Ubisoft London, Developer of Hungry Shark, Faces Imminent Closure

 54 Jobs at Risk as Hungry Shark IP Transferred to Ubisoft Barcelona

Ubisoft London, Developer of Hungry Shark, Faces Imminent Closure

Ubisoft has announced its intention to shutter its mobile gaming studio based in London, which is renowned for its work on the popular Hungry Shark series. This decision puts 54 jobs at risk as the studio faces potential closure.

To ensure the continuity of the Hungry Shark franchise, Ubisoft Barcelona will take over its management, a role it has been supporting to some extent already. The Hungry Shark series, which made its debut in 2010, has amassed an impressive one billion downloads over the years.

Originally established in 2009 under the name Future Games of London, Ubisoft London came under Ubisoft's ownership in 2013 following the remarkable success of the Hungry Shark game.

This move by Ubisoft follows a series of company-wide cost-cutting measures prompted by lower sales forecasts announced in January. In an official statement, Ubisoft explained the rationale behind the decision: “As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and reduce costs, we are proposing the consolidation of the ongoing management of the Hungry Shark franchise at our Ubisoft Barcelona Mobile studio, which already oversees a portion of it. In this context and following UK regulations, we are engaging in consultations with our Ubisoft London team regarding the proposed closure of the studio, which would impact 54 positions. We are sincerely grateful to our colleagues in London for all their passionate contributions to making the franchise what it is today, and we are committed to supporting them throughout the process with the utmost consideration.”