Ubisoft is undergoing a sweeping internal reorganization, with CEO Yves Guillemot unveiling a new “Creative Houses” structure aimed at revitalizing the company’s creative output and operational agility. The announcement came via an internal memo sent to all Ubisoft staff, in which Guillemot outlined his vision for a more autonomous, creator-led future while also confirming a significant and controversial leadership move: the appointment of his son, Charlie Guillemot, as co-CEO of a new Tencent-backed Ubisoft subsidiary.

A New Structure: The Creative Houses

At the heart of Ubisoft’s new strategy is the formation of “Creative Houses” specialized clusters of studios and talent organized around key franchises and gameplay expertise. These Houses will operate with more independence and accountability, and each will be led by a core team of veteran creative directors, producers, and business leads.

“Each Creative House will bring together the teams, technologies, and leadership behind our core experiences,” Guillemot wrote. “By doing so, we will amplify creativity, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate decision-making where it matters most: at the heart of development.”

The change comes after several difficult years for Ubisoft, marked by creative stagnation, internal delays, and the cancellation of numerous projects. This new structure is designed to remove unnecessary corporate bottlenecks, empower developers closer to the games themselves, and refocus the company around its strongest IPs including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, The Division, and Rainbow Six.

Guillemot emphasized that these Houses will not just streamline production but also offer clearer career paths and stronger creative ownership for their leads. “We want to foster a space where creators feel supported, heard, and empowered to take risks,” he wrote.

Charlie Guillemot Named Co-CEO of Tencent-Backed Studio

In a move that is already drawing scrutiny from both inside and outside the company, Ubisoft also confirmed that Charlie Guillemot Yves Guillemot’s son has been appointed co-CEO of a newly established subsidiary, partially backed by Chinese tech giant Tencent.

The subsidiary is being described internally as a new development entity focused on “mobile-first and emerging platform experiences,” and will operate with a degree of independence from Ubisoft’s main studio network. Tencent, which already holds a stake in Ubisoft, is said to be playing a significant role in the new venture’s strategic direction and funding.

Charlie Guillemot previously co-founded the now-defunct Ubisoft-owned mobile studio Owlient and has held several leadership roles within the company over the past decade. While his appointment may be seen by some as a continuation of Ubisoft’s long-running family-driven leadership structure, it is already raising questions about nepotism and corporate governance particularly at a time when the company is trying to reposition itself as forward-thinking and inclusive.

“Charlie brings a wealth of experience from his years at Ubisoft and a passion for emerging platforms,” the internal note read. “His leadership, paired with our partnership with Tencent, positions this studio for bold, global innovation.”

Industry Repositioning Amid Challenges

Ubisoft’s structural overhaul comes at a time when the company is under pressure to reestablish itself as a dominant creative force. Following a string of underperforming releases and internal turmoil, Ubisoft is attempting to course-correct with a renewed focus on quality, autonomy, and efficiency.

While the Creative Houses model appears to be a step in the right direction aiming to reduce top-down bureaucracy and allow franchises to evolve more organically the decision to install a family member in a high-profile, Tencent-backed role could complicate that narrative.

In a closing statement, Yves Guillemot reaffirmed his belief in the direction Ubisoft is taking: “The passion of our teams is what defines Ubisoft. These changes will help us harness that passion more effectively with fewer barriers, clearer goals, and a renewed commitment to delivering extraordinary games.”

More details on the new subsidiary and rollout of the Creative Houses structure are expected in the coming months, with updates likely at Ubisoft’s next all-hands meeting and potentially during future investor briefings.

For more on and all things Gaming be sure to stay locked to 1-Up Games.