Ubisoft Barcelona: Strike Against Layoffs Following “Black Flag” Success
Ubisoft’s recent release of “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced” has garnered immense popularity, selling two million copies on its first day. While this achievement marks a significant milestone for the French gaming giant, not all employees at Ubisoft Barcelona are celebrating. Since Tuesday, the staff at the Barcelona studio has initiated a strike against the proposed layoffs of 51 employees, a move that casts a shadow over the studio’s recent success.
The Strike: Objectives and Demands
The ongoing strike, organized by the Coordinadora Sindical del Videojuego (CSVI), is set to continue until Thursday. Reports indicate that the works council and other unions have joined the strike, with demonstrators demanding the retraction of the planned layoffs. They are also seeking commitments against further mass layoffs, a return to a former remote work policy allowing 60% of work from home, and assurances of promotions and salary increases.
Ubisoft has confirmed the situation, stating that the Barcelona studio will focus solely on the “Rainbow Six” franchise moving forward. Although the layoffs are not yet confirmed, the CSVI believes that affected employees will have to leave the studio in the coming weeks.
Context: Layoff Plans and Company Restructuring
Ubisoft’s layoff proposals are not new. The company has been restructuring its studios worldwide, having already shut down locations in Winnipeg and Belgrade. Additionally, there were mentions of potential job cuts in Barcelona weeks before the release of “Black Flag Resynced.” During this restructuring effort, as many as 380 positions could be eliminated.
This overhaul is part of Ubisoft’s broader global cost-cutting program. In recent months, the company has reduced its workforce by up to 1,500 employees. The consolidation of franchises such as “Assassin’s Creed,” “Far Cry,” and “Rainbow Six” into the Vantage Studios division, which receives investment from Tencent, further illustrates Ubisoft’s shift in strategy.
A Successful Release Amidst Challenges
Despite the turmoil within Ubisoft Barcelona, “Black Flag Resynced” has launched successfully, with over 100,000 concurrent players on Steam, according to SteamDB. This makes it the highest player count ever for an “Assassin’s Creed” title on the platform. The game currently holds a respectable score of 84 on Metacritic, demonstrating strong initial reception.
Interestingly, the exact contributions of Ubisoft Barcelona to this success remain unclear. The studio, which handled all underwater levels for the game, is mentioned only in passing in communications from Vantage Studios. This has led to sentiments among the workforce that the very team responsible for a key feature of the game is being marginalized.
Conclusion: A Complex Situation
As Ubisoft navigates this complex situation, the contrast between corporate success and employee welfare becomes glaringly evident. The Barcelona team, despite contributing significantly to one of the company’s successful titles, faces uncertainty and job loss. The outcome of this strike and its implications for the future of Ubisoft Barcelona will be crucial in determining the studio’s trajectory amid a rapidly changing industry landscape.
In summary, while “Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced” celebrates a triumphant launch, the strained atmosphere at Ubisoft Barcelona serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges within the gaming industry. The resolution of these labor issues will be pivotal, not just for the affected employees, but for the continued integrity and strength of Ubisoft as a leading game publisher.
