Ubisoft is no stranger to controversy these days, and the latest strike across Europe. Following the footsteps of their French colleagues, employees at Ubisoft Milan have staged a one-day strike in protest of the company’s return-to-office (RTO) mandate. This policy, which requires employees to work in the office three days a week, has sparked outrage among staff, particularly those who’ve grown accustomed to the work-from-home (WFH) model introduced during the pandemic.
What’s the Issue? Let’s break it down. The RTO policy, introduced in 2023, mandates that Ubisoft employees must return to the office for three days a week. Ubisoft argues that this change is about fostering creativity, teamwork, and consistency across their global teams. However, employees from multiple studios are pushing back, citing the upheaval it causes to their personal lives.
In the case of Ubisoft Milan, Fiom Cgil, the union representing the Italian workers, led the charge in expressing concerns about the mandate. As Fiom representative Andrea Rosafalco put it, the policy is “economically unsustainable and unfair on a human level.” Many employees live far from Milan, and the financial burden of commuting three days a week is a deal-breaker for some.
A Mass Exodus? The backlash in Milan isn’t just about striking—it could lead to a significant talent drain. According to Insider Gaming, several employees have already indicated their intention to leave Ubisoft Milan, with some reportedly planning to join Day 4 Night, a studio founded by former Ubisoft Creative Director Davide Soliani.
It’s not hard to see why this could become a broader problem. Forced to choose between staying with Ubisoft and uprooting their lives, many developers might opt for greener pastures, leaving the company scrambling to retain talent.
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A Growing Movement Ubisoft Milan’s one-day strike is the latest chapter in a story that’s been unfolding throughout the company. Earlier this week, over 700 Ubisoft France employees participated in a three-day strike against the same RTO policy. The French gaming workers union, STJV, warned that this decision would result in job losses, project delays, and increased stress for those left behind.
This is actually the second strike of the year for Ubisoft employees in France. The first occurred in February when staff walked out in response to paltry pay raises of just 2-3%.
What’s Next? The RTO mandate has clearly touched a nerve. With two of its major studios now pushing back, Ubisoft might need to rethink its strategy if it hopes to maintain morale and keep its creative teams intact. The ball is in their court—will they bend, or stand firm in their decision?
Long-Term Impact on Ubisoft’s Workforce
The ramifications of Ubisoft’s RTO mandate could extend far beyond these initial strikes. According to reports, several Ubisoft Milan employees are considering leaving the company entirely, with some even eyeing positions at Day 4 Night, a studio founded by former Ubisoft creative director Davide Soliani . If Ubisoft continues with its hardline stance, it risks losing not just talented individuals, but entire teams who have contributed to some of its most successful franchises. This potential brain drain might not only slow down current projects but could also damage Ubisoft’s reputation as a leading employer in the gaming industry.
Will Ubisoft Learn The Lesson After the Strike
The unrest at Ubisoft serves as a stark reminder that corporate policies, especially those affecting work-life balance, need to be approached carefully. Creativity thrives when people feel secure and valued. Forcing employees to choose between their jobs and their personal well-being could be a gamble that Ubisoft regrets. For now, it remains to be seen whether this strike will lead to lasting changes or merely be another bump in Ubisoft’s already turbulent road.
