Ubisoft Faces Labor Union Pressure as CEO Resignation Demanded Amid Internal Crises

TIG SEA2 hours ago

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Ubisoft in Crisis: Labor Unions Demand CEO Resignation

Ubisoft, the developer behind iconic titles such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six, and The Division, is experiencing the most severe turmoil in over a decade. Financial struggles, internal issues, and reputational damage have converged, leading Ubisoft’s labor union representatives to call for CEO Yves Guillemot’s resignation and organize a global strike.

Employees Feel Betrayed by Management

Recent interviews with Ubisoft Paris union representatives Marc Rutschlé and Chakib Mataoui revealed widespread employee anger and frustration. Many feel “betrayed” by senior management following organizational restructuring that included closing studios, canceling six in-development games, cutting an additional €200 million in costs, and enforcing a return-to-office policy requiring employees to work five days per week.

Despite not being solely responsible for these issues, union representatives believe CEO Guillemot must accept ultimate accountability, citing ongoing concerns from the 2020 sexual harassment scandal and patterns of favoritism around his inner circle, including the appointment of his son Charlie Guillemot as co-CEO of Vantage Studios.

Erosion of Trust in Leadership

Rutschlé and Mataoui both expressed that trust in current management has been lost, exacerbated by decisions like entering the NFT market between 2021–2023, which alienated both employees and fans. Mataoui suggests employees should have a say in selecting company leadership to restore trust and workplace accountability.

2020 Sexual Harassment Scandal

The 2020 harassment scandal marked a turning point. Employees reported pervasive misconduct, from unwelcome physical contact to workplace bullying. Internal audits revealed that 25% of Ubisoft’s 14,000 employees had witnessed or experienced workplace misconduct, disproportionately affecting women and non-binary employees. Legal actions resulted in convictions of three former executives, with suspended sentences, setting a precedent for accountability within corporate culture.

NFT Missteps

Ubisoft’s push into NFTs, such as the Quartz currency in Ghost Recon Breakpoint, was widely criticized. Executives failed to understand the implications for gameplay, leading to poor adoption and backlash from players who felt exploited. Development teams also opposed the initiative, citing wasted time and resources.

Return-to-Office Policy Adds Strain

The enforced five-day return-to-office policy created additional stress, particularly for employees relocating to Paris, where living costs are high. Agreements for remote work were disregarded, further fueling dissatisfaction and morale issues.

Restructuring and Financial Fallout

The corporate restructuring, including the creation of five Creative Houses, appears primarily aimed at satisfying shareholders rather than addressing employee concerns. Ubisoft’s stock plummeted 34%, hitting a 14-year low, despite restructuring announcements.

Union Action and Upcoming Protests

As of February 5, 2026, Ubisoft’s labor union is planning a global strike from February 10–12, targeting key company policies: halting voluntary layoffs of 200 employees, reversing the five-day office mandate, stopping €200 million in cost cuts, and preventing studio closures in Halifax and Stockholm. The protests coincide with Ubisoft’s Q3 FY2026 financial results announcement on February 12, adding pressure on management.

Timeline of Key Events

2020: Sexual harassment scandal causes reputational damage and talent loss.
2021–2022: NFT projects fail, Roller Champions underperforms, stock begins declining.
2023: Skull & Bones suffers $200 million loss; XDefiant player count collapses, revenue drops 30%.
2024: Star Wars Outlaws underperforms, Assassin’s Creed Shadows delayed, stock reaches a 10-year low.
2025: Tencent invests €1.16 billion for 25% stake; closures in San Francisco, Osaka, and Leamington; 1,800 layoffs.
2026: Major restructuring announced; stock falls 34%; global employee strike planned; calls for CEO resignation intensify.

Ubisoft faces a pivotal year in 2026 as labor protests intersect with financial disclosures, raising questions about the company’s ability to maintain its flagship franchises and overall market position.