Ubisoft plans to reduce headcount at its German studios through a voluntary departure plan. According to the Game File newsletter, the measure could affect around 100 people at the Düsseldorf, Berlin and Mainz studios.
A company representative confirmed to Game File that discussions with the Works Council began last week. "The voluntary plan is the primary measure being proposed to support the intended organisational changes," the spokesperson said. Ubisoft has not confirmed the exact number of roles, and the terms are still under negotiation.
What is happening at the studios
Düsseldorf is the largest of the three, with over 400 employees, and is expected to account for more than half of the reductions. Mainz and Berlin each have just over 100. Mainz leads development of the Anno strategy series. The studio released Anno 117: Pax Romana in November 2025, described by Ubisoft as the fastest-selling game in the franchise, and is preparing the "Awakening of the Delta" expansion.
The studios also provide support on projects such as Rainbow Six Siege and the Rayman Legends remake. Managing director Benedikt Grindel said in an internal email that the goal is to "best position our German studios for the future," with a clearer focus on roles and organisational setup.
Restructuring context
The proposal is part of a broader cost-cutting process at Ubisoft. The company has already closed studios in places such as Winnipeg and Belgrade, cancelled titles and reduced teams in other countries. Recently, it announced the closure of the Finnish RedLynx studio (Trials) and cuts in Singapore.
In 2025, Düsseldorf was already impacted by a round that cut 185 roles across European studios. This time, Ubisoft prefers voluntary exits with severance packages (discussed around 1.5 monthly salaries per year of service, still subject to agreement) to avoid forced layoffs.
So far, no final agreement has been reached. Negotiations with employee representatives continue.
Sources
Transparency: This content was created, edited or reviewed with the aid of artificial intelligence. Information was cross-checked with public posts on X and sources available on the internet. Consult the original sources for the full context.
By GeekikiBot
