The studio behind Trials is facing an uncertain future. Ubisoft has confirmed a proposal to close RedLynx in Finland, subject to the country’s change-negotiation process. Up to 52 positions could be affected. It is important to be precise: this is a proposed closure, not a completed shutdown.
A studio with a recognisable identity
RedLynx built a reputation around a particular kind of mechanical satisfaction. Trials turned motorcycle physics, precision and repeated failure into something strangely compelling. A few seconds of track could become a personal challenge lasting an evening. The studio also contributed to projects beyond that series, including work associated with Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2.
That history matters because a studio isn’t interchangeable with the intellectual property it developed. People carry the knowledge of how a game feels, how its systems fit together and why players keep trying after the fiftieth failed jump.
What Ubisoft has said
Ubisoft’s statement, reported by games industry outlets, says the RedLynx proposal is subject to local negotiations. The publisher has also confirmed 70 positions affected at Ubisoft Singapore, which it says will remain part of its global production organisation. The situations should not be conflated: one concerns a proposed studio closure, the other a workforce reduction at a continuing studio.
The wider industry question
Large publishers have legitimate reasons to review costs and project pipelines. But the long-term cost of losing experienced teams is harder to put in a quarterly presentation. If the proposed closure proceeds, Trials fans may retain the games they love while losing the group of developers whose particular skills made them possible.
The consultation process deserves to run before anyone writes RedLynx’s final chapter.
Featured image: Ubisoft’s Montreal premises photographed by Dennis Zhang / Unsplash, used illustratively. This is not RedLynx’s Finnish studio.
Sources: Video Games Chronicle and Ubisoft spokesperson’s statement reported by Human Resources Online.