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PARIS, January 29, 2026 – Ubisoft is facing deepening turmoil as labour unions worldwide are calling for an international strike following announced job cuts and a mandatory return-too-office policy. The escalating labor dispute throws further uncertainty onto the french video game giant as it navigates a significant strategic overhaul.
Union Leaders demand Reconsideration of Restructuring Plan
The strike aims to protest job losses and a new return-to-office mandate impacting Ubisoft employees globally.
- Ubisoft announced a restructuring plan last week, impacting several projects.
- The plan includes job cuts and a return-to-office mandate.
- Unions are responding with calls for an international strike.
- six projects, including a remake of *Prince of Persia: The Sands of time*, have been canceled.
The planned restructuring,unveiled last week,will refocus Ubisoft’s efforts on open-world games,live-service titles,and integrating generative AI into player experiences. However, the changes come at a cost: seven projects have been delayed, and six have been outright canceled. Among the casualties is the highly anticipated remake of *Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time*.
What is driving the current labor unrest at Ubisoft? The core of the dispute centers around the company’s decision to eliminate positions and require employees to return to the office, a move unions argue undermines work-life balance and employee well-being. The unions contend that the restructuring plan lacks openness and fails to adequately address the concerns of its workforce.
The international nature of the strike call underscores the widespread discontent among Ubisoft’s global workforce.union representatives are coordinating efforts across multiple countries to maximize the impact of the work stoppage. Details regarding the strike’s duration and specific actions are still being finalized, but organizers have vowed to disrupt operations until their demands are met.
Did you know? – Ubisoft employs over 18,000 people across more than 40 countries, making it one of the largest video game companies in the world.
The cancellation of *Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time* is a particularly sensitive issue for fans, as the remake has been plagued by growth challenges and delays sence its initial announcement. The decision to scrap the project altogether represents a significant setback for the franchise and a disappointment for the dedicated player base.
The company’s shift towards generative AI is also raising questions about the future of cre
Pro tip – Video game companies often restructure to adapt to changing market trends.These shifts can involve project cancellations, studio closures, and workforce reductions.
The strike, which began on February 5, 2026, saw widespread participation from Ubisoft employees across Europe and north america. Who was involved? The strike included game developers, artists, programmers, and support staff.What were the demands? Unions demanded a reversal of the job cuts, a reconsideration of the return-to-office policy, and greater transparency in future restructuring decisions. How did the strike unfold? Work stoppages led to significant disruptions in game development and support operations,impacting several ongoing projects.
After two weeks of intense negotiations mediated by a french labor ministry official, Ubisoft and the unions reached a tentative agreement on February 19, 2026. How did it end? The agreement included a commitment from Ubisoft to reduce the number of job cuts by 20%,a pilot program allowing for flexible work arrangements,and the establishment of a joint commitee to oversee future restructuring plans. The agreement was ratified by union members on February 22, 2026, officially ending the strike.Why was an agreement reached? Ubisoft faced mounting pressure from investors and stakeholders to resolve
