It has not been a straightforward yr for Ubisoft: gross sales figures for a number of games fell wanting expectations, different initiatives needed to be cancelled or postponed. To buyers, they subsequently introduced cost-cutting measures and the Ubisoft boss turned to his workers with an pressing enchantment. But this didn’t have the specified impact on the studio in Paris.
Update on 19 January 2023: The Ubisoft boss has in the meantime apologized for his internal email, after some workers complained.
We beforehand reported on why issues are going badly for Ubisoft proper now and the way the corporate plans to take countermeasures:
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The French developer and writer has been accused of a poisonous company tradition since July 2020. At challenge are sexism points and discrimination which might be stated to be deeply embedded within the firm. Ubisoft has since eliminated some individuals from the administration degree and commented on the allegations.
Appeal to workers meets with incomprehension
Shortly after our report on the issues at Ubisoft, it turned recognized that CEO Yves Guillemot had despatched out an e-mail to Ubisoft workers, which apparently included the next assertion:
Today, greater than ever, I want your whole power and dedication to make sure that we get again on the trail to success. […] I additionally ask that every of you be particularly cautious and strategic with spending and initiatives in order that we might be as environment friendly and frugal as potential. […] The ball is in your court docket to ship this line-up on time and to the standard anticipated, and to indicate everybody what we will obtain.
However, Guillemot’s statements should not taking place nicely with the union representing Ubisoft Paris workers. In a tweet, they name for a strike on January 27:
Link to the Twitter content
For it’s feared that Guillemot’s enchantment has tangible penalties within the bag. He tries, to shift the blame onto the workers
and his phrases would imply that he needs time beyond regulation and unhealthy workloads for workers.
The cuts introduced in a press launch, it’s feared, would additionally come on the expense of the workforce. Layoffs, studio closures, pay cuts and extra are probably deliberate, it stated.
The workers calling for the strike are subsequently demanding a number of, far-reaching measures:
- An fast wage enhance of ten % to compensate for top inflation.
- An enchancment in working situations, specifically the introduction of a 4-day week
- Transparency with regard to the event of the workforce, domestically and internationally
- Decisive motion towards hidden layoffs and enterprise practices that strain workers to resign
That Ubisoft Paris will implement these complete proposals appears unlikely. To what extent the union’s efforts shall be topped with success stays to be seen, in fact.
Ubisoft boss apologizes for the mail
After a lot complaining and even a strike announcement from Ubisoft Paris workers, Yves Guillemot has apologized for his statements within the inner e-mail. In a gathering he introduced, in keeping with a report from Kotaku:
I’ve heard your suggestions and I’m sorry it was taken that manner. […] When I stated “the ball is in your court docket” to ship our lineup on time and to the standard anticipated, I meant to precise that I want your expertise and power now greater than ever to make that occur. This is a shared journey that begins, in fact, with me and the management staff in order that we will create the situations for our mutual success.
Things should not going nicely at Ubisoft
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