Software giant Ubisoft has decided to shut down its studio in Halifax, leading to the displacement of 71 employees. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The closure was attributed to the decline in revenue of the video game Assassin’s Creed Rebellion, which the studio was actively developing since 2018.
Last December, 60 workers from the Halifax studio established the first union for Ubisoft in North America. Responding to inquiries, Ubisoft’s spokesperson, Antoine Leduc-Labelle, emphasized that the restructuring process was initiated well before the commencement of the unionization efforts in June 2025.
T.J. Gillis, a senior server developer at Ubisoft Halifax for five years, expressed dismay over the sudden closure, mentioning the absence of employment opportunities for game developers in the province following Microsoft’s closure of its Alpha Dog studio in 2024. Gillis, along with fellow employees, had decided to unionize after observing the industry trend of studios being closed down.
In response to the closure, the union, CWA Canada, intends to seek clarification from Ubisoft regarding the reasons behind the decision. President Carmel Smyth emphasized the importance of ensuring that the closure was not influenced by the employees’ unionization efforts.
Gillis lamented the loss of projects and camaraderie built over the years, stating that it is disheartening to witness their hard work vanish abruptly. The closure of Ubisoft’s Halifax studio has left the province with no further options for game development employment.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by game developers in Halifax and raises concerns about the industry’s sustainability in the region.