Software company Ubisoft has shut down its studio in Halifax, leading to the termination of 71 employees. The closure is part of the company’s efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce expenses. Ubisoft stated that they have been implementing various measures over the past two years to streamline operations and cut costs.
According to Ubisoft spokesperson Antoine Leduc-Labelle, the studio’s project, Assassin’s Creed Rebellion, has experienced a decline in revenue since its launch in 2018. The closure comes after 60 workers at the Halifax studio formed the first union in North America for the company in late December.
Responding to inquiries, Leduc-Labelle mentioned that the restructuring process began before the unionization efforts started in June 2025. T.J. Gillis, a senior server developer at Ubisoft Halifax for five years, expressed disappointment as the staff was informed of the closure due to industry challenges.
Gillis highlighted the significance of unionizing to anticipate industry trends such as studio closures. The union, CWA Canada, intends to seek clarification from Ubisoft regarding the sudden shutdown and ensure it was not influenced by the unionization process.
With the closure of the Halifax studio, game developers in the province have limited job opportunities, following Microsoft’s closure of its Alpha Dog studio in 2024. Gillis shared his dismay over the loss of projects and teamwork that had been ongoing for years in the gaming industry.
President Carmel Smyth of CWA Canada emphasized the union’s intention to investigate Ubisoft’s decision and ensure fair treatment of employees. The closure of Ubisoft’s Halifax studio marks a significant event affecting the gaming industry in the region.