Ubisoft has confirmed the elimination of 29 roles at its Abu Dhabi mobile studio in the United Arab Emirates, following a restructuring in November 2025. This move, impacting staff across social media, game support, and art direction, aims to refocus the studio’s efforts primarily on the free-to-play MMO Growtopia. The layoffs underscore a broader trend of industry consolidation and strategic shifts within the global gaming giant.
The decision to streamline operations in Abu Dhabi reflects Ubisoft’s ongoing strategic adjustments across its global network. Earlier reports by GamesIndustry.biz highlighted these job losses, which came as affected employees posted on LinkedIn in late 2025. This follows a challenging period for the gaming sector, marked by numerous studio closures and significant workforce reductions at major companies worldwide.
Ubisoft Abu Dhabi, established in 2011 as the company’s regional hub, has historically contributed to various mobile titles, including those based on the CSI license. Its acquisition of Growtopia in 2017 signaled a clear shift towards live-service mobile gaming, a sector known for its intense competition and demand for sustained engagement. The refocusing on this specific title suggests a prioritization of proven revenue streams amidst a volatile market, where maintaining multiple mobile projects can become resource-intensive.
The broader landscape of gaming industry layoffs
The cuts at Ubisoft Abu Dhabi are not isolated incidents but rather part of a pervasive pattern affecting the gaming industry globally. Throughout 2023 and continuing into 2024, numerous studios, both independent and part of major publishers, have announced significant workforce reductions. Data from Game Developer indicates thousands of jobs have been impacted. Factors such as overhiring during the pandemic boom, rising development costs, and investor pressure for efficiency are key drivers. This market correction departs from the rapid expansion seen during the early 2020s.
Recent reports from Ubisoft itself confirmed additional cuts at Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm, alongside the closure of Ubisoft Halifax. This widespread trend underscores a period of recalibration. Companies are consolidating resources and re-evaluating project pipelines to ensure long-term sustainability. The industry is shifting from aggressive growth strategies to more cautious, profit-driven models, impacting developers across all segments.
Ubisoft’s strategic pivot and future outlook
Ubisoft’s restructuring extends beyond individual studio layoffs; the company announced a shift towards “Creative Houses” in January 2026. This initiative aims to centralize core franchises under dedicated entities. Vantage Studios, backed by Tencent, will house major titles like Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, and Far Cry. This strategy seeks to optimize development and foster clearer brand identities.
The move to Creative Houses also aims to streamline production across Ubisoft’s vast portfolio. This enhances efficiency for its most valuable assets. The decision to discontinue “some projects” at the Abu Dhabi studio to concentrate on Growtopia highlights a lean approach to mobile development.
Growtopia, a free-to-play MMO, represents a consistent revenue stream and a stable platform for ongoing content updates. This focus suggests Ubisoft is doubling down on established successes in the mobile space, streamlining efforts in less performant areas. It’s a common tactic for publishers navigating complex market dynamics and seeking predictable returns.
The job losses at Ubisoft’s Abu Dhabi studio serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the video game industry. While painful for those affected, these strategic adjustments signal a broader industry trend towards efficiency and a sharper focus on core intellectual properties and proven revenue models. As Ubisoft continues its global restructuring into Creative Houses, the impact on innovation and talent retention will be closely watched by analysts and industry observers alike.
