Ubisoft Toronto Faces Layoffs Amid Industry-Wide Reductions

Ubisoft Toronto has recently been impacted by a round of layoffs, continuing a troubling trend in the gaming industry that has persisted since the beginning of 2023. This branch of Ubisoft, known for developing titles like Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Starlink: Battle for Atlas, had just announced a partnership with Ubisoft Montreal to work on the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake. Unfortunately, this announcement was followed closely by news of layoffs.

Industry-Wide Layoffs and Ubisoft Toronto's Cutbacks

The gaming industry has experienced multiple waves of layoffs throughout 2023, and Ubisoft Toronto is the latest studio to be affected. Over 30 employees have been let go as part of this recent downsizing. In a statement to PC Gamer, a company representative explained that these cuts are intended to ensure the company can meet its ambitious development goals. This "targeted realignment" specifically impacted 33 employees. Ubisoft Toronto has committed to supporting those affected by providing severance packages and career assistance. This follows a similar "restructuring" effort at Ubisoft Montreal in late 2023, which resulted in nearly 100 employees being laid off.

Current Projects at Ubisoft Toronto

The timing of these layoffs is particularly unfortunate given Ubisoft Toronto's current projects. The studio is assisting with the development of the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, an exciting update that has generated significant interest. Despite the layoffs, the remake is still targeting a 2026 release window, though no specific date has been set.

Additionally, Ubisoft Toronto is working on a remake of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, which was first announced in 2021. Although updates on the project have been sparse, insiders have reassured that the development is progressing smoothly and simply requires more time. However, the recent layoffs may inevitably impact the project's timeline. Despite these setbacks, Ubisoft insists that the ongoing work on these projects will continue as planned, and the team remains committed to delivering high-quality games.

Looking Ahead

As Ubisoft Toronto navigates these challenging times, the broader gaming community is watching closely. The studio's dedication to its projects, even amid layoffs, highlights the resilience and passion of its development team. Fans eagerly await updates on the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake and the Splinter Cell project, hoping for successful outcomes despite the recent upheavals.