Ubisoft announced the closure of its studio at Halifax, at Canadá, affecting 71 employees on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The studio, which specializes in mobile games for franchises such as The decision comes weeks after the certification of the company’s first union in América of Norte, made up of 61 of the 71 employees under Game & Media Workers Guild of
Employees reported surprise with the timing, the unionization process began in June 2025 and concluded on December 18, 2025, with 74% of votes in favor. The company emphasized that the measure is part of global actions to optimize costs, initiated after the pandemic and before union organization. Representantes of Ubisoft highlighted support for those affected, including severance packages and outplacement assistance.
The studio contributed to titles such as Rainbow Six Mobile, set for global release in February 2026, and 2018’s Assassin’s Creed Rebellion. Ubisoft transferred core brands to the new Vantage Studios unit, financed by 1.16 billion euros from Tencent.
History of studio Halifax
Founded in 2010 as Longtail Studios Halifax, the site developed Rocksmith before its acquisition by Ubisoft in 2015. The team specializes in free-to-play mobile games, including producers, programmers, designers and artists. Nos recent years, focused on adaptations for mobile devices of consolidated franchises.
The transition to Ubisoft Halifax expanded operations on the Canadian east coast, celebrating 10 years in 2025. Trabalhadores cited sectoral instability as a reason for unionization, seeking security amid closures and layoffs. The studio employed around 17,000 people globally, with Halifax representing dedicated mobile staff.
CWA union reaction
The union CWA Canada classified the news as devastating and promised to use all legal channels to defend members’ rights. President Carmel Smyth demanded proof that the closure is not related to unionization, highlighting the illegality of such retaliation in Canadá. Membros plan for mutual support during transition.
Jon Huffman, from the organizing committee, expressed disappointment but commitment to internal solidarity. The group represents 6,000 media workers, including games, and questions the timing of certification. Demandas include detailed information about reasons for the sudden decision.
Employee support measures
Ubisoft has committed to transition resources for the 71 impacted, covering comprehensive terminations and career assistance. Funcionários like T.J. Assistência aims to relocate to other studios or sectors.
Packages include extended benefits and professional guidance, aligned with the company’s global practices. Trabalhadores of Nova Scotia face local game development job shortage after shutdown.
Global restructuring context
Over the past 24 months, Ubisoft has executed cuts at studios such as RedLynx and Massive at the end of 2025. Ações aims for operational efficiency and reduced expenses, with a less centralized model for creative teams. Investimento of Tencent supports Vantage Studios, managing Rainbow Six, Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry.
Ubisoft shares fell from more than 100 euros in 2018 to 6.10 euros on January 7, 2026. Reestruturação includes spin-offs of main franchises, prioritizing profitability in mobile and live ops.
Mobile projects affected by the decision
Main titles in development:
- Rainbow Six Mobile: Global Lançamento set for February 2026, now under new management.
- Assassin’s Creed Rebellion: Live Operações closed due to revenue decline since 2018.
Studio focused on free-to-play, with an emphasis on continuous monetization. Transferência to Vantage may change schedules, but the launch of Rainbow Six remains confirmed. Rebellion, the only dedicated mobile of Assassin’s remaining Creed, loses dedicated support.
Implications for the gaming industry in Canadá
Recent closures highlight challenges in Nova Scotia, eliminating local options for developers. Setor faces widespread post-pandemic layoffs, with studios seeking optimization. Sindicato CWA Canada expands its presence in games, after Bethesda Montreal.
Affected workers include diverse profiles, from testers to researchers. Canadian Indústria, with hubs in Montreal and Vancouver, absorbs part of the workforce, but Halifax loses the mobile hub.
Prospects for future legal actions
CWA Canada consults lawyers for legal proceedings, focusing on the protection of labor rights. Provas requested includes documentation prior to the June 2025 union process. Decisão may set precedents for studio unions.
Employees join forces for a dignified transition, while the company maintains a global dialogue with unions. Monitoramento legal proceeds to validate independence of the closure.
