Pixel P&L: Ubisoft Union Demands Trial
A French video game union is seeking to have Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot and an HR executive stand trial for "complicity," Scopely has closed a multi-billion-dollar acquisition, and Lego is expanding its in-house game development efforts. All that and more in this edition of Pixel P&L.
Union Seeks Legal Action Against Ubisoft CEO Over Workplace Misconduct
The Solidaires Informatique union, representing French video game workers, has called for Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot and HR executive Marie Derain to “stand trial for complicity” in the alleged toxic workplace culture at the company. While neither is directly accused of sexual harassment or bullying, the union argues they played a role in enabling the misconduct.
The request comes as three former Ubisoft executives face trial in Paris over accusations of harassment and bullying — a case that has been postponed until June 2 due to delayed evidence submissions. The union maintains that Ubisoft leadership should be held accountable for fostering an environment that allowed inappropriate behavior to persist.
The allegations stem from a 2020 Libération investigation that detailed widespread misconduct at Ubisoft’s Paris headquarters.
Scopely Acquires Niantic’s Games Division in $3.5 Billion Deal
Mobile gaming giant Scopely has announced plans to acquire the games division of Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon Go, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now, in a $3.5 billion deal. The agreement, pending regulatory approvals, will see Niantic’s game teams led by studio heads Kei Kawai and Ed Wu join Scopely’s 2,300-strong workforce. The acquisition also includes Niantic’s apps Campfire and Wayfarer.
Following the sale, Niantic will spin off its technology platform into a standalone company called Niantic Spatial Inc., which will focus on geospatial AI and next-generation mapping solutions. The new entity will be led by Niantic founder and CEO John Hanke, while Niantic will continue to operate AR games Ingress Prime and Peridot.
⚡Quick Bytes
Lego Expands In-House Game Development Efforts
Lego’s Chief Executive Niels Christiansen told the Financial Times that the company aims to create digital experiences alongside its physical products, emphasizing that in-house game development is a growing focus for the brand.
Hazelight’s Split Fiction Surpasses One Million Sales in 48 Hours
Announced on BlueSky, the studio expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and praised players’ enthusiastic reactions to the game.
Liminal Experiences Raises $5.8M for AI-Driven Game Creation Platform
The UGC gaming startup raised seed funding from BITKRAFT Ventures, Riot Games, OTK Media Group, and angel investors. Led by Chief Executive Brendan Mulligan, Liminal aims to empower players to build RPG-style adventures without coding, emphasizing human-centered creativity.
Crayon Shin-chan Films to Debut in Indian Theatres
TV Asahi has announced that Crayon Shin-chan films will be released in Indian theatres for the first time. Shin-chan: Our Dinosaur Diary premieres on May 1, 2025, followed by Shin-chan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers during Diwali. PVR Inox Pictures will distribute both films in multiple languages.
💡Did You Know
When Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon debuted in 2001, its storyline seemed like pure fiction showcasing a 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia. The game’s narrative followed U.S. Special Forces battling Russian ultranationalists seeking to restore the Soviet Union, starting with Georgia. Seven years later, that fictional scenario bore unsettling similarities to reality when Russia invaded Georgia in 2008, turning the video game's speculative plot into an unexpected glimpse of future geopolitics.
📜Quote of the Day
“Nothing to impede progress. If you want to see the fate of democracies, look out the windows.”
Robert Edwin House, Fallout: New Vegas
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