Ubisoft’s aggressive restructuring efforts have triggered its largest labor action in history, with nearly 1,200 employees across multiple studios walking off the job for a three-day international strike. The walkout, organized by the French union Solidaires Informatique, began on February 10 and continues through February 12, targeting Ubisoft’s headquarters in Paris, its Milan branch, and other global offices. This isn’t the first protest—unions staged a smaller strike last month in response to what they describe as ‘absurd management decisions’—but the scale of this action signals a breaking point for workers already reeling from layoffs, studio closures, and unpopular new policies.
The strike comes after Ubisoft’s so-called ‘Major Reset’, a sweeping restructuring plan announced at the start of 2026. The overhaul included mass layoffs, the permanent shutdown of Ubisoft Halifax, the cancellation of the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake, and a return-to-office mandate that has further alienated staff. The company’s stock price dropped 34% following the announcement, erasing 95% of its value over eight years—a financial unraveling that mirrors the turmoil now gripping its workforce.
The Strike’s Demands: More Than Just Pay
Union representatives claim the restructuring is a thinly veiled push to eliminate mid-level employees, with high-level positions being filled by executives earning excessive salaries. Workers report an atmosphere of ‘anger and despair,’ with some colleagues reportedly making suicidal . The union’s representative, Marc Rutschlé, accused CEO Yves Guillemot of lacking ‘any knowledge or understanding of his company or its employees,’ suggesting a disconnect between leadership and the realities faced by rank-and-file staff.
Key grievances include
- Layoffs and studio closures: Ubisoft Halifax was shuttered without warning, displacing dozens of workers. Additional voluntary redundancy programs at Paris headquarters aim to cut another 200 roles.
- Frozen wages: Employees have seen little to no raises for years, despite the company’s financial struggles. This year’s pay freeze has deepened resentment.
- Return-to-office mandate: The new policy, introduced amid layoffs, has been widely criticized as tone-deaf and counterproductive.
- Executive pay: While mid-level staff face cuts, high-ranking positions are being filled with salaries that union members describe as ‘excessive.’
�The company is continuing its cost-reduction plan,’ the union stated. ‘Our teams are already working under pressure, often understaffed. This forced reversal is a disguised redundancy plan.’ The language reflects a broader belief that Ubisoft’s leadership is prioritizing short-term financial gains over the stability of its workforce.
A Pattern of Unrest
This strike follows a month of protests, including a rally by former Ubisoft Halifax employees demanding answers for their sudden displacement. The closure of the studio—once a hub for development—was particularly jarring, with rumors of canceled projects like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag Remake adding to the sense of instability. Even before the ‘Major Reset,’ Ubisoft had faced criticism for its handling of projects, with leaks and internal dissent becoming more frequent.
The current walkout is not just about wages or policies; it’s a rejection of a perceived lack of transparency and respect. Employees argue that Guillemot’s leadership has failed to address their concerns, leaving them with few options but to take direct action. With the strike set to conclude this week, the question remains: Will Ubisoft listen, or will this become a prelude to further labor actions?
Ubisoft has not publicly commented on the strike, though industry observers suggest the company’s response will be critical in determining whether this moment of unrest leads to lasting change—or deeper divisions within the organization.
