After game cancellations and layoffs, Ubisoft laments "important truths" and increases subscription prices for a 17-year-old franchise

Ubisoft recently informed GamesRadar+ of its proposal for a voluntary layoff program, only a week after the developer canceled six games and pledged itself, again, to what it describes as "player-facing Generative AI." That's a week that feels like a lifetime, but Ubisoft would like to knock over one more thing on its way out the door. So it's just increased subscription prices for Just Dance+.

What, you don't think adding a few extra dollars to the Just Dance+ subscription service – a three-year-old model for a 17-year-old franchise that even fans know is in decline – will save Ubisoft from its other decisions? Decisions like purportedly reactionary studio closures, or reportedly delaying what might be a lucrative, unannounced Assassin's Creed: Black Flag remake? Ubisoft gets it. But in a PR statement, the studio suggests you should consider "some important truths."

"Every song available in the service relies on licensing agreements that evolve over time, and these conditions directly affect what we can keep, renew, or add to the catalogue," Ubisoft explains about Just Dance+. "Taking this into account, we've had to make a few adjustments to ensure the service can keep growing in the long run."

As of April, a one month pass to Just Dance+ will cost $4.99, up from $3.99, while a three month pass will be $12.99, instead of its original $9.99. One-year passes will cost $29.99, compared to their previous $24.99 price tag. For these modest price hikes, fans can expect to see songs on the service like "Toxic" by Britney Spears – which I enjoyed experiencing in Just Dance 2, a game I physically purchased, and therefore owned, in 2010.

"We genuinely hope this article helps clarify the reasons behind the choices being made this year," Ubisoft concludes.

As Beyond Good and Evil fans enter their 18th year of hell, Ubisoft somehow insists the sequel is still in development amid its massive restructure.