Ubisoft's Major Reset: Game Cancellations and Studio Closures
Monday, 2026/01/26202 words3 minutes910 reads
Ubisoft, the French video game developer and publisher renowned for franchises such as Assassin's Creed and Far Cry, has announced a sweeping restructuring of its operations. This strategic overhaul includes the cancellation of six video game projects, most notably the long-awaited remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, alongside the closure of studios in Stockholm and Halifax.
The decision, described by CEO Yves Guillemot as a 'major reset', comes at a time when the video game industry is grappling with escalating development costs and an increasingly competitive market for triple-A titles. This move has perplexed many industry observers, given the current trend towards remakes and remasters in the gaming sector.
Ubisoft's restructuring extends beyond cancellations and closures. The company is pivoting its focus towards open-world adventure games and live service titles, which offer continuous engagement and monetization opportunities. This strategic shift aims to transform key franchises like Assassin's Creed and Rainbow Six into 'annual billionaire brands'.
The announcement has had immediate financial repercussions, with Ubisoft's shares plummeting by 33% following the news. However, Guillemot maintains that these difficult decisions are necessary to foster long-term sustainability and growth in an industry where the stakes for triple-A game development continue to rise.
