It's Game Time

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One of the world's leading game developers -- Ubisoft -- is coming to Toronto, Canada to establish a major video game studio and create 800 high-quality jobs over 10 years.

“Our world is one where you can borrow capital, you can copy technology and you can buy natural resources. But to build a high wage and a high standard of living you need talent. By investing in Ubisoft we're building Ontario's economy now and for the future”

Ubisoft chose Ontario, Canada because of the talented workforce, competitive tax environment and strong ties with the film industry. The Ontario government is investing CAD$263 million (£140.2 million) over 10 years in the company. Ubisoft will invest over half-a-billion dollars in the new studio, which will begin operation in late 2009.

Ubisoft is a worldwide leader in producing, publishing and distributing interactive entertainment products. The company has been in Québec since 1997 and today employs 2,200 people there. As of January 2009, they also have a presence in Vancouver.

Video games created by Ubisoft include Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, Assassin's Creed, Prince of Persia and Far Cry.

QUICK FACTS

• Nine video games are sold every second in North America.
• Ontario's digital media industry generates around CAD$1 billion (£533 million) annually - and is growing fast.
• The entertainment software industry is the fastest growing entertainment industry in the world, outpacing both music and movies.

"Our world is one where you can borrow capital, you can copy technology and you can buy natural resources. But to build a high wage and a high standard of living you need talent. By investing in Ubisoft we're building Ontario's economy now and for the future," said Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario.

"The best jobs require creative minds, innovative technology, a positive investment climate and a government that supports the industry. More international digital media companies are looking to our province and we're excited about Ontario's role in the future of this growing industry," said Sandra Pupatello, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade.

"Today's announcement marks an exciting milestone for Ubisoft, and it would not be possible without the commitment of the Ontario government to develop the video game sector within the province. We have long admired the talent that Ontario has grown and fostered, and are thrilled to be able to work with these passionate and committed professionals in their home province. We look forward to this next chapter for Ubisoft in Canada, and anticipate great things to come out of Ubisoft Toronto in the coming years," said Yannis Mallat, CEO Ubisoft Montréal.

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