2019 was not a good year for Ubisoft. The Division 2 failed to meet sales expectations by a significant margin, as reported by Forbes. Far Cry New Dawn went on to sell a quarter of the units of Far Cry Primal, the previous worse selling Far Cry entry. Then Ghost Recon: Breakpoint outright commercially failed, forcing the company to miss its projections and restructure its creative division, as reported by Screenrant.
2020 hasn’t been any kinder to the company. They’ve suffered a significant PR hit for their joining of ranks of the Traitors to America. Yet all their virtue signaling couldn’t save them from a wave of spurious #MeToo accusations that caused the departure of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s creative lead Ashraf Ismail, among a wave of other employees.
Just ahead of their huge Ubisoft Forward presentation, three high ranking executives announced their immediate resignation from their respective positions. These are not studio heads, but global and regional directors that are critical to the function of the company.
Serge Hascoët Chief Creative Officer announced he has resigned, and CEO Guillemot will assume his position as he oversees the company’s restructuring. Yannis Mallat, the Managing Director of Ubisoft’s Canadian Studios, announced he would be leaving effective immediately with strong indications that the recent barrage of #MeToo accusations played a contributing role in his departure. Global Head of HR, Cecile Cornet, joined the other two in immediately resigning from her position.
In business, it is never a good sign to see a single high-ranking executive suddenly step down. Three, at the same time, is a sign of serious issues plaguing the company. Rather than assuring investors that the company can maintain its function and that the departures won’t impact the overall yearly performance, the CEO chose the opportunity to virtue signal.
“Ubisoft has fallen short in its obligation to guarantee a safe and inclusive workplace environment for its employees. This is unacceptable, as toxic behaviors are in direct contrast to values on which I have never compromised — and never will. I am committed to implementing profound changes across the Company to improve and strengthen our workplace culture,” said Yves Guillemot, CEO and Co-Founder of Ubisoft. “Moving forward, as we collectively embark on a path leading to a better Ubisoft, it is my expectation that leaders across the Company manage their teams with the utmost respect. I also expect them to work to drive the change we need, always thinking of what is best for Ubisoft and all its employees.”
That’s what investors want to hear. Rather than details on how he plans to stabilize the company and prevent further talent bleed, that he will be focusing on leftist ideological integration. If this year’s financials are not glowing, he very well may be looking at a vote of no confidence in his future. Especially when the pendulum swings back against the Traitors to America.
