Ubisoft Proposes Voluntary Departure Plan for 100 German Staff

Key points

• Ubisoft has begun negotiations with the Works Council regarding a voluntary departure plan for its German studios.
• Approximately 100 employees are expected to be affected, with more than half of the cuts anticipated at the Düsseldorf studio.
• The plan is described as the primary measure to support organizational changes and clarify the role and capabilities of the German studios.
• Potential severance payouts are under negotiation, with a proposed formula involving monthly salary multiplied by 1.5 and years of service, though no final agreement has been reached.
• The cuts follow the closure of the RedLynx studio and recent reductions in Singapore, as part of Ubisoft’s final phase of cost-reduction initiatives.

Background

This development follows Ubisoft’s restructuring into six 'Creative Houses,' a move that included the cancellation of six titles and the closure of studios in Stockholm, Halifax, Winnipeg, and Belgrade. In June 2026, the company laid off hundreds of staff globally, and it was reported that the company might reduce its total workforce by 18% to achieve an annual fixed cost reduction of at least €200 million. The German cuts appear to be an additional measure beyond this previously reported global reduction.

How outlets are covering it

GamesIndustry.biz and TechPowerUp both report on the voluntary nature of the departure plan and the involvement of the Works Council. GamesIndustry.biz emphasizes that the payout formula is still subject to negotiation and that Ubisoft has not made an official offer, while TechPowerUp highlights that these cuts may fall outside the previously reported 18% global workforce reduction. Both sources agree that Düsseldorf will bear the brunt of the reductions, but TechPowerUp also notes that Mainz, known for titles like Anno 1800 and Rainbow Six Siege, is significantly affected. GamesIndustry.biz provides more detail on the specific payout formula being discussed, whereas TechPowerUp focuses on the broader context of Ubisoft’s cost-cutting goals.

Why it matters

The proposed voluntary departure plan signals continued financial pressure on Ubisoft as it navigates its restructuring into Creative Houses. The focus on voluntary departures and negotiated severance suggests an attempt to manage workforce reductions while maintaining labor relations. The impact on key studios like Düsseldorf and Mainz could affect the development of major franchises and the company’s long-term strategic direction in Europe.

What to watch

Negotiations between Ubisoft and the Works Council will continue to determine the final terms of the voluntary departure plan, including any severance packages. The outcome of these discussions will influence the actual number of employees who leave and the timing of the reductions. Ubisoft may also provide further updates on how the restructuring of its German studios will affect ongoing projects and future game development.