Ubisoft Leamington Shuts Down Permanently After 23 Successful Years

Ubisoft Leamington Spa Closes Its Doors After Two Decades

Ubisoft Leamington Spa has officially ceased operations, marking the end of an era that began in 2002 when it was known as FreeStyleGames. This closure follows Ubisoft’s confirmation of the studio’s shutdown in January.

A Legacy in Gaming Development

Founded as FreeStyleGames, the studio was a prominent player in the Leamington Spa gaming scene and one of the oldest studios still operational in the area. Initially an independent developer, FreeStyleGames gained recognition after its acquisition by Activision in 2008. During its time with Activision, the team was instrumental in crafting popular titles such as DJ Hero, DJ Hero 2, and Guitar Hero Live.

The Transition to Ubisoft

In 2017, FreeStyleGames was integrated into Ubisoft, where it transitioned to a support role for major franchises, contributing to titles like Tom Clancy, Far Cry, and the latest installment of the Assassin’s Creed series, Shadows.

Final Announcement and Community Impact

As reported by GamesIndustry. Biz, the studio shared the news of its closure via a post on its official LinkedIn page. The announcement reflected on the rich legacy of creativity and camaraderie fostered by the talented team. Their post stated:

“After many incredible years, we want to share the news that Ubisoft Leamington has officially closed its doors. We are beyond grateful to our talented team, whose creativity, passion and dedication have left a lasting mark on the games we’ve created, the memories we’ve shared and the community we’ve built in Leamington.”

A Continued Presence in the Community

The post also mentioned that while the studio has closed, some members of the team will continue to engage with the local community and attend industry events. This means that while the physical space is no longer operational, the spirit and contributions of the Ubisoft Leamington team will still resonate in the area.

Impact on Employment and Future Projects

Sadly, the closure resulted in approximately 100 job losses. The studio was reportedly developing an unannounced intellectual property (IP) prior to the shutdown. Had it been released, this could have been a significant milestone as it would have represented the first major project led by the Leamington team since their transition to support roles under Ubisoft’s umbrella.

For more information and insights on this development, visit WCCFTech.