Ubisoft has closed its Halifax studio, a move that comes just weeks after the majority of employees voted to unionize. The decision affects 71 positions at the mobile-focused Canadian studio.

CWA Canada, the union representing the workers, has stated it will “pursue every legal recourse” to protect the rights of its members impacted by the closure. The organization expressed concern about the timing of the shutdown, noting that Canadian law prohibits closing a business due to unionization. CWA Canada is seeking further information from Ubisoft to clarify the reasons behind the sudden decision.

“Today’s news is devastating,” said CWA Canada president Carmel Smyth. “We will pursue every legal recourse to ensure that the rights of these workers are respected and not infringed in any way.” Jon Huffman, a member of the Halifax organizing committee, called on Ubisoft to demonstrate that the closure is unrelated to the recent union efforts, emphasizing the importance of transparency for workers, their families, and the broader Nova Scotia community.

Ubisoft stated that the closure is part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. “Over the past 24 months, Ubisoft has undertaken company-wide actions to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs,” a spokesperson said. “As part of this, Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to close its Halifax studio. We are committed to supporting all impacted team members during this transition with resources, including comprehensive severance packages and additional career assistance.”

The Halifax studio’s union was certified under CWA Canada on December 18, 2025, with 74 percent of staff voting in favor. The unit included around 60 producers, programmers, designers, artists, researchers, and testers. These employees joined CWA Canada Local 30111, which also represents game workers at Bethesda Game Studios in Montreal and staff at the Montreal Gazette.

In a mission statement, the newly unionized workers emphasized their commitment to supporting one another and their craft during a period of industry-wide uncertainty. “We believe that creativity flourishes when workers feel secure, supported, and empowered. We are unionizing not in opposition to Ubisoft, but in partnership, with the goal of ensuring our studio remains a beacon of equity, excellence, and innovation.”

Ubisoft has closed or downsized several studios in recent years. In January 2025, the company shut down its Leamington, UK studio and made staff reductions in Dusseldorf, Stockholm, and Newcastle. In December 2024, Ubisoft cancelled the free-to-play shooter XDefiant and closed studios in San Francisco and Osaka. These changes occurred as Ubisoft sought new investment, culminating in a $1.25 million investment from Tencent to launch Vantage Studios, which now houses major franchises such as Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry.

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