Ongoing Ubisoft Layoffs Impact Growtopia Studio and Ubisoft Abu Dhabi [Update]

Update: January 14, 2026 – In a recent announcement, GamesIndustry. Biz reported that Ubisoft has made the difficult decision to lay off 29 developers at its Abu Dhabi studio. In an official statement, Ubisoft explained, “In November, we made the tough choice to restructure our Abu Dhabi mobile studio, opting to discontinue several projects to concentrate efforts on Growtopia. Unfortunately, this decision impacted 29 team members, and we are profoundly thankful for their contributions. We are committed to providing them with support during this transition.”

Initial Background on Ubisoft Layoffs

As Ubisoft enters 2026, it finds itself in a challenging position similar to the previous year. In January 2025, the prominent gaming company closed its Leamington studio, resulting in the job loss of 185 employees. Fast forward to the start of 2026, and the company has faced further layoffs. Following the closure of Ubisoft Halifax, layoffs at Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft Stockholm have contributed to an estimated total of 126 developers losing their jobs, a number expected to rise as reports of continued layoffs at Ubisoft Abu Dhabi have emerged.

Details Surrounding the Layoffs

Reports indicate that layoffs at the Abu Dhabi studio began in December 2025 and have extended into the new year. Notable staff affected include former art director Daniel Kovacs, who took to LinkedIn to express his gratitude for his three and a half years at Ubisoft, stating, “I took some time to reflect after being impacted by the recent layoffs, and I just want to say how grateful I am.” Likewise, Raiza Veridiano, the studio’s social media manager, also announced their layoffs through LinkedIn, sharing their experiences at the company over the past 4 years and 9 months.

Furthermore, game support specialist Zohaib Shafiq disclosed on LinkedIn that their journey at the studio is coming to a close after a successful 4.5 years. In his post, Shafiq reflected on the valuable experiences and relationships built during his time at Ubisoft.

Context of Organizational Changes

The layoffs follow Ubisoft’s strategy to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency as the company navigates a rapidly changing gaming landscape. The decision to reduce its workforce aligns with similar trends where major game developers are increasingly focusing on optimizing resources. Last year, Ubisoft also formed a new partnership with Tencent to establish Vantage Studios, which now houses some of the company’s most significant franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.

The Abu Dhabi team is notably recognized for its contributions to popular titles such as Growtopia and CSI: Hidden Crimes.

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