Ubisoft lays off 40 staff working on Splinter Cell remake, says game remains in development

Engadget

by Matt Tate

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Ubisoft has announced the layoff of approximately 40 employees at its Toronto studio, which is currently working on the highly anticipated *Splinter Cell* remake. Despite these cuts, the company confirmed that the game remains in active development and will continue to receive support from the Canadian studio. The layoffs are part of a broader organizational restructuring affecting other Ubisoft locations, including its Swedish studios and potentially up to 200 employees at its Paris headquarters. This move follows the recent cancellation of another major project, *The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time* remake, further signaling significant shifts in the company's strategy. The Toronto layoffs come after a challenging year for Ubisoft, marked by widespread cost-cutting measures and employee strikes. Earlier in the month, 1,200 employees across the company went on strike to protest recent cuts and the overall direction of the business. The affected roles at Toronto are part of a larger effort to restructure operations, though the exact reasons behind these decisions remain unclear. Ubisoft has emphasized support for those impacted, offering severance packages and career placement assistance. These developments highlight ongoing challenges within the gaming industry, particularly for large publishers like Ubisoft, which faces pressure to balance profitability with ambitious project pipelines. The layoff of staff working on *Splinter Cell* raises questions about the game's future, despite assurances from Ubisoft that it remains a priority. Meanwhile, the cancellation of *The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time* and other projects underscores the company’s strategic pivot, which may continue to impact its reputation and consumer trust. As the gaming industry evolves, such restructuring efforts by major players like Ubisoft will likely remain a hot topic for tech enthusiasts and industry watchers. While these changes aim to streamline operations and reduce costs, they also raise

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Originally published on Engadget on 2/20/2026