Since the start of 2024, the games industry has seen a huge number of layoffs from almost every major publisher and developer.

Closing in on the end of the year, Ubisoft is the latest publisher hit with closures. According to a report from Game File reporter Stephen Totilo, Ubisoft will be shutting down its studios in San Francisco and Osaka, as well as “ramping down” its team in Australia. Totilo expects that up to 277 employees are expected to lose their jobs to cuts.

In addition, Ubisoft will also be shutting down its free-to-play shooter XDefiant, ending services on 3rd June 2025. Totilo claims that Ubisoft was hoping that it could become their own “Call Of Duty”, but the game failed to live up to these lofty expectations and its team will be diverted to other projects.

Overall, Ubisoft has been having a rough year, with multiple games such as d Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown falling short of their targets.

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