In recent discussions within Ubisoft, CEO Yves Guillemot addressed growing concerns about the company’s future, which came to light through an internal survey. These worries among employees reflect Ubisoft’s recent struggles with several big-budget projects failing to meet expectations.
Ubisoft has faced a challenging few years, with setbacks intensifying since the start of 2024. Titles like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Skull and Bones, and Star Wars Outlaws have not hit their sales targets. Moreover, the company’s free-to-play shooter, XDefiant, launched in May 2024, did not achieve the success anticipated. This led to the game’s discontinuation in June 2025, resulting in the closure of Ubisoft’s San Francisco and Osaka studios and significant job losses.
Following the announcement about XDefiant, Guillemot shared a company-wide memo, which was later leaked, acknowledging employees’ concerns about the future. From a survey with an 86% participation rate, over 55,000 comments were recorded, reflecting widespread unease among a workforce totaling around 21,000.
Despite these challenges, Guillemot is determined to keep Ubisoft on course. He expressed his commitment to overcoming current difficulties, vowing to “maintain control of our destiny.” Guillemot announced that new initiatives would soon be rolled out to streamline development and refocus on creativity. These efforts echo past measures, such as the probe initiated in September 2024 to evaluate company practices.
In his memo, Guillemot described the decision to shut down XDefiant and its associated studios as tough but necessary. He admitted that their attempts to rival Call of Duty fell short, thanking those involved in the project for their hard work.
Looking ahead, Ubisoft’s hopes for recovery are pinned on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, now scheduled for release on February 14. The previous blockbuster, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, notched over $1 billion in revenue, benefiting from the increased gaming demand during the pandemic. Whether Shadows can replicate Valhalla’s success without the same external circumstances remains uncertain, even if it proves to be a stellar release.
Ubisoft, headquartered in Saint-Mandé, France, has a rich history in the gaming world. Under the leadership of CEO Yves Guillemot, the company is known for iconic franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance. As it navigates current challenges, the focus remains on delivering quality experiences that resonate with players worldwide.
