Another Studio Shake-Up as Ubisoft Proposes Big Changes at RedLynx
If you’ve ever screamed at your screen while trying to land a perfect motorcycle flip, you probably have the team at Ubisoft RedLynx to thank. The studio behind the addictively challenging Trials series has been a fan favorite for years. But now, that legacy is facing an uncertain turn. Ubisoft has announced a restructuring proposal for the Finland-based studio that could lead to significant job cuts and a fundamental change in the kind of games they make.
What’s Happening at RedLynx?
Ubisoft is planning to lay off up to 60 employees at RedLynx, primarily from the production and administration teams. This isn’t a decision made in isolation. It’s part of a much larger, company-wide effort by Ubisoft to “simplify, reduce costs, and ensure a stronger prioritization and efficiency” across its global network of studios. The company will enter into collective negotiations with RedLynx staff before any final decisions are made, a process set to begin on October 30th and wrap up by the end of November . Celine Pasula, Ubisoft RedLynx’s managing director, acknowledged the difficulty of the news. “This proposal reflects difficult choices we may need to make, and it comes after careful consideration,” she said.
The Big Pivot to ‘Small Screens’
Perhaps the biggest part of this news for fans is the proposed change in direction for the studio. RedLynx is slated to shift from being a multi-platform developer, the one that brought us titles like Trials Rising, to a studio that specializes in “small screens”. That’s corporate-speak for mobile games. The studio is reportedly already leading the development of two unannounced mobile projects. This move aims to help RedLynx better optimize its resources for what Ubisoft sees as sustainable success. For players who fell in love with RedLynx’s console and PC games, this news signals a major pivot away from the platform that made them famous.
A Wider Trend Across Ubisoft
The changes at RedLynx are a symptom of a broader restructuring happening at Ubisoft. Just recently, the company also introduced a “voluntary career transition program” at Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm, the studios behind Star Wars Outlaws and The Division. While not labeled as layoffs, these programs offer employees a package to leave the company, often in situations where future projects are uncertain. It paints a picture of a major publisher navigating a tough market by making deep cuts and strategic shifts across its entire portfolio.
Conclusion
The news from Ubisoft RedLynx is a tough pill to swallow for both employees and fans. Up to 60 individuals are facing job uncertainty, and a studio celebrated for its unique console gameplay is being repurposed for the mobile market. While Ubisoft frames this as a necessary step for long-term health, it marks a potentially sad end of an era for a beloved developer. We can only hope for the best for the affected staff and wait to see what this new chapter holds for the team at RedLynx.
FAQs
How many employees might be laid off at Ubisoft RedLynx?
The restructuring proposal could result in the reduction of up to 60 positions at the studio.
Why is Ubisoft making these changes at RedLynx?
The proposal is part of Ubisoft’s global strategy to simplify operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency across its worldwide studios.
What will RedLynx’s new focus be?
The studio is proposed to pivot from multi-platform development to specializing in mobile games, or what Ubisoft calls “small screens”.
Does this mean no more Trials games for console or PC?
The official statements do not confirm the future of the Trials franchise. However, a dedicated shift to mobile development makes the future of new, large-scale console or PC titles from the studio seem unlikely for now.
Are other Ubisoft studios being affected by layoffs?
Yes. Ubisoft is also implementing a “voluntary career transition program” at Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm, and the company has had other layoffs at various studios earlier in the year.
What is the timeline for the RedLynx decision?
Collective negotiations with staff are scheduled to begin on October 30th and are expected to conclude by the end of November, after which a final decision will be made.