupt end to a studio that had recently celebrated its tenth anniversary since being founded in 2015.
Following requests for comment, Ubisoft issued an official statement confirming the decision and outlining support measures for affected employees. In its message to staff, the company said it had undertaken company wide actions over the last two years to optimize operations and that closing the Halifax studio was a difficult but necessary step within that process. Ubisoft stated that all impacted team members would be supported during the transition through comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance resources. When asked directly whether the closure was related to the studio’s decision to unionize, a Ubisoft spokesperson said the move was not connected to union activity and that the decision to close the studio had been made well before the unionization process began in June 2025. The spokesperson added that Ubisoft respects employees’ right to unionize and has unionized teams in multiple locations globally.
Wccftech also asked whether additional studio closures could be expected as part of the company’s restructuring following the establishment of Vantage Studios. In response, Ubisoft said it would continue to evaluate business and production needs and make decisions that support long term success. The company did not provide further details on potential future closures or restructuring actions. According to earlier reporting, the Halifax closure was framed internally as part of broader cost optimization measures rather than a reaction to recent labor developments. At the time the initial reports emerged, Ubisoft had not yet issued a public statement, prompting reactions from labor representatives and industry observers.
CWA Canada later issued its own press release expressing concern over the timing of the announcement. The union said the decision raised serious questions that had yet to be answered and confirmed it was consulting legal counsel. CWA Canada President Carmel Smyth described the news as devastating and said the organization would pursue every available legal avenue to ensure workers’ rights are respected. Jon Huffman, a member of Ubisoft Halifax and a union member, also commented publicly, stating that employees would be seeking clear evidence that the closure was unrelated to unionization. He said the workers, their families and the broader Canadian game development community deserved transparency and accountability. While Ubisoft maintains the decision was part of long planned restructuring efforts, the closure has intensified debate around labor relations, corporate restructuring and job security within the global video game industry, which has seen significant organizational changes over the past year.
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