Summary
Layoffs are sweeping the gaming industry andUbisofthas announced more. Nearly 10,000 people were laid off last year as the industry started to shift in a different direction. Many companies are looking towards live service games to make the money necessary to survive andUbisofthas been a part of this trend. ItsSkull and Boneswas released in February, and continues to capitalize on the live service concept. Regardless, it seems preventing layoffs was not possible.
These situations appear difficult to avoid, no matter how popular the company is.Insomniac Games issued a statement after being hit with layoffs. The fact that the company faced any difficulty at all after the massive success ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2surprised many fans. Ubisoft itself issued rounds of layoffs in 2023, cutting 60 staff members from offices in North Carolina, Newcastle, and the UK in May. The company continued to lay off an additional 124 employees from its visual effects and global IT teams in November. Some former staff members report being shocked by the news, having no warnings prior.
Now, Ubisoft has announced that 45 more employees will be let go. This time, the layoffs will impact the company’s Global Publishing and Asia-Pacific teams.Ubisoft notes in a comment to GameSpotthat it does not take layoffs lightly and will be supporting the affected members. It does not appear that the layoffs will stop soon, and where these former employees end up is currently unclear.
Some are still surprised to see a company with popular releases likePrince of Persia: The Lost Crownsuffering cuts like this, but some argue that this is aconsequence of games likeSkull and Bonespushing live services. The genre as a whole has soured in the opinion of avid gamers who have grown tired of paying more than the initial price to get the full experience of a game.
Ubisoft Games Remain On Track Despite Layoffs
Despite the news, the company’s release schedule for its next games does not appear to be affected.Star Wars Outlawsseems to be coming soon, and those working on the upcomingAssassin’s Creedgame are expecting a blockbuster 2024 release. In addition to those games,The Division HeartlandandXDefiant, a free-to-play arena shooter, remain in production without any roadblocks.
The goal of these layoffs appears to be streamlining the production of games, and this includes decreasing the size of crews working on them at any given moment. However, some professionals have seen the layoffs and have perspectives of their own to offer.Baldur’s Gate 3director Swen Vincke blames layoffs on corporate greed. Vincke notes the importance of prioritizing the many people who have several years' worth of industry knowledge, and using it to help guide the process, instead of cutting staff members to maximize profits.
Skull and Bones
WHERE TO PLAY
Set sail into the vibrant open world of Skull and Bones, a naval online action RPG where you rise to become the most fearsome pirate kingpin.ENGAGE IN SPECTACULAR NAVAL COMBATPrepare for devastating battles by crafting a dozen different ships and equip your fleet with powerful loadouts. Unlock stronger weapons as you progress and customize your ships to reflect your unique pirate playstyle.SAIL INTO A DANGEROUS HELL IN PARADISEVoyage into the Indian Ocean and explore a vast open world teeming with cutthroat pirates, deadly sea monsters, supernatural threats, devastating storms, and more.TEAM UP WITH FELLOW PIRATESSail the lawless seas solo or team up with two friends or other players to partake in shareable contracts and rewards.ENJOY EVER-EVOLVING CONTENTEach season, face a brand-new legendary sea lord and discover fresh content, limitless endgame opportunities, and new exciting features designed to enhance your pirate experience.
