Ubisoft shuttered its Halifax, Nova Scotia studio on January 7, 2026, eliminating all 71 positions just weeks after 61 employees formed Ubisoft’s first North American union with the Game & Media Workers Guild of Canada. The 15-year-old studio developed Assassin’s Creed Rebellion and supported Rainbow Six Mobile alongside Rocksmith projects.
Union Forms, Studio Closes
December 2025 saw 86% of Halifax staff join CWA Canada after months of organizing starting June. Studio leadership initially supported unionization before corporate override. January 7 email informed remaining employees of immediate closure citing “streamlined operations” and Assassin’s Creed Rebellion’s revenue decline since 2018 launch.
Ubisoft spokesperson Antoine Leduc-Labelle claimed decision predated union vote despite restructuring timeline coinciding exactly with certification. CWA Canada’s Carmel Smyth called timing “devastating,” vowing “every legal recourse” including unfair labor practice charges. Affected roles spanned producers, programmers, artists, QA testers.
Ubisoft’s Restructuring Timeline
| Date | Action | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | Halifax announces union drive | Studio management supports |
| Dec 2025 | 61/71 employees certify union | First Ubisoft NA union forms |
| Jan 7, 2026 | Studio closes completely | 71 jobs eliminated |
Mobile Team Contributions Ended
Halifax developed Assassin’s Creed Rebellion (2018), narrative-driven mobile entry with Chibi art style and base-building mechanics. Studio supported Rainbow Six Mobile leading monetization design and live ops. Rocksmith team contributed song transcription tools used across mainline releases.
Ubisoft cites Rebellion’s revenue decline despite 10M+ downloads. Rainbow Six Mobile cancellation announced November 2025 shifted responsibilities to other studios. Halifax’s support role across Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and The Division franchises eliminated entirely.
Union Response Aggressive
CWA Canada demands documentation proving closure predated organizing. Timing violates Canada Labour Code protections against union discrimination. Precedent exists – Microsoft Montreal closure challenged successfully 2024. Halifax union plans class action alongside wrongful termination suits.
Ubisoft offers severance packages and career assistance despite legal exposure. Montreal remains largest studio (4,000+ employees) with Quebec City, Saguenay, Sherbrooke, Toronto, Winnipeg surviving restructuring. Vantage Studios (Tencent-backed) absorbs major franchise support roles.
Industry Context Brutal
Ubisoft eliminated 2,000+ positions since 2023 across Massive Entertainment, Red Lynx, London, San Francisco, Osaka. Quebec tax credit exploitation criticism grows as French government demands restructuring transparency. Unionization wave accelerates post-layoff – Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Behaviour Interactive certify 2025.
Halifax closure tests Canadian labor law limits versus international corporations. CWA Canada’s aggressive litigation strategy influences US organizing – Microsoft, Blizzard face similar timing challenges. Industry watches legal precedent closely amid 2026 layoff acceleration.
Legal Battle Looms Large
CWA files Labour Board complaint alleging anti-union retaliation. Discovery demands internal emails predating June organizing. Halifax employees entitled minimum 8 weeks notice under Canada Labour Code – violation claims strengthen bad faith argument. Criminal Code fraud investigation possible if severance withheld improperly.
FAQs
Union busting confirmed?
CWA Canada alleges violation citing timing. Ubisoft claims prior decision despite certification announcement. Legal discovery determines truth.
Assassin’s Creed Rebellion dead?
Halifax closure eliminates live ops team. Revenue decline cited as primary closure justification since 2018 launch.
Rainbow Six Mobile impacted?
Monetization team eliminated. November 2025 cancellation announcement preceded closure but accelerated timeline.
Severance packages adequate?
CWA negotiates enhanced packages. Canada Labour Code mandates 8 weeks minimum – litigation targets additional compensation.
Montreal studio safe?
Largest Ubisoft location (4,000+) survives. Quebec tax credits protect despite global restructuring pressure.
CWA Canada precedent setting?
Microsoft Montreal victory 2024 influences strategy. Halifax tests international corporation loopholes under Canadian law.
Ubisoft stock impact?
Minimal – mobile revenue negligible versus AAA franchises. Quebec government scrutiny grows over tax credit usage.
Conclusion
Ubisoft Halifax’s closure weeks after union certification tests corporate power versus Canadian labor law. 71 developers lose jobs despite studio’s 15-year contribution to Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, Rocksmith franchises. CWA Canada’s aggressive litigation challenges timing coincidence amid Ubisoft’s 2,000+ layoffs since 2023.
Montreal remains safe harbor while Vantage Studios absorbs mobile support. Legal battle establishes precedent for international publishers facing North American unionization waves. Halifax tests corporate restructuring claims versus union discrimination allegations – 2026’s first labor showdown begins.