29th September 2023 - Jax Floro

Ubisoft is now one of the biggest gaming companies globally. They are known for developing and publishing entertaining and highly detailed games across different genres. Their franchise includes much anticipated games such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, For Honor, Prince of Persia, and Tom Clancy’s. The company’s most popular game was the Assassin’s Creed video game franchise with over 155 million unit sales according to 2023 data.

However, this was not always the case. Ubisoft started small. They began as a local software publisher based in Britanny, France. Today, even with all their fame and financial success, they still extend a hand to startups with humble beginnings. Ubisoft continues to help independent studios with a variety of programs, initiatives, and partnerships.

Mathieu Bardot, the communications coordinator at Ubisoft Open Innovation Accelerator in Paris, said the “indie streak” never quite left Ubisoft. They continue to actively seek out external indie studios globally to develop partnerships and offer support in various forms. They aim to foster collaboration between companies to solve problems, share ideas, and create a virtuous circle to accelerate innovation.

Indie Series

Launched in Quebec and Ontario, the Indie Series program is an annual competition for game development studios started in 2017. It aims to develop an inspired and creative ecosystem where studios, small and large, have collaborated to make the videogame industry shine internationally. The winners of this competition are entitled to cash prizes, mentorship, and creative, marketing, and financial tools to help local studios and their games reach new heights.

Entrepreneur Indie Camp

Ubisoft believes that innovation comes from creating environments where ideas connect. They aim to create a sustainable and beneficial ecosystem for videogame developers of all sizes in Germany, Switzerland, and Australia. The team winner in this program will be entitled to an acceleration opportunity spearheaded by Ubisoft. They will also receive cash prizes, mentorship, and creative, marketing, and financial tools to help to develop their games.

Promising Indie Games

Due to the pandemic, many small game developers lost opportunities for visibility. However, Ubisoft continues to open doors for indie developers. Ubisoft Forward features a selection of indie games during the pre-shows of every edition. The last edition featured three promising indie games. In 2023, Ubisoft Forward went live from LA in June with a livestream event and exciting news on upcoming games from around the world. They showcased plans for Star Wars Outlaws, a release date for Avatar and updates on Assassin Creed titles. The last edition featured three promising indie games:

Dorfromantik

Dorfromantik is a relaxing building strategy and puzzle game created by the Berlin-based studio Toukana Interactive. The game is the first winner of the German-speaking region 2021 Entrepreneur Indie Camp. The game is now in early access on Steam and GOG, with a full release planned later this year.

Bravery Network Online

Bravery Network Online is an online strategic turn-based battle in a post-post-apocalyptic world. Earning the grand prize in the 2019 Ubisoft Indie Series, it received substantial help from Ubisoft. It is now in early access on Steam.

You Suck at Parking

You Suck at Parking is an online driving and puzzle game developed by Leuven-based studio Happy Volcano. Ubisoft Open Innovation Accelerator scouted the studio and put the team in contact with line designers at Ubisoft, who offered feedback on design and development. The demo is available now on Steam, with the full game scheduled for release later this year.

Bardot explains that smaller, independent developers possess immense potential. Ubisoft wants to build transparent, fair, and mutually beneficial relationships with these developers. They also aim to share their development experience with these developers and learn from each other. With this strategy, nimble creators can help Ubisoft stay ahead of the curve and satisfy its players with best-in-class games.

It is important to emphasize that, in these situations, Ubisoft is not a publisher but a fellow developer seeking to cultivate collaborations. Ubisoft aims to help these indie developers create, develop, and perfect their craft to create a healthy and more equal opportunity gaming ecosystem.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Ubisoft continues to collaborate with indie developers through their Indie Series and Entrepreneur Indie Camps.
• Ubisoft aims to help these indie developers create, develop, and perfect their craft to create a healthy gaming ecosystem.
• Currently, three (3) games are expected to release later this year through the help of these programs.

 

Jaclyn-Mae Floro, BCompSc

Contact W3IP Law on 1300 776 614 or 0451 951 528 for more information about any of our services or get in touch at law@w3iplaw.com.
Disclaimer. The material in this post represents general information only and should not be taken to be legal advice.