In a significant strategic move, Ubisoft has unveiled a comprehensive restructuring effort that includes the cancellation of up to six games, studio closures, and a reorganization of its operations into five distinct 'Creative Houses'. This announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a pivotal shift for the gaming giant as it aims to refocus its portfolio and improve quality benchmarks.
Game Cancellations and Delays
The most notable cancellation is the highly anticipated Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, which has been shelved after years of development. This decision comes as part of Ubisoft's effort to align with its new 'enhanced quality' standard. In addition to this high-profile project, the company has axed three new intellectual properties (IPs), a mobile title, and an unannounced project that failed to meet the revised quality criteria.
Furthermore, Ubisoft has announced the delay of seven games until 2027, emphasizing that this move is necessary to ensure that enhanced quality benchmarks are fully met. Among the delayed titles is what is widely speculated to be the remake of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, a fan-favorite entry in the popular franchise.
Leadership Statement
Ubisoft Founder and CEO Yves Guillemot addressed the layoffs and game cancellations in a statement, explaining the rationale behind these difficult decisions. He stated, "To put the Creative Houses in the best conditions to succeed, we decided to refocus our portfolio with a meaningfully revised three-year roadmap and accelerate our cost reduction initiatives to rightsize the organization."
Guillemot added, "While these decisions are difficult, they are necessary for us to build a more focused, efficient and sustainable organization over the long term." This underscores the company's commitment to long-term stability and improved operational efficiency.
The Five Creative Houses
Ubisoft's new organizational structure revolves around five Creative Houses, each designed to focus on specific creative genres and player experiences. These houses will have end-to-end responsibility for their portfolios, encompassing development, publishing, marketing, and sales.
Vantage Studio (Creative House 1)
Announced last year, Vantage Studio will oversee three of Ubisoft's most established franchises: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six. This house is set to play a crucial role in maintaining the legacy of these iconic series.
Creative House 2
This house will specialize in shooter games, managing titles such as The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell. Its focus on the shooter genre aims to deliver immersive and action-packed experiences for players.
Creative House 3
Dedicated to live experiences, Creative House 3 will handle games like For Honor, The Crew, Riders Republic, Brawlhalla, and Skull & Bones. This house will prioritize ongoing engagement and community-driven content.
Creative House 4
Focusing on fantasy worlds and narrative-driven universes, Creative House 4 will be responsible for titles such as Anno, Might & Magic, Rayman, Prince of Persia, and Beyond Good & Evil. This house aims to captivate players with rich storytelling and imaginative settings.
Creative House 5
This house will cater to casual and family-friendly games, including Just Dance, Idle Miner Tycoon, Ketchapp, Hungry Shark, Invincible: Guarding the Globe, Uno, and Hasbro titles. Its goal is to provide accessible and enjoyable experiences for a broad audience.
Future IPs
Ubisoft has also revealed that for the four new IPs currently in development, including March of Giants, the assignment to specific Creative Houses will be announced at a later stage. This indicates a strategic approach to integrating new projects into the reorganized structure.
Overall, this restructuring represents a bold step for Ubisoft as it seeks to streamline operations, enhance quality, and build a more sustainable future in the competitive gaming industry.
