Video game publisher Ubisoft has announced layoffs of 60 employees across its offices in Cary, North Carolina and Newcastle in the UK. The cuts will come from the company’s Customer Relations Center team.
Details of the Layoffs
Ubisoft confirmed that the cuts would be coming from its Customer Relations Center team, which will be “evolving its organization to focus on where we can have a significant impact while remaining steadfast in our commitment to consistently support our players anywhere in the world.” This restructuring may impact 60 staffers from the company’s offices in the US and UK.
One Affected Employee Speaks Out
Matthew Hayes, who is among the affected employees, shared his situation on Twitter with a plea for help. He mentioned that Ubisoft had laid off around 60 people, including him, with no notice. “I’m divorced, living alone with a mortgage, and have a daughter who I love and support, so if any of you have any leads, please reach out. Thank you so much. <3," he tweeted. His post received many kind remarks and offers of help.
Impact on Ubisoft’s Business
The announcement of these cuts comes just ahead of Ubisoft’s next earnings briefing on May 16, where the company is expected to report its full-year business results. The layoffs are likely to affect Ubisoft’s business in some way, as the cuts may lead to a slowdown in the development of new games.
Industry-wide Trends of Layoffs
The layoffs are part of a larger trend in the video game industry of studios and publishers announcing job cuts. For instance, game engine company Unity just laid off 600 people, Take-Two eliminated a number of positions, and Xbox cut jobs at Halo developer 343 and elsewhere. While the industry has largely benefited from the pandemic, some companies have been impacted by delays in game development or slower sales growth.
The Future of Ubisoft
Ubisoft is expected to host a showcase, called Ubisoft Forward, in June, where the company is expected to discuss its upcoming games and plans for the future.
What to Expect from the Showcase?
The company has already announced that it will be introducing a new game in one of its most popular franchises, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. The company has previously indicated that it has plans to launch at least three other games in the next financial year, including the latest in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Conclusion
The layoffs have impacted numerous employees at Ubisoft, including those who support the company’s players around the world. While many factors may have contributed to the job cuts, the restructuring comes at a time when Ubisoft, like many other companies in the industry, is anticipating significant upcoming releases and looking to stay competitive in the market.
