Ubisoft Unveils Quebec Expansion News
Jon Wilcox
12/02/2007
1000 new jobs in Montreal planned as Ubisoft expands Canadian operation for the third time in a decade...
Ubisoft has announced plans to expand it operations in the Quebec city of Montreal, which will see the publisher expand the renowned studio, and spread out into CGI feature production.
News of the deal has come with overwhelming support from the Quebec government, with Premier Jean Charest unveiling plans to earmark funds of CAD$19 million (£8.3 million) for the development, which is expected to total CAD$454.1 million (£ million) by the time its completed in 2013.
Charest said, "Our government is especially proud that Ubisoft chose Montréal as a place to expand its activities and innovate. This confirms Montréal's ability to compete with other large cities around the world and will mean the creation of more than 1,000 jobs in a high technology sector by 2013. Ubisoft decided on Montréal not only because of our government's offer, but more so due to the creative potential of our work force. We can be proud of this!" declared the premier.
Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity Michelle Courchesne said: "As part of this extremely promising project, Ubisoft will hire, over the next few years, hundreds of graduates namely with a background in computer graphics, multimedia and programming. For our government, it is essential to support companies' training plans. By focussing on qualified labour, Québec will be able to continue to create wealth and to come out on top in international competition."
"Carrying out this project will consolidate Montréal's mission to be an international centre of excellence for video game development and digital design. The presence of a leader such as Ubisoft creates a catalyst effect on the launch and expansion of businesses. It constitutes a powerful force of attraction for other players in the industry," added Quebec's Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade Raymond Bachand.
Ubisoft's studio in Montreal has been at the heart of the company's recent franchises, having developed the likes of Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell, and the upcoming Assassin's Creed.