Ubisoft retools around autonomous creative studios as cost cuts draw nepotism scrutiny

Ubisoft’s CEO Yves Guillemot outlines €200 million in fixed-cost reductions and a shift to autonomous “creative houses” built around key franchises, alongside ongoing development of Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry titles and unannounced projects. The plan emphasizes selective restructuring, voluntary departures, tighter recruitment, and project pruning after post-Covid expansion. The move coincides with the appointment of Guillemot’s son Charlie as co-CEO of Vantage Studios, fueling nepotism criticism despite Ubisoft’s defense of the family-led, long‑term strategy. Tencent funds Vantage but claims operational autonomy, while investor confidence has been pressured by governance concerns; about 1,200 French workers recently struck over the company’s changes and return-to-office policy.