On September 11th last year, a 4,000+ strong workforce resumed Ubisoft’s Montreal office for the first time in three years. But what was meant to be a harmonious reunion has become a tale of broken promises and simmering frustration, as many employees allege the video game publisher reneged on its 100% remote work promise.
For many employees, this disenchantment with resuming office is deeply intertwined with a broader narrative of company-wide layoffs, game cancellations, and abuse allegations. The frustration is mounting as they perceive it as the management’s indifference to their concerns, pushing many to a breaking point.
The Significance of Ubisoft Montreal Office
Ubisoft established its Montreal studio in April 1997 as a pivotal move in its global expansion strategy. Leveraging government subsidies to generate high-tech jobs, Ubisoft’s success not only established Montreal as a hub of creativity but also attracted other major game developers like Electronic Arts (EA), Warner Bros, and THQ to the city. While it was initially conceived as a 500-employee office, the Montreal studio significantly surpassed expectations, now accommodating over 4,000 employees – which constitutes almost a quarter of Ubisoft’s entire workforce.
Ubisoft’s WFH Measures
Just last year, Ubisoft proudly championed its 100% hybrid work model. In a statement to CBC, Antoine Leduc-Labelle, the company’s PR manager, emphasized, “Our employees have the freedom to choose between from in the office or from home”. Additionally, internal documents obtained by the trades showcased Ubisoft’s commitment to “100% remote work based on criteria like productivity, job nature and team impact”.
However, a seismic shift occurred on September 11, when a new policy came into effect mandating all employees to be present in the office for at least two days per week. This abrupt change has left many employees bewildered and frustrated after the company’s prior assurances of flexibility.
Challenges in Reopening the Offices
It is interesting to note that Canada’s tech industry has been trying to move away from remote work for a while now. Industry leaders like IBM Corp CEO Arvind Krishna and Amazon’s Andy Jassy have hinted at a more office-centric future. While not mandating an immediate return, they imply that promotions and career progression might favor those back in the office.
This stance, however, is met with mounting frustration among employees.
Critics argue that companies, including Ubisoft, might not be approaching hybrid work sensibly. Buzzwords like innovation, teamwork, and face-to-face meetings are frequently used to emphasize the importance of in-person presence. Yet, this approach seems disconnected from the realities and preferences of the workforce, who clearly enjoy flexibility, cost savings, and enhanced work-life balance when working from home.
In the case of Ubisoft, the credibility crisis runs deep. There’s an apparent distrust in the company’s commitment to fostering a positive working environment and honoring their commitments. The fallout from the company’s toxic work environment allegations – which surfaced three years ago – remains unresolved, according to employees. Some are also apprehensive about issues like leaks, lack of hygiene and a dearth of office perks like free coffee. Adding to the turmoil, Ubisoft has implemented multiple layoffs this year, coupled with the cancellation of several promised video games. Against this backdrop of upheaval, introducing a return-to-office policy has further exacerbated the prevailing discontent.
Ubisoft’s Strategies and Solutions
To counter these challenges and ensure a seamless transition to full in-house positions, Ubisoft has been implementing a few key strategies. The company set up an internal accommodation system, providing a platform for employees to voice their concerns and collaboratively find practical solutions. Encouraging open communication, employees are being urged to engage with their individual managers regarding accommodation and any office-related issues. Exceptions are also being granted in unique cases where no alternative resolution is feasible.
In a statement to IGN, Ubisoft emphasized its commitment to the well-being of its workforce. Despite the official implementation of the hybrid work model on September 11, the company offers additional flexibility, granting an eight-week (or more) adjustment period for employees who may need more time to adapt.
While Ubisoft claims to have communicated the hybrid work model in June, many employees on social media have been asserting that the detailed information about these changes was only communicated in late August.
This all comes with bad timing when the industry ramps up, especially the mobile segment. Although they probably won’t venture into games like those seen on Rooli Online Casino (remember Assassins Creed Mirage?), as some of the users did in their 2D sandbox game called Growtopia, building and hosting custom in-game gambling events, they’ll still have difficulty picking up new employees with this type of optics looming around.
Impact on the Broader Gaming Industry
Across the global tech landscape, major players like Google, Meta, and Tesla are mandating their own in-office policies, triggering debates and discussions. We saw a similar scenario unfold at Activision Blizzard within the gaming industry. Blizzard’s imposition of a strict Return-to-office policy earlier this year led to a significant workforce upheaval, compelling the company to go as far as strategizing “crisis maps.”
At the same time, employees are mobilizing, advocating for their rights and better working conditions. Grassroots movements are gaining momentum, with unions forming and collective bargaining becoming a focal point. International platforms like the US Game Developers Conference have become crucial arenas for industry professionals to collaborate, share insights, and bolster these movements.
In Canada, companies like Anemone Hug Interactive – which worked on Hardspace Shipbreaker – and Keywords Studios are pioneering these efforts. Notably, KWS Edmonton United emerged in response to management’s stringent return-to-office directive, emphasizing the growing need for a balance between corporate policies and employee well-being within the gaming sector. All of these developments signify a transformative period in the industry’s work dynamics, where the voice of the workforce is becoming increasingly influential.
Navigating a New Era in the Gaming Industry
In the midst of all the controversies, game cancellations, and a decline in sales, Ubisoft stands at a pivotal crossroads. The controversy surrounding the return to its Montreal office mirrors industry-wide challenges, notably by competitors like Activision Blizzard and within the broader tech sector. This situation underscores the urgent need for companies to adapt and foster collaborative work environments. Ubisoft’s response to these challenges carries profound implications, shaping not only its own future but also influencing the entire direction of the gaming industry.