Ubisoft Cancels Six Games, Delays Seven Amid Major Reorganization
Ubisoft has announced the cancellation of six video games, including the remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and the delay of seven other titles. These decisions are part of a company-wide reorganization that also involves the closure of two studios in Stockholm, Sweden, and Halifax, Canada. The announcement led to a significant decrease in Ubisoft's share price.
Company Actions and Project Status
Ubisoft has ceased development on six video games. Among these is the previously announced Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake. Additionally, four unannounced titles have been cancelled, comprising three new intellectual properties and one mobile game. The company also confirmed delays for seven other projects.
In conjunction with these project changes, Ubisoft has closed two studios. One studio was located in Stockholm, Sweden, and was reportedly working on a new intellectual property. The other was Ubisoft Halifax, located in Canada, which was reportedly focused on Assassin's Creed mobile titles. The closure of Ubisoft Halifax had been announced in January, coinciding with the week the studio formed a union.
Restructuring and Operational Changes
Ubisoft has initiated a "major reset" and "significant reorganization" of its operations. This restructuring includes plans to divide operations into five creative divisions, organized by genre. Further restructuring in other countries is anticipated.
"These measures aim to create the conditions for a return to sustainable growth and are necessary for us to build a more focused, efficient and sustainable organisation over the long term."
— Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft founder and chief executive
Financial Impact
Following the announcement, Ubisoft's shares decreased by approximately 33% on Thursday morning. This brought the company's valuation to €590 million (£514 million), marking its lowest valuation since 2011.
Context and Stated Reasons
Ubisoft founder and chief executive, Yves Guillemot, stated that these measures aim to "create the conditions for a return to sustainable growth" and are "necessary for us to build a more focused, efficient and sustainable organisation over the long term." He attributed the restructuring to a more selective and competitive market for AAA (big-budget, high-profile) games, noting rising development costs and increased challenges in establishing brands within the industry.
Industry analyst Piers Harding-Rolls suggested that Ubisoft may be attempting to mitigate risk by focusing investment on established franchises, such as Assassin's Creed and Rainbow Six, rather than new intellectual properties, citing the rising development costs. Gaming industry economist Laurent Michaud indicated that action-adventure titles, like Prince of Persia, may be less aligned with current market demand, which he characterized as being influenced predominantly by genres such as shooters (e.g., Fortnite, Call of Duty), cooperative adventure titles (e.g., Peak), and multiplayer sports games (e.g., those on Roblox).
These strategic adjustments follow a period characterized by game delays, cancellations, and operational challenges, which have previously affected investor confidence and the company's financial position, including a reported breach of debt terms in late 2025.