Ubisoft RedLynx, the studio best known for the Trials series, has announced a restructuring proposal that could affect up to 60 positions.
Announced via official website of the studioRedLynx says the offering is part of the company's global effort to “simplify, reduce costs and drive greater prioritization and efficiency across the company's worldwide network of studios.”
Before a decision is made, the studio undertakes to conduct collective bargaining negotiations with its employees. The statement stressed that the negotiations primarily concern the production and administrative teams, and not “the technology team working on the Ubisoft Snowdrop game engine.”
Negotiations will begin on October 30 and end by the end of November. If the proposal goes through, RedLynx said it would result in “a maximum of 60 job cuts” at the studio.
A Ubisoft spokesperson told Game Developer that the staff cuts are “designed to optimize resources, leverage RedLynx's unique expertise, and position the studio for long-term, sustainable success.”
RedLynx aims to focus on 'small screens'
The statement goes on to add that if implemented, the “proposed changes” would refocus RedLynx from a multi-platform setup to a “small screen focused studio.” According to the statement, this will allow RedLynx to achieve sustainable success and optimize its resources “to best leverage the studio's unique expertise.” It is also mentioned that the studio is developing two unannounced mobile projects.
“This proposal reflects the difficult choices we may have to make and has been made after careful consideration,” Ubisoft RedLynx managing director Celine Pasoula said in a statement. “We recognize the importance of this announcement and want to recognize the impact this proposal can have on individuals and teams.”
RedLynx employees won't be the first to be hit by Ubisoft layoffs this year. In January the company closed its studio in Leamington, UK, and cut staff at others in Dusseldorf, Stockholm and Newcastle. These cuts come months after Ubisoft abandoned online shooter XDefiant and closed its studios in Osaka and San Francisco.
Then, in July, the company confirmed that 19 employees were laid off at Ubisoft Red Storm. This news comes just a few months after Ubisoft created new subsidiary in partnership with Tencentwhich acquired a minority stake in the division for approximately $1.25 billion. Just last month, the company cut jobs, primarily among its publishing team. In a statement, Ubisoft said the layoffs were part of “strategic structural solutions to ensure a smooth and fast launch» a new subsidiary backed by Tencent.
Update 22.10: This story has been updated with additional commentary from Ubisoft.
