Ubisoft vs. typical tech severance
Ubisoft did not disclose per-employee US severance terms for the June 2026 cuts. A complete studio closure — as opposed to a partial reduction — typically triggers the federal WARN Act and Cal-WARN more clearly than a headcount reduction, because the closure affects all employees at the site. If the San Francisco studio had 50 or more employees, Cal-WARN's 60-day advance notice requirement almost certainly applied. If employees received less than 60 days written notice, back pay may be owed regardless of the severance agreement.
What Ubisoft US Employees Should Know Before Signing
The complete closure of Ubisoft's San Francisco studio has different legal implications than a partial layoff. Under Cal-WARN, a plant closing — defined as the shutdown of a covered establishment — requires 60 days advance written notice regardless of the number of employees affected at that site, as long as the employer has 75 or more employees statewide. Ubisoft, as a major international gaming company with California operations, almost certainly meets this threshold. If the San Francisco studio closure was announced on June 22 and employees were terminated on or around that date, Cal-WARN notice was not properly provided — which creates a back-pay claim for each affected employee for each day of the notice shortfall, up to 60 days.
This is separate from any severance package Ubisoft offers. A WARN Act claim is a legal entitlement, not a negotiated benefit. Accepting Ubisoft's severance does not automatically waive a WARN Act claim unless the separation agreement specifically addresses it — which is exactly why you should read every clause before signing.
If you are over 40, the ADEA gives you 21 days minimum to review your agreement, and 45 days if the closure qualifies as a group termination under the OWBPA. A complete studio closure involving all employees at the site almost certainly qualifies.
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Studio Closure vs. Layoff — Why the Distinction Matters
A complete studio closure gives Ubisoft employees different legal protections than a partial layoff. WARN Act and Cal-WARN notice requirements are stricter for plant closings than for mass layoffs, and the threshold for triggering them is lower. If you were employed at the San Francisco studio and received less than 60 days written notice before your last day, you may have a back-pay claim. This claim is independent of whatever severance Ubisoft offers. Read your separation agreement carefully for any WARN Act release language before signing.
Sources & further reading
Ubisoft layoffs — frequently asked questions
Ubisoft is a French company. Does French law affect my US severance?+
No. If you were employed by Ubisoft's US entity and worked in the United States, your rights are governed entirely by US federal law and the law of the state you worked in. French labor law does not apply to US employees regardless of where Ubisoft is headquartered.
The San Francisco studio is closing completely. Does that change my WARN Act rights?+
Yes, favorably. Cal-WARN and federal WARN both have specific provisions for plant closings, which are generally triggered at lower thresholds than mass layoffs. A complete studio closure involving all employees at the site almost certainly triggered both notice requirements. If you received less than 60 days written notice, back pay may be owed for each day of the shortfall.
I worked at Ubisoft’s San Francisco studio on a game that wasn’t released yet. What happens to my work?+
Ubisoft owns all intellectual property created during your employment — this is standard in the gaming industry and is almost certainly in your employment agreement. Unreleased work is Ubisoft's property. This does not affect your severance rights, but it may affect any portfolio or work sample issues if you discuss your work publicly before the IP is released.
Ubisoft also shut studios in Barcelona. Do Spanish employees have the same rights?+
No. This page covers US employees only. Spanish employees are governed by Spanish labor law and Ubisoft's European employment policies. Spanish employees should consult a local labor attorney.
I was an independent contractor at Ubisoft’s SF studio, not a full-time employee. Do I have severance rights?+
Independent contractors are generally not entitled to statutory severance or WARN Act protections — those apply to employees. However, if your contractor relationship was misclassified (i.e., you functioned as an employee but were labeled a contractor), California's strict worker classification laws may give you employee rights retroactively. This is worth reviewing with an employment attorney before accepting any contractor termination payment.
Other companies
Severance rules by location
Figures from public reporting of Ubisoft’s June 2026 layoffs and San Francisco studio closure; per-employee US severance terms were not publicly disclosed. This page addresses US employees only. LayoffMath is not affiliated with Ubisoft. This page provides educational estimates only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed employment attorney.