Ubisoft Faces Staff Reductions at Its Abu Dhabi Studio
In a surprising turn of events, Ubisoft appears to have made significant staff reductions at its Abu Dhabi studio over the last month. This news follows closely on the heels of the company's announcement regarding the closure of its Halifax studio and plans for layoffs at both Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm.
Reports from several LinkedIn posts by employees based in Abu Dhabi indicate that these cuts may have quietly begun as early as December 2025. One affected employee shared their heartfelt goodbye on LinkedIn, stating, "I am signing off as the Social Media Manager at Ubisoft Abu Dhabi, as I have been impacted by the recent layoffs. I am incredibly thankful for the nearly five years I've spent with the company."
Another post conveyed a similar sentiment, reflecting on their three and a half years at the studio and the impact of the layoffs. The individual expressed gratitude for the experiences gained during their time there, despite the challenging circumstances.
Further highlighting the emotional toll of these job cuts, another employee shared their thoughts about their departure due to what they described as "recent restructuring." They remarked, "This chapter has been filled with learning, collaboration, and personal growth; I am deeply appreciative of the experiences, challenges, and the people who made my time here so rewarding," as they announced their exit on LinkedIn.
In related news, Ubisoft has been considering enhancing the compensation package for those laid off in Halifax, signaling a recognition of the difficult situation many employees are facing.
Game Developer reached out to Ubisoft earlier this week for comments regarding the layoffs but has not yet received a response.
The Abu Dhabi studio, which opened its doors in 2011, has been positioned as a key regional hub for game development. According to information on the studio's website, it employed over 60 individuals and contributed to notable titles such as "CSI: Hidden Crimes" and "Growtopia."
About the Author
Chris Kerr, a Senior Editor for GameDeveloper.com, brings over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. His award-winning journalism has been featured in a variety of esteemed publications, including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Chris has also covered major gaming events like GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton.
