Ubisoft Restructures: Cancels 6 Projects, Including Prince of Persia Remake, Closes Studios
Ubisoft has initiated a significant restructuring effort, resulting in the cancellation of six game projects, including the highly anticipated remake of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. This decision will also see a delay across seven additional titles, as the company shifts its focus towards open-world games and live-service experiences.
Key Restructure Details
In the restructuring process, Ubisoft will completely close two studios: Ubisoft Stockholm and Ubisoft Halifax. The former was involved in the development of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, while the latter was a mobile game studio. Layoffs are also expected in other divisions across the organization.
Canceled Projects
Among the six titles scrapped, Ubisoft has openly confirmed the cancellation of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, which had already undergone a reboot. The other five projects included three new intellectual properties and one mobile game.
- Cancelled Projects:
- Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake
- Three new IPs
- One mobile game
Delayed Titles
Ubisoft has not disclosed specific details regarding the seven delayed titles. However, one of these is believed to be the Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag remaster, which will now launch before March 31, 2027.
Financial Impact and Future Focus
Ubisoft’s Chief Financial Officer, Frederick Duguet, discussed the market’s current conditions, noting that competition has reached unprecedented levels. Consequently, the company is revising its annual financial guidance, projecting net bookings around €1.5 billion ($1.75 billion), a decrease of €330 million ($386 million).
- Revised Financial Projections:
- Expected net bookings: €1.5 billion ($1.75 billion)
- Reduction of €330 million ($386 million) from previous projections
Restructuring Strategy
As part of the restructuring, Ubisoft plans to reorganize its development teams into five “Creative Houses.” These units will operate independently, each focusing on specific game genres and franchises:
- Creative House 1: Major franchises (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six)
- Creative House 2: Shooter games (The Division, Ghost Recon, Splinter Cell)
- Creative House 3: Live service games (For Honor, The Crew)
- Creative House 4: Narrative-focused and fantasy genres (Prince of Persia, Beyond Good & Evil)
- Creative House 5: Family and casual games (Just Dance, Uno)
Conclusion
Ubisoft’s restructuring highlights the significant transformations within the gaming industry. As the company shifts its focus to adapt to ongoing market competition, it aims to streamline its offerings to enhance overall player engagement and financial performance.
