Ubisoft’s Massive offers voluntary buyouts as RedLynx restructures, raising questions for Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar

Ubisoft is initiating another round of cost-cutting and team realignment. Massive Entertainment — the studio behind The Division, Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora — is offering employees a voluntary buyout program as it refocuses on The Division franchise, the Snowdrop engine and Ubisoft Connect.

What’s changing at Massive

• Voluntary buyouts: Presented as a “voluntary career transition program” with financial and career assistance for eligible staff.
• Who/when: The program is open to Massive’s Malmö, Sweden team through December 13, primarily targeting employees between projects awaiting new assignments.
• Refocus areas: The Division, core tech (Snowdrop) and services (Ubisoft Connect). Notably absent from the roadmap mention: Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.

RedLynx restructuring

• Proposal: Helsinki-based RedLynx said its restructuring plan, part of Ubisoft’s global efficiency push, could result in up to 60 layoffs.

Context and recent history

• Performance pressures: After underperformance of high-profile titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Ubisoft has closed or downsized offices in San Francisco, London and Leamington.
• Headcount trend: Company headcount dropped from 20,279 to 18,666 by the end of September last year.
• Franchise consolidation: Ubisoft partnered with Tencent to launch Vantage Studios, now home to tentpoles including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry and Rainbow Six.

What it could mean

• For players: Expect a continued emphasis on The Division and platform tech. The omission of Star Wars and Avatar from Massive’s stated focus raises questions about future updates and long-term support.
• For developers: Voluntary exits and restructurings may trigger talent reshuffles across Ubisoft studios and projects.

Sources and further reading:
Ubisoft Newsroom ·
Massive Entertainment ·
Report and details

Discussion: Should Ubisoft double down on The Division and core tech, or keep investing in Star Wars and Avatar despite recent performance?