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 a voluntary buyout program as it refocuses on The Division franchise, the Snowdrop engine and Ubisoft Connect. Separately, Helsinki-based RedLynx said it is proposing a restructuring that could affect up to 60 roles.

What’s changing at Massive

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

RedLynx restructuring

• Proposal: As part of Ubisoft’s broader push to simplify operations and reduce costs, RedLynx said the plan could result in up to 60 layoffs.

Context: a tougher year and shifting priorities

• Performance pressures: Following 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 fell from 20,279 to 18,666 by the end of September last year.
• Franchise consolidation: Earlier this month, Ubisoft and Tencent launched Vantage Studios, now stewarding tentpoles including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry and Rainbow Six.

What it could mean

• For players: Expect continued emphasis on The Division and platform tech/services. The omission of Star Wars and Avatar from Massive’s 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.

References:
Ubisoft Newsroom ·
Massive Entertainment ·
Background coverage and details

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