Ubisoft adding 500 jobs through $373 million investment

Ubisoft expects to add 500 jobs in Quebec through a $373 million investment in its Montreal operations and motion technology over the next seven years, the company announced.

Ubisoft's Quebec studio focuses on mainly on mobile and online development. In addition to contributions on the Assassin's Creed franchise, the branch also worked on titles such as Raving Rabbids Invasion and Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth. Ubisoft Montreal's projects include contributions to games in the Tom Clancy, Assassin's Creed and Far Cry franchises.

The company plans to expand on its motion capture technology and expects to employ 3,500 people by 2020. In addition to development and production titles, Ubisoft also seeks to include professionals with skills in monetization, mathematics, community management and more. According to co-founder Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft's main objective is to strengthen "proximity with our players" and create value.

"The imminent arrival of the next generation of consoles, the expansion of mobile platforms, the multiplication of connected, immersive, and social environments, and the strategic importance of the relationship between developers and players are profoundly transforming the video game industry," Guillemot said.

According to the announcement, the Quebec government will provide a non-refundable $9.9 million contribution and adjustment to the Tax Credit for Multimedia Titles. This will make the project possible by making new trades "essential to operating this new generation" eligible.

This article has been updated to clarify differences between Quebec and Montreal studio operations.