Ubisoft Cancels Six Games in Sweeping Restructuring Move
French video game publisher Ubisoft has cancelled six game projects, including the long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, in a sweeping reset that underscores the growing challenges facing large game studios.
The company also confirmed plans to close two studios in Sweden and Canada, while delaying or restructuring several other projects as part of a broader effort to stabilise its business after several difficult years.
Ubisoft Says Cuts Are ‘Painful but Necessary’
Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot described the decisions as painful but unavoidable, saying the publisher must sharpen its focus to remain competitive in an industry defined by rising development costs and intense competition for player attention.
According to the company, the restructuring is aimed at improving long-term sustainability and concentrating resources on projects with the strongest commercial potential.
Why the Prince of Persia Remake Was Cancelled
The cancellation of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake has come as a shock to many fans. The original 2003 title is widely regarded as a landmark action-adventure game and helped shape modern third-person gameplay.
However, the decision highlights a harsh reality in today’s gaming market: nostalgia alone is no longer enough. Game development timelines are longer, budgets are significantly higher, and the risk of commercial failure has increased.
As a result, publishers like Ubisoft are becoming more cautious, prioritising franchises with proven track records rather than reviving older titles or experimenting with new concepts.
Doubling Down on Proven Franchises
Instead of investing in uncertain projects, Ubisoft says it will focus more heavily on its established blockbuster series, including:
- Assassin’s Creed
- Far Cry
- Rainbow Six
These franchises are seen as reliable revenue drivers, particularly through large open-world releases and live-service models that generate recurring income over time.
Investor Concerns and Market Reaction
The market responded swiftly to the announcement. Ubisoft’s shares fell sharply following the news, signalling investor unease not only about the cancelled projects but also about the broader health of the company and the global games industry.
The reaction reflects growing concerns about whether traditional big-budget publishers can sustain current development models amid escalating costs and shifting player behaviour.
Impact on Developers and the Wider Games Industry
The closure of Ubisoft’s studios in Stockholm and Halifax will result in further job losses, adding to a wave of layoffs and project cancellations already affecting the global games industry.
Several teams working on mobile titles and experimental projects are expected to be impacted, reinforcing the sense of instability facing developers across the sector.
Ubisoft’s Strategic Focus Going Forward
Looking ahead, Ubisoft says it will prioritise:
- Large-scale open-world games
- Live-service titles with frequent updates
- Expansion of existing franchises rather than launching new IP
The shift reflects a broader industry trend, as major publishers concentrate on fewer, bigger bets in an increasingly competitive and cost-intensive market.
While this strategy may help stabilise Ubisoft’s finances, it also raises questions about creativity, risk-taking, and the future diversity of big-budget video games.
