Ubisoft Scraps Six Titles, Shuts Studios In Major Restructuring
French video game publisher Ubisoft has cancelled six projects, including the highly anticipated remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, as part of a sweeping overhaul aimed at stabilising the company’s business.
The company confirmed that it has also closed two development studios, postponed seven other games and begun restructuring efforts across several teams. Chief executive Yves Guillemot described the changes as a “major reset” designed to position Ubisoft for long-term, sustainable growth.
Investors reacted sharply to the announcement, with Ubisoft shares plunging more than 30% in early trading.
Among the cancelled titles is the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, a reimagining of the 2003 classic that sold millions of copies worldwide. The decision has surprised fans, particularly at a time when remakes and remasters have gained renewed popularity across the gaming industry.
Ubisoft did not disclose the full list of affected projects but said four of the cancelled games were previously unannounced, including three based on new intellectual properties, alongside a mobile title.
As part of the shake-up, the company has shut its studios in Stockholm, Sweden, and Halifax, Canada. The Stockholm team had been working on a new IP, while the Halifax studio focused on mobile projects tied to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The closure of the Halifax studio follows a prior announcement made earlier this year, shortly after employees there unionised.
Guillemot acknowledged the impact of the decision on staff but said the measures were unavoidable. He noted that the global market for blockbuster, or triple-A, games has become increasingly competitive, with development costs continuing to rise and new brands harder to establish.
Industry analysts say the move signals a shift toward safer investments. Gaming analyst Piers Harding-Rolls said Ubisoft appears to be prioritising established franchises over riskier new concepts, focusing resources on proven brands such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry and Rainbow Six.
The restructuring follows earlier job cuts in 2025, when Ubisoft reduced its European workforce and closed offices in the UK. Going forward, the company plans to concentrate on open-world adventures and live-service titles that generate ongoing revenue.
Ubisoft added that Vantage Studios, a subsidiary formed after a major investment from Chinese technology firm Tencent, will work to expand its flagship franchises into what the company described as “annual billion-dollar brands.”
