In a sudden move that has sent shockwaves through Canada's video game industry, global gaming giant Ubisoft has announced the closure of its Halifax studio. The decision, which takes effect immediately, results in the loss of 71 jobs and comes mere weeks after the studio's workforce successfully voted to unionize.
A Sudden Closure Following Union Certification
The timing of the closure is particularly striking. According to Ron Carroll, president of the Game and Media Guild of Canada (part of CWA Canada), the union completed its certification for the Halifax workers on December 18, 2025. The union was actively preparing to begin collective bargaining negotiations with the company when the announcement was made on January 6, 2026.
Carroll expressed profound shock, recalling that Ubisoft had initially sent a positive message following the union vote. "They sent a very positive, pro-labour, unionized message. 'Oh, it's really nice that the workers are now unionized. We're looking forward to working well with them and starting negotiations,' and then bang," he stated.
Employees reportedly arrived at work on Wednesday morning to find the studio doors closed. An organizer involved with the union informed Carroll that "the doors were closed at 8 a.m.".
Ubisoft's Rationale and Worker Support
In an official email, Ubisoft framed the decision as part of broader efforts to "streamline operations and reduce costs." The company stated it is committed to supporting impacted team members during the transition, offering comprehensive severance packages and career assistance.
Carroll confirmed that affected workers have been told they will continue to be paid for eight weeks following the sudden shutdown. Ubisoft allegedly told employees the closure was tied to a specific project ending. However, Carroll questioned this explanation, a common point of contention in game development where titles require ongoing updates and support.
"I mean, once a game is formed, it's never over," Carroll argued. "It constantly gets updated into newer versions of the game, so I don't know why they claim that this project is over."
Devastating Impact and Lingering Questions
The closure marks a devastating end for a studio that had been operating in Halifax since 2010. For employees, the timing adds a cruel layer of difficulty, occurring right after the holiday season as the new year begins.
"It must be terrible for them to wake up and find out that their jobs are all of a sudden gone, you know, especially after Christmas and the new year starting," Carroll said.
The union is now seeking more information, with national leadership meeting to discuss the situation. A central, unresolved question hangs over the closure: is it truly a result of financial restructuring and project cycles, or a reaction to the workers' successful unionization drive?
"I'm hoping that it's not related to the fact that they were just unionized, that it's something very technical and simple like a project ending and they just don't have any work for them," Carroll concluded, while clearly acknowledging the suspicious coincidence.
The shutdown not only affects 71 individuals and their families but also represents a significant loss for the tech and creative sector in Atlantic Canada, raising concerns about job security and labour rights in the burgeoning video game industry.
