Ubisoft wants to sell that everything’ s good at The Division while acknowledging new layoff round
GeeZusGG 2 min read
Ubisoft is once again in the headlines, this time for a move that has sparked both concern and curiosity across the gaming industry. According to recent reporting, the publisher has asked employees at Massive Entertainment—the Swedish studio behind The Division series and the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws—to volunteer for layoffs as part of its ongoing cost-cutting measures.
This approach, framed as a “voluntary departure program,” is part of Ubisoft’s broader restructuring efforts. The company has been tightening its belt for over a year, citing shifting market conditions, rising development costs, and the need to streamline operations across its global studios.
Why Massive Entertainment?
Massive is one of Ubisoft’s crown jewels. The Malmö-based studio not only created The Division and its sequel, but is also leading development on Star Wars Outlaws, one of the publisher’s most ambitious projects in years. Asking staff here to step forward for layoffs underscores just how widespread Ubisoft’s restructuring has become.
For many fans, the news raises an obvious question: what does this mean for The Division franchise?
Ubisoft’s Commitment to The Division
In response to concerns, Ubisoft has emphasized that its commitment to The Division remains strong. The publisher has pointed to ongoing support for The Division 2, the upcoming free-to-play spinoff The Division Heartland, and continued investment in the franchise’s long-term roadmap.
Ubisoft’s message is clear: while the company is making tough internal decisions, it does not intend to abandon one of its most successful original IPs of the past decade. In fact, the publisher has repeatedly highlighted The Division as a cornerstone of its live-service strategy, alongside Assassin’s Creed and Rainbow Six.
Reading Between the Lines
The voluntary layoff program at Massive Entertainment reflects the difficult balancing act Ubisoft is attempting:
- Cutting costs to remain competitive in a volatile industry.
- Maintaining morale by offering staff the option to leave rather than enforcing mandatory layoffs.
- Reassuring fans that flagship franchises like The Division will not be left behind.
Still, the optics are tricky. Asking developers to “volunteer” for layoffs at a studio tasked with two of Ubisoft’s most high-profile projects could be seen as a sign of strain. Yet, Ubisoft’s public commitment to The Division suggests the company is determined to keep the franchise alive and evolving, even as it reshapes its workforce.
For players, the immediate future of The Division looks stable. Content updates for The Division 2 continue to roll out, Heartland is still in development, and Ubisoft has every incentive to keep the brand thriving. For developers at Massive, however, the situation is more complex—balancing passion for their projects with the uncertainty of corporate restructuring.
In the end, Ubisoft’s handling of this moment will be remembered not just for the games it delivers, but for how it treats the people who make them.
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