Considering a career in the gaming industry? Here at Ubisoft Montreal, dreams take shape and virtual worlds come to life. Ubisoft Montreal isn’t just a workplace. It’s a creative powerhouse. Founded in April 1997, Ubisoft Montreal was part of Ubisoft’s global expansion. The governments of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada offered subsidies. These subsidies helped create new multimedia jobs.
Initially, Ubisoft Montreal focused on children’s games. These were based on existing intellectual property. Think Donald Duck: Goin’ Quackers and Playmobil games. These titles weren’t critical darlings. However, they were profitable. They allowed the studio to create its own IPs.
The studio’s breakthrough came with 2002’s Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. Ubisoft Montreal was tasked with creating a Metal Gear Solid killer. This resulted in the first Splinter Cell game. In 2003, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time followed. It sold over 14 million copies by 2014. Jordan Mechner, the series’ original creator, consulted on the game’s story.
Assassin’s Creed was initially a Prince of Persia spin-off. Ubisoft wasn’t keen on releasing a Prince of Persia game. In this game the Prince wasn’t the main character. So, it was reworked into a new IP. Assassin’s Creed launched in 2007. It sold over 10 million units by 2014. Far Cry also found a home here. Ubisoft Montreal developed console releases. They improved the CryEngine. They created a new engine called Dunia.
Ubisoft Montreal became the world’s largest game development studio. By October 2022, it employed over 4,000 staff. This made it the largest in the world. The studio helped establish Montreal as a creative city. It drew other video game developers and publishers to the city.
Ubisoft acquired THQ Montreal in 2013. They developed For Honor, released in 2017. It’s a multiplayer action combat game. It features warriors from different time periods.
Yannis Mallat stepped down as CEO in July 2020. This happened amidst misconduct allegations. Christophe Derennes replaced Mallat. Ubisoft Montreal ventured into mobile gaming. They announced Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Mobile in April 2022.
Ubisoft Montreal has significantly impacted Montreal. The Mile End area transformed. It went from a low-rent area to a commercial hub. There were new businesses, stores, and restaurants.
Ubisoft Montreal’s success stems from its people. Passionate artists and programmers thrive here. Employees are encouraged to evolve and challenge themselves. This creative culture fuels innovation. It keeps Ubisoft Montreal at the forefront of the gaming industry. The studio supports the production of the online aspects of Ubisoft games in Canada. They focus on best practices and tools. This allows their brands to offer bigger experiences to players.
As you stand here, remember the countless hours of dedication. Remember the creative energy poured into every game. Ubisoft Montreal continues to shape the gaming landscape. It inspires a new generation of developers and players.