The emblematic video game company, Ubisoft, is facing a crisis unprecedented in its history
Ubisoft, one of the great legends of the video game industry since its founding in 1986 in France, has gone from being a benchmark in creating memorable titles to facing a storm of problems that have shaken its foundations. In October 2024, the situation reached a critical point when more than 700 workers at the French headquarters went on strike, adding to the studio’s closure that left many employees disconcerted. Uncertainty about the company’s future and frustration with its business decisions led to this drastic protest action.
A legacy in danger
Ubisoft is known for creating some of the most beloved franchises in the industry, such as Assassin’s Creed, Rayman Yes Prince of Persia. However, the perception of the company has changed dramatically in recent years. While the pause in Assassin’s Creed’s development promised a more thoughtful and refined approach to its titles, the result was a series of problems that left the company baffled.
Since the launch of titles such as Star Wars Outlaws Yes Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Sales expectations were not met, which added pressure on Ubisoft to redirect its strategies. However, instead of revitalizing their classic franchises, they chose to follow a safer path focused on the casual gamer market, leaving many fans dissatisfied.
A controversial decision
The closure of the division that has developed Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown It was a blow to fans and developers. Although the game was well received by critics, scoring an 86 on Metacritic and praised for its gameplay and deep plot, Ubisoft decided that it did not meet its “high expectations”. This closure not only impacted those who worked on the project, but also sowed mistrust among employees regarding the company’s future.
The decision seems to go against logic ever since The lost crown It was seen as a return to the franchise’s roots. With development costing $200 million and a return of just $15 million, it’s clear that Ubisoft had a feeling it wasn’t going to be a commercial success. This lack of alignment between creative vision and business expectations has led the industry to question whether Ubisoft is more focused on profits than innovation.
massive strike
The situation worsened when Ubisoft implemented policies that required its employees to work at least three days a week in the office. This decision, far from promoting a collaborative work environment, caused deep discontent among staff. Workers feel that their concerns have not been taken into account and that the company does not take their well-being into account.
The strike of over 700 employees is a clear manifestation of their frustration and a response to what they consider unfair treatment. In a landscape of studio closures and pressure to meet unrealistic demands, employees have raised their voices. While Ubisoft claims these measures are necessary to encourage creativity, the response has been exactly the opposite: a growing discontent that threatens to cripple the company even further.
An uncertain future
Against Assassin’s Creed Shadows Yes Star Wars Outlaws Under scrutiny for its performance, Ubisoft finds itself at a crossroads. Growing internal tensions, studio closures and the lack of effective communication with its employees have brought the company to a critical moment. The possibility of a purchase by Tencent, a powerful developer, adds another layer of uncertainty about Ubisoft’s future direction.
Ubisoft’s current crisis not only threatens its legacy in the industry, but also highlights a larger problem: the disconnect between creativity and commercial demands. The pressure to deliver high-profit stocks could stifle the innovation that once defined this company. Without a change in its approach, the Ubisoft name, which once resonated with admiration, may end up being remembered with nostalgia.