Ubisoft CEO Clarifies Previous Statement Amid Staff Backlash

According to recent reports, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has offered an apology to staff members regarding his previous comments, which were perceived as placing undue pressure on employees. The controversy stemmed from an email sent last week, in which Guillemot urged staff to maximize efficiency and deliver results, stating that "the ball is in your court" to meet deadlines and quality expectations. This phrase was interpreted by some as an implicit call for overtime and crunch time. As a result, French union Solidaires Informatique organized a half-day strike at Ubisoft Paris, scheduled for January 27. In a subsequent meeting, Guillemot addressed staff concerns, expressing regret that his words were misinterpreted. He emphasized that his intention was to convey the importance of collective effort and teamwork in achieving the company's goals. Guillemot stated, "When I said 'the ball is in your court,' I meant that I need your talent and energy to make it happen. This is a shared journey, starting with myself and the leadership team, to create the conditions for our collective success." Although the meeting did not directly address the strike, chief people officer Anika Grant rejected the union's proposal for a four-day work week. CFO Frederick Duguet also highlighted the need for cost reduction and increased productivity within the company. Staff members who were working on recently cancelled projects are expected to be reassigned to other Ubisoft titles. When contacted, Ubisoft declined to comment on the matter. The company's recent financial forecast predicted a 10% decline in net bookings and announced another delay for the game Skull and Bones.