Ubisoft Shuts Down Winnipeg Studio, Laying Off Around 65 Workers

June 10, 2026 - 21:09

Video game publisher Ubisoft has permanently closed its studio in Winnipeg, Manitoba, resulting in the loss of approximately 65 jobs. The decision was confirmed by company representatives on Tuesday, marking another round of cuts within the struggling French gaming giant.

The Winnipeg location was primarily focused on quality assurance and testing for major Ubisoft titles. Employees were notified of the closure earlier this week, with severance packages and support services offered to those affected. The studio had been operating since 2018, when Ubisoft expanded its Canadian footprint beyond its larger hubs in Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec City.

This closure is part of a broader restructuring effort at Ubisoft, which has faced mounting financial pressure in recent years. The company has seen several high-profile game delays, mixed commercial performances, and ongoing concerns about its pipeline of upcoming releases. Earlier this year, Ubisoft also cut jobs at its San Francisco and Osaka studios.

Industry analysts point to the increasingly volatile market for AAA video games, where development costs have soared while player expectations continue to rise. Ubisoft, like many other publishers, has been forced to reassess its workforce and studio network to maintain profitability.

The Winnipeg closure leaves a noticeable gap in Manitoba's growing tech sector, which had been attracting game development talent. Local officials expressed disappointment, noting the loss of skilled jobs in the region. For now, the affected employees face an uncertain job market, though some may be offered positions at other Ubisoft locations.