Ubisoft announces record investments and 1,000 new jobs to be created in Québec
Ubisoft announced the highlights of an ambitious 10-year business expansion plan, which will result in an additional $780 million in investments and 1,000 new jobs created in Québec, including in Greater Montréal.
“Ubisoft’s arrival in Greater Montréal paved the way to developing the videogame industry, which is currently in full bloom and ranks 5th in the world with 120 companies and 10,000 jobs. The expansion of Ubisoft operations will stimulate this creative, innovative and competitive ecosystem, which is a key driver of economic growth and helps shine the spotlight on Québec,” said Hubert Bolduc, President and CEO, Montréal International.
With a rich portfolio of over 90 game titles, including international hits such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell and Watch Dogs, Ubisoft Montréal currently has over 3,000 employees working at its Mile End studio, making it the largest video game production studio in the world.
“Over 20 years, Ubisoft has created more than 3,600 jobs, invested more than $3.5 billion and developed some of the greatest brands in the industry here in Québec. Today, videogames are the most dynamic segment of the entertainment industry, and are at the heart of technological revolution. As a result, we have a unique opportunity to build tomorrow’s Québec, together,” said Yves Guillemot, Co-Founder and CEO of Ubisoft.
New studio in Saguenay
Ubisoft is focusing on increasing its regional operations by setting up a new production studio in Québec, Ubisoft Saguenay, as of early 2018. With $135 million in direct investments over the next 10 years, the Ubisoft Saguenay team will focus on developing the company’s online expertise and is expected to grow to 125 employees in five years.
“The development of connected experiences that allow millions of players to meet and interact on online game platforms is a leading growth and innovation driver not only for Ubisoft, but for the entire videogame industry as a whole,” said Yannis Mallat, CEO of the Ubisoft Montréal, Quebec and Toronto studios.
Ubisoft also intends to pursue expansion in the region by opening other studios in Québec with new investments in corporate training programs by 2027.
Plan to ensure succession
In order to support its growth and the industry’s growth, Ubisoft plans to invest another $13 million in training programs for the next generation, applied university research, and the techno-creative startup ecosystem. These new investments in Québec will be rolled out in a number of regions to attract and train a greater number of young people in technology- and videogame-related disciplines.
“Videogame jobs are constantly evolving and continue to prove themselves as the jobs of the future for young Quebeckers. With these direct investments in the ecosystem, Ubisoft is concretely participating in the development of specialized technological expertise, a long-term enabler of success for the Province of Québec,” said Mallat.
By the end of the expansion, Ubisoft should have 4,600 employees and invested a total of $9 billion in Québec.
To learn more about the videogame industry in Greater Montréal, refer to the industry profile at: https://www.montrealinternational.com/en/publications/video-games/.
