Major Labor Action Hits Ubisoft Studios
An international strike involving at least 1,200 Ubisoft employees is currently underway, scheduled from February 10 to February 12, 2026. The industrial action, confirmed by Solidaires Informatique union representative Marc Rutschl, primarily affects studios in France, with additional participation from staff at Ubisoft Milan.
Catalysts for Unrest
The strike is a direct response to a series of controversial decisions by the publisher's leadership. On January 21, Ubisoft announced a "final" wave of cost-cutting measures that resulted in the closure of several studios and the cancellation of six upcoming game titles. This restructuring has drawn sharp criticism from the workforce.
Marc Rutschl expressed strong sentiments regarding the company's direction, suggesting a disconnect between CEO Yves Guillemot and the workforce. The representative noted that teams are already operating under intense pressure with insufficient staffing, a situation exacerbated by years of stagnant wages.
Wage Stagnation and Office Mandates
Beyond the immediate layoffs and project cancellations, employees are voicing concerns over compensation. Union representatives stated that despite the high-pressure environment, staff will not receive pay raises for the upcoming year, continuing a trend of minimal or non-existent salary increases.
Adding to the friction is Ubisoft's mandate requiring employees to return to the office five days a week. This policy previously sparked a three-day strike in September 2024 involving over 700 French workers. The current strike marks an escalation in the ongoing dispute between Ubisoft management and its development teams.
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