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A union has called a strike at Ubisoft in France to protest new guidelines requiring a three-day return to the office after more than five years of working remotely. The STJV (Syndicat des Travailleurs et Travailleuses du Jeu Vidéo) called the move disconcerting, especially in a fragile economic context for Ubisoft.
Clear demands to management
The STJV highlighted several points of discontent:
- The constraint of returning to the office three days a week.
- The drastic reduction in profit sharing, now capped at 60%.
- Lack of communication and transparency from management.
“The games exist thanks to the work of the employees,” said a spokesperson for the STJV. This statement comes in a tense climate where the salary negotiations seem to be marking time.
The STJV also announced its intention to resort to new demonstrations from October 15 to 17, with the first strike planned for that date in a long time. This decision does not come as a surprise since, already in February, nearly 700 Ubisoft employees had joined the picket line for similar demands.
Impact on ongoing projects
The discontent within the company is not without consequences. Ubisoft has had to postpone the release of its highly anticipated title, Assassin’s Creed Shadowsto February 2025. This postponement is a direct response to the internal disruptions caused by the tense social climate.
The impact of this situation is not limited to project delays. “Teams are demotivated and this is affecting our overall productivity,” an anonymous Ubisoft employee explained. Management, for its part, seems to have remained silent in the face of these accusations of lack of recognition.
Dark hours for Ubisoft
Ubisoft is struggling to regain a harmonious relationship with its employees. Tensions have reached a fever pitch, and communication between the parties remains complicated. Voices are also being raised among the developers of major titles like Star Wars Outlaws, reporting that their contributions go unnoticed and are not duly rewarded.
The uncertainty surrounding Ubisoft’s future is materializing in a loss of talent. Several talented developers have recently left the company, further affecting the creative dynamics within the teams.
An uncertain but hopeful future
Faced with this delicate situation, Ubisoft must absolutely open a dialogue with its employees and find common ground. One solution would be to reevaluate the return-to-work policy and consider compromise on profit sharing. Flexible negotiations and consideration of employee concerns could help prevent further strikes and restore trust within teams.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows and other key franchises for Ubisoft cannot afford to suffer further delays. A calm climate is essential to ensure the quality and release of future games.
It is crucial for Ubisoft to adopt a conciliatory strategy to navigate through this internal crisisOnly a joint effort and active listening to employees’ demands will allow Ubisoft to regain the stability necessary for its operations.
