Ubisoft has recently announced layoffs affecting 19 positions at Red Storm Entertainment, the studio known for contributing to the Tom Clancy franchise. This move comes amid a wave of layoffs across the entire video game industry, including the earlier closure of Ubisoft’s Leamington studio. Fortunately, the recent cuts at Red Storm will not significantly impact the studio as it aims to maintain its operations. While Ubisoft has avoided substantial workforce reductions in 2025, it has faced criticism for its unpopular decisions, particularly concerning the delisting of popular games.
This controversial move sparked the emergence of the Stop Killing Games movement, which recently garnered over 1 million signatures on a petition aimed at the European Parliament. The petition seeks to impose regulations on the delisting and deletion of video games. According to IGN, Ubisoft described the layoffs as part of a cost-cutting restructuring effort. Established in 1996 with Tom Clancy’s assistance, Red Storm has shifted to a support role for other Ubisoft projects in recent years.
Notably, the studio’s most recent endeavor, The Division: Heartland, was canceled last year. Though the layoff of 19 employees may seem modest compared to recent mass layoffs at Microsoft and other firms, it’s a sobering reality that impacts the industry. Given Red Storm’s nearly three-decade history rooted in Tom Clancy’s legacy, this decision is particularly regrettable. However, fans may find solace in the fact that popular titles, like Rainbow Six Siege, were developed by Ubisoft Montreal.
These layoffs happen during a period where young Americans appear to be spending significantly less on gaming. While there may not be a direct link between these trends, the restructuring efforts highlight the industry’s attempt to adapt to evolving consumer needs. The effectiveness of these decisions remains to be seen, but the necessity of such drastic measures is still up for debate.