Ubisoft shuts down its Vancouver studio

Ubisoft today revealed that it has closed down its Vancouver development branch, known for creating multiplatform sports titles such as Pure Futbol (pictured) and Motionsports Adrenaline. A Ubisoft spokesperson confirmed the news to Game Informer, saying, "Unfortunately, we haven’t found the right formula for success for the talented team there." Despite the Vancouver studio's demise, Ubisoft said, "Team members will have the opportunity to consider positions in other Ubisoft studios and we will work with each of them to help find the best next step, whether it be within Ubisoft or outside.” Ubisoft Vancouver first took shape in 2009, when Ubisoft acquired the independent studio Action Pants, which had up to that point worked on the kid-friendly Academy of Champions: Soccer for the Nintendo Wii. At the time of the acquisition, Action Pants housed more than 110 employees, though Ubisoft did not disclose how many staff members were let go when Ubisoft Vancouver shut down. In 2010, Ubisoft announced that it would "ramp down" development at its Brazilian development branch Southlogic Studios (Imagine: Wedding Designer), which was acquired just weeks before Ubisoft picked up Action Pants.