Ubisoft has ended game development at its veteran studio Red Storm Entertainment, cutting approximately 105 jobs as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures. Founded in 1996 and acquired by Ubisoft in 2000, Red Storm played a pivotal role in shaping iconic franchises such as Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, and The Division. The decision marks the end of an era for the studio, which for decades contributed significantly to the development of tactical shooters and open-world games.
Prior to the layoffs, Red Storm had 10 games in development, indicating a robust and active pipeline. These projects included both new titles and expansions for existing franchises. The cessation of development activities means these projects will either be canceled, transferred to other studios, or restructured, potentially impacting Ubisoft’s future release schedule and creative direction.
Affected employees will no longer work directly on game development. Instead, Red Storm will transition into a support studio, focusing on IT infrastructure and the maintenance of the Snowdrop engine—a powerful game engine used by Ubisoft for several of its modern titles. This restructuring is part of Ubisoft’s broader strategy to streamline operations, concentrate resources, and improve financial efficiency, especially amid economic uncertainty and rising development costs in the video game industry.
The closure of Red Storm’s development division represents both an emotional and strategic setback for many employees and fans. The studio was renowned not only for its technical expertise but also for its creative vision and pioneering work in the tactical shooter genre. Ubisoft has emphasized that the decision was not made lightly but deemed necessary to remain competitive in the long term. The future of the affected employees remains uncertain, though Ubisoft has pledged to offer internal transition opportunities where possible.