'Lower-paid Indians replacing staff': Internet slams Ubisoft for cancelling six games, including Prince of Persia

Gaming giant Ubisoft is under fire after announcing the cancellation of six video games, including the long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake, as part of a “major reset” of its operations. But why are Indians getting blamed?

It also confirmed it has closed two studios and delayed seven titles. This change resulted in shares plunging by 33 per cent on Thursday.

Ubisoft boss Yves Guillemot said: “While these decisions are difficult, they are necessary for us to build a more focused, efficient and sustainable organisation over the long term."

Social media users have linked the cancellations to Ubisoft’s workforce strategy, alleging that the firm is increasingly hiring Indian staff for its US and global operations. As of the latest data, Ubisoft’s India studios in Pune and Mumbai employ over 1,000 people, with some reports suggesting around 1,300 staff across both locations. In the US, estimates indicate around 600 to 900 employees. Combined, these numbers suggest thousands of Indian or India-based workers contribute to Ubisoft’s global game development and support.

This stirred a row online with gamers speculating that Indians are replacing American employees with lower-pay and are contributing to project delays and cancellations. MAGA supporters and Republicans say that Indians often work for less pay than the average American in similar roles, and in rare cases, Americans are required to train their replacements. Fans on social media have claimed that outsourcing jobs to Indian staff may have impacted game quality, leading to the postponement of major projects.

The cancelled titles include four unannounced games. Ubisoft also confirmed it has closed its studios in Stockholm, Sweden and Halifax, Canada, and is restructuring three other locations.

Ubisoft has also cited rising development costs and market competitiveness. Huge games like Grand Theft Auto (GTA) VI have forced the company to focus on open-world adventure games to stand a chance in the gaming industry. Ubisoft is known for blockbuster franchises such as Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry.