Ubisoft restructuring and return-to-office policy prompt staff backlash

Kotaku reports that Ubisoft this week announced major delays, cancellations, cost-cutting and a restructuring plan while reversing its hybrid work-from-home policy, prompting widespread frustration among employees. Staff across the company learned the changes alongside the public in an end-of-day message from CEO Yves Guillemot that described a new decision-making structure, potential project stoppages and possible studio closures, and said employees would be back in the office five days a week with a promise of a "generous number of work from home days." A French union representing Paris developers called for a half-day strike, and employees posting on internal boards said the move risked driving essential talent away; one wrote, "This is probably the most embarrassed I have felt working somewhere." Ubisoft also confirmed it plans to consolidate Paris-area teams in the Floresco headquarters in Saint Mandé.

The announcement follows years of concern about the company’s direction — its market cap, the report notes, fell from close to €10 billion before Ghost Recon Breakpoint to about €500 million — and leaves many details unclear.

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Business, Ubisoft, Yves Guillemot, Floresco Headquarters, Saint Mandé, Ghost Recon Breakpoint