To launch the celebrations marking our 15th anniversary, we wanted to introduce studio employees in an original way. People that are not usually under the spotlight, but that deserve to be known for their impact on the games we create. From that idea, we created the 12 Devs in 12 Months initiative. Until the end of 2020, you will get to meet 12 talented and friendly developers.

This month, we’re introducing you to our dear Frédéric St-Laurent, a game Director here at Ubisoft Québec.

Enjoy!

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WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST MEMORY AT UBI?

I’ll always remember the first time I went to the E3 to present Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Seeing people’s reactions was incredible and it confirmed to me that I was doing the right job. At that exact moment, I realized I needed to create to entertain these fans.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO THE VIDEOGAME INDUSTRY?

It’s kind of a unique story. I first had a career in the graphic design and communication industry. I was self-employed and a teacher, but I also enjoyed creating modest online games and interactive promotional websites. Fast forward in 2004, a small videogame studio in Québec approached me for a job (Hey Valu!). They were offering me a programmer job and beer every Friday. How could I refuse such working conditions? It was the start of a new adventure!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON?

My favourite project I’ve worked on has been cancelled, unfortunately. This is the reality of every creative work field: for all kinds of reasons, some projects will see the light while others won’t. I learned a lot from that experience and I intend to channel this knowledge into my future projects.

15 YEARS, IT FLIES BY! WHAT WERE YOU DOING IN 2005?

15 years ago, I still wasn’t working at Ubisoft. I was slowly learning a little bit more every day about the awesome game designing job.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?

The desire to create with people I love working with.

UBISOFT QUÉBEC WOULDN’T BE UBISOFT QUÉBEC WITHOUT…

Ubisoft Québec wouldn’t be what it is today without the people working there. The studio’s location is also pretty amazing. Located in the heart of the city, the studio has been able to soak up the soul of Québec and create its own identity.

NAME A COLLEAGUE THAT INSPIRES YOU. WHY?

Jeff Skalski, for his respect for his colleagues, his positive attitude and his will to always want to move forward, despite the obstacles that get in his way.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Realizing that players enjoy our creations and having the chance to chat with them.

WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT THE VIBE AT UBISOFT QUÉBEC. DESCRIBE THIS VIBE IN 3 WORDS.

Family, autonomy, and ambition.

WHAT WAS YOUR SONG IN 2005?

Feel Good Inc. from Gorillaz. That song is still playing a lot at my house. It’s now my younger son’s favourite song!

WHAT WAS YOUR GAME 2005?

Resident Evil 4, one of the only games I finished three times. As my favourite character in that game would say: What’re ya buyin? Heh heh heh… Thank you!

UBISOFT QUÉBEC IN 15 YEARS, WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?

The Ubisoft Québec studio worked pretty hard, from its humble beginnings to position itself among the largest in the industry. If our efforts continue to bear fruits, I imagine a studio of 750 talented people running two AAA projects simultaneously, nominated games of the year.