The crisis within the French gaming giant Ubisoft has reached an uncontrollable level. The company’s recent controversial decisions and strict office policies for employees have led to a significant rebellion. The closing of the studio that developed the critically acclaimed “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” was the final straw for employees.
Ubisoft is boiling!
With a Metacritic score of 86, “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” was praised by players for its return to the series’ roots and innovative Metroidvania design. However, despite a development budget of $200 million, the game only generated $15 million in revenue, leading Ubisoft’s management to deem it a failure. The company also rejected the development team’s proposal for a new Prince of Persia project, opting instead to shut down the studio.
Following these events, Ubisoft France implemented a mandatory policy requiring employees to work in the office at least three days a week, sparking a major crisis within the company. Management cited the need to “enhance creativity and strengthen relationships among employees” as the reason for the decision, but it has had the opposite effect. Over 700 employees have staged a three-day strike to strongly oppose this mandate.
Ubisoft’s recent troubles don’t stop there. The anticipated sales of “Star Wars Outlaws” have fallen short, and the Assassin’s Creed series has seen a decline in sales, putting the company in a challenging position. The shelving of beloved series like Rayman and technical issues in AAA games have only added to the turmoil, pushing the company into a crisis.
Employees have indicated that the strike could be extended if management’s rigid stance does not change, while the gaming world closely watches Ubisoft’s next steps. Founded in 1986, the 38-year legacy of the company may hinge on the decisions it makes in the coming period.
What do you think about this situation? We look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.
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