Ubisoft's Abu Dhabi Mobile Studio Sheds 29 Jobs: A Look at the Impact and Future of the Studio
'Difficult decisions are never easy, but they are necessary to ensure the future of our company.' - Ubisoft's Statement on Restructuring
Ubisoft has recently confirmed the loss of 29 jobs at its Abu Dhabi mobile studio, a decision that has sparked curiosity and concern among industry observers. The restructuring, which took place in November, was a strategic move to focus on the free-to-play MMO Growtopia, a game the company acquired in 2017. But here's where it gets controversial: the cancellation of some projects has raised questions about the future of the studio and the impact on its employees.
The affected staff members, working across social media, game support, and art direction, took to LinkedIn to share their experiences. Ubisoft's statement acknowledged the impact of the changes, expressing gratitude for the contributions of the affected team members while providing support during the transition. The studio, opened in 2011, has been a regional hub for Ubisoft, primarily working on Growtopia and other mobile titles, notably based on the CSI license.
This news comes on the heels of other job losses announced by Ubisoft, including cuts at Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm, and the closure of Ubisoft Halifax. The company has stated that it will announce details of its restructuring into Creative Houses this month, with the first being a new Tencent-backed entity called Vantage Studios, which will serve as the home of the Assassin's Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry franchises.
The impact of these changes on the industry and the future of Ubisoft's Abu Dhabi studio remains to be seen. What do you think? Do you think this restructuring will benefit Ubisoft in the long run, or do you think it could have been handled differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
