Ubisoft has recently confirmed the cancellation of its first-person shooter, XDefiant, alongside the closure of its Ubisoft San Francisco studio, as well as the layoffs of nearly 300 employees. The decision comes as part of a larger company restructuring aimed at improving efficiency and focusing on its most successful projects.
Internal memos from Ubisoft’s CEO Yves Guillemot and studio head Marie-Sophie de Waubert, which have now surfaced, provide further insight into the company’s difficult decision.
One of the Most Difficult Decisions Ubisoft Has Had to Make
In a statement (thanks Insider Gaming), Yves Guillemot described the move as one of the “most difficult decisions they’ve had to make.” He expressed his admiration for the development team’s efforts, acknowledging their bold ambitions to compete with the best shooters on the market. However, despite their hard work, he admitted that it wasn’t enough to turn the project into a sustainable success.
Guillemot also addressed the employees impacted by the closures, expressing his “deepest gratitude” for their contributions. He assured that the company would provide as much support as possible to help those affected by the layoffs during this challenging time.
Ubisoft, Guillemot said, is currently navigating “turbulent times” and is focused on finding the right solutions to regain momentum. “I’m doing everything I can to help us regain momentum, so that we can continue to make Ubisoft a key player in our industry, a creator known for its unique and exceptional video games,” he emphasized.
Marie-Sophie de Waubert’s Message to Staff
Marie-Sophie de Waubert, head of the now-closed Ubisoft San Francisco studio, also sent a note to the remaining staff, explaining that XDefiant had initially shown promise but ultimately struggled to “attract and retain” a sufficient player base. She acknowledged the challenges the game faced in building a lasting community, despite its encouraging start.
However, de Waubert stressed that the failure of XDefiant would not deter Ubisoft from pursuing games-as-a-service titles in the future. She pointed to successful franchises such as Rainbow Six Siege, The Crew, and For Honor as examples of Ubisoft’s continued commitment to this model. “Games-as-a-service remains a pillar of our strategy,” she affirmed.
