Ubisoft moves into its new studio in Quebec City

Quebec City, May 19, 2016 – Today Ubisoft and its 375 employees opened their new creative space in the presence of Quebec City Mayor Régis Labeaume and the Minister of Families and Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports Sébastien Proulx. Located on Boulevard Charest in the Saint-Roch neighborhood, the new studio is the result of a $4 million investment and marks the beginning of a new era for the video game developer.

“Things have really skyrocketed for us over the past decade and the studio needed to have the infrastructure for us to continue innovating and pushing the bounds of creativity,” said Ubisoft Quebec City Studio Managing Director Nicolas Rioux. “We started the Ubisoft adventure in Quebec City in 2005 with 30 young graduates and we’re going to break the 400-employee mark by the end of the year. With a surface area of 54,000 sq. ft., 20% larger than its previous digs, the new Ubisoft studio will be able to accommodate team growth and offer an environment conducive to the development of AAA productions in Quebec City,” said Rioux.

The move is part of Ubisoft’s three-year, $28 million investment plan announced in January 2014, the goal being to create 100 new jobs and consolidate the company’s activities in the Saint-Roch neighborhood, but in a space tailored to its creative pursuits.

A cutting-edge, collaborative studio

The design concept is based on turning the studio into a playground—a warm and inspiring space where creativity can flow freely. Every last detail was carefully considered to give teams the tools they need to perform: larger, more welcoming spaces to boost synergy; breakout meeting spaces to encourage outside-the-box thinking; and state-of-the-art equipment to improve efficiency.

“From the beginning, our number one goal was to have a collaborative studio,” said Rioux. The family atmosphere in the Quebec City studio has always been an asset and an integral part of who we are. We want to maintain that warm, friendly image—like true Quebecers.”

Saint-Roch forever

The Ubisoft team in Quebec City is happy to be staying in the Saint-Roch neighborhood, a mecca of creative talent. Team members have put down roots here and developed a fierce sense of community identity.

“We are very attached to the Saint-Roch neighborhood, this technocultural hub the City has shaped over the years. Today a third of our team lives in or near Saint-Roch. So obviously we worked hard to be able to stay. With the support of our partners, the City of Quebec, and Investissement Québec, Ubisoft continues to thrive in Saint-Roch, much to the delight of our teams,” said Rioux.

Ubisoft was the first business to take advantage of PSDET, a program by the City of Quebec to support the development of tech companies in Saint-Roch. The program provided financial support to set up the new location and, most importantly, update the facilities to house a tech company and keep this level of expertise, know-how, and economic activity in Saint-Roch.

« Ubisoft’s new studio is a source of pride for our city and ensures continuity of the company activities in Saint-Roch, confirming its position as the city’s technology and business development district, especially in the video game sector, declared Mr. Regis Labeaume, Mayor of Quebec City. The city’s financial support of $500,000 for the construction of Ubisoft’s studio is a clear signal that demonstrates the importance of this company, which has been for over ten years a key stakeholder in Quebec’s economic growth. »

Ubisoft opens its doors May 29

As part of the studio grand opening, Ubisoft will host an open house on Sunday, May 29. The public will have a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes, meet the creative team, and learn more about the video game development process. The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ubisoft Building at 585 East Charest Blvd, Quebec City. The public is invited to take part in 30-minute group tours. The number of tours is limited and spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Visitors are advised to arrive early and expect a bit of a wait. A recruiting team will also be on hand to accept resumes and discuss job opportunities.

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher, and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Rayman, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, and the Tom Clancy video game series. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets, and PCs. For the 2015-16 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,394 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

Source:
Jonathan Gendron
Communications Manager
Ubisoft Quebec
jonathan.gendron@ubisoft.com
418-576-2871