Ubisoft announced today that it is opening a new studio Saquenay, Quebec, which will open in 2018. It will focus on online services and technologies. The publisher is planing to invest $135 million in the office by 2027, and Ubisoft expects it to grow to 125 employees in five years. The studio is hiring now.
Ubisoft already has studios operating in Montreal and Quebec City. Along with the new office in Saguenay, Ubisoft plans to invest in its other Quebec holdings. The publisher’s blueprint includes $780 million in investments and 1,000 new jobs in Quebec by 2027. Not counting Saguenay, Ubisoft has 34 subsidiaries around the world.
Ubisoft is one of the largest publishers in gaming. It produces the Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry series, and the company is responsible for all Tom Clancy games, including The Division and Ghost Recon: Wildlands.
“We are proud to have contributed to the emergence of Quebec as a world-renowned hub for videogame development,” said Yves Guillemot, co-founder and chief executive officer of Ubisoft, during the announcement. “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 Quebec. Today, video games 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 Quebec, together.”
The expansion comes as Ubisoft battles a hostile takeover campaign from Vivendi. Ubisoft’s founders recently bought 2 million shares to help fight off Vivendi.