Ubisoft’s 2026 begins with more layoffs. Abu Dhabi studio – regional mobile development hub behind Growtopia MMO and CSI: Hidden Crimes – reportedly cuts staff following LinkedIn announcements from December 2025. Studio survives but slims down amid company-wide restructuring.
Abu Dhabi joins Halifax closure (71 jobs), Massive Entertainment (32 jobs), and Ubisoft Stockholm (23 jobs) in brutal opening act. Tencent-backed Vantage Studios consolidation prioritizes Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, Far Cry – mobile/support studios deprioritized. Growtopia future uncertain.
Ubisoft’s 2026 Layoff Timeline
| Studio | Jobs Cut | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Halifax | 71 (closed) | Mobile games |
| Massive Entertainment | 32 | The Division 3 |
| Ubisoft Stockholm | 23 | XDefiant support |
| Abu Dhabi | Undisclosed | Growtopia, mobile ports |
Abu Dhabi Studio Legacy
- Founded 2011 as MENA hub
- Growtopia: 10M+ players sandbox MMO
- CSI: Hidden Crimes mobile hit
- Support roles for AC, Far Cry
- Regional talent pipeline
Studio contributed mobile ports, live ops support across Ubisoft franchises. Layoffs reflect shift from mobile experimentation toward AAA blockbusters despite Star Wars Outlaws underperformance.
Corporate Restructuring Drivers
Ubisoft battles multiple crises:
- Star Wars Outlaws sales flop
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows delays
- XDefiant live-service struggles
- Tencent minority stake pressure
- Vantage Studios consolidation
2026 Release Calendar Pressure
- Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag remake
- Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake
- Division 3 (Massive Entertainment)
- Multiple unannounced AAA titles
- XDefiant Season 2 revival attempt
Abu Dhabi cuts free resources for core studios racing 2026 deadlines. Mobile experimentation deprioritized after Halifax closure signals end of secondary platform bets.
Regional Impact UAE Gaming
Abu Dhabi positioned as MENA gaming hub through government investment. Layoffs dent confidence despite diversified ecosystem growth. Local developers eye remote work, startups as international publishers consolidate.
“Support studios hit first during restructuring”
FAQs
Abu Dhabi closing completely?
No – staff reductions only. Core operations continue at reduced capacity supporting AAA franchises.
Growtopia shutting down?
Unclear. MMO maintains 10M+ playerbase. Live ops likely continues under skeleton crew or outsourcing.
Tencent influence?
Vantage Studios consolidation prioritizes profitable franchises. Mobile experimentation sacrificed for AAA focus.
More studios affected?
Likely. Support/secondary studios most vulnerable. Core Montreal, Quebec, Massive protected (relatively).
2026 outlook?
Remakes carry financial weight. Division 3 critical for Massive post-layoffs. Shadows launch determines trajectory.
Employee support package?
Standard severance expected. UAE work visa complications add relocation pressure for expatriates.
Mobile gaming future?
Halifax closure signals retreat. Support roles only – no new IP experimentation expected.
Restructuring Reality Check
Ubisoft’s brutal 2026 opening reflects industry consolidation. Abu Dhabi joins Halifax graveyard as mobile dreams die. Massive Entertainment survives on Division 3 lifeline despite 32 cuts. Vantage Studios consolidation sacrifices regional hubs for AAA salvation.
UAE gaming hub aspirations dented but intact. Support studios learn bitter lesson – first targeted when publishers panic. 2026 remake pipeline buys time but Star Wars Outlaws failure haunts every decision. Ubisoft fights for survival through workforce bloodletting.