The French video game giant Ubisoft confirmed, on January 13, 2026, a new series of layoffs. This time, it is the Swedish studios Massive Entertainment (in Malmö) and Ubisoft Stockholm which are involved, with a total of 55 job cuts announced. This decision is part of a global restructuring plan aimed at streamline group operations while ensuring its competitiveness in a constantly evolving market.
Why now?
According to an official Ubisoft press release, this decision comes after the partial failure of a voluntary departure program launched in 2025, which did not make it possible to achieve the hoped-for workforce reduction objectives. The company specifies that this measure is structural and “looking towards the future”, linked to a long-term roadmapand not in response to any drop in team performance.
Massive Entertainment: a central player, despite losses
Massive Entertainment, known for being the main studio behind the franchise The Divisionremains a strategic pillar in the Ubisoft ecosystem. The studio remains at the head of the development of The Division 3while continuing to support The Division 2 and working on a new multiplayer extraction project, for the moment called Survivors.
Massive is also behind the graphics engine Snowdropused in major productions like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws. Despite the layoffs, Ubisoft assures that these projects are not threatened.
Ubisoft Stockholm also affected
The youngest of Ubisoft’s Swedish studios, based in Stockholm, is also the subject of this reorganization. Although it is less publicized than Massive, Ubisoft Stockholm participates in several internal technological initiatives, notably around Ubisoft Connect and unannounced projects. The employees concerned have been informed individually and will benefit from support in accordance with local laws.
Context: a global restructuring plan
This wave of layoffs is part of a broader context. Ubisoft announced in 2023 a two-year restructuring plan aimed at reduce operating costs. At the beginning of January 2026, the studio Ubisoft Halifax in Canada was closed, resulting in 71 job cuts. The group’s strategy consists of redirect its investments towards the most promising securities while reducing its costs.
And The Division in all this?
Despite the cuts, Ubisoft remains clear: The Division franchise remains a priority. The Division 3 is actively in development, and Ubisoft promises to continue supporting the community with new content and improved online experiences.