About Ubisoft
Ubisoft Entertainment SA is a French multinational video game company engaged in the development, publishing, and distribution of video games. Founded in 1986 by the Guillemot brothers, Ubisoft has grown into one of the world’s largest video game publishers.1 The company is recognized for creating several of the industry’s most successful franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six, Watch Dogs, Just Dance, The Crew, For Honor, and Rayman. Headquartered in Saint-Mandé, France, near Paris, Ubisoft operates dozens of development studios and offices globally, including a dedicated production studio in Taguig, Metro Manila.1
Overview
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Ubisoft Entertainment SA |
| Founded | March 1986 |
| Founders | Yves Guillemot, Claude Guillemot, Michel Guillemot, Christian Guillemot, Gérard Guillemot |
| Headquarters | Saint-Mandé, France |
| Industry | Video Game Development & Publishing |
| Type | Public Company |
| CEO | Yves Guillemot |
| Employees | Over 17,000 worldwide |
| Global Presence | More than 50 studios and offices across multiple countries |
| Primary Business | Developing, publishing, and distributing video games |
History
Ubisoft was established in 1986 by the five Guillemot brothers in Brittany, France. The company initially focused on distributing computer software before transitioning into game development. Its first significant success was Zombi (1986), but Ubisoft achieved international recognition in 1995 with the release of Rayman, created by Michel Ancel. Rayman subsequently became one of Europe’s most successful platform game franchises.
During the 2000s, Ubisoft expanded aggressively by acquiring studios worldwide and developing original intellectual properties (IPs). This era marked the creation of several blockbuster franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six, The Division, and Just Dance. The company also became known for pioneering large-scale open-world games and investing heavily in proprietary technology.1
Business Model
Ubisoft operates across several key business areas:
Game Development
Hundreds of developers collaborate across international studios to produce both AAA titles and independent games.
Game Publishing
Ubisoft publishes games on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.
Digital Services
The company provides digital ecosystem services including Ubisoft Connect, Ubisoft+, cloud gaming partnerships, online multiplayer services, and seasonal live-service content.2
Major Game Franchises
Ubisoft manages a diverse portfolio of long-running series:
Assassin’s Creed
Historical open-world action-adventure games featuring parkour, stealth, and exploration. First released in 2007.
Far Cry
Open-world first-person shooters set in diverse locations with memorable villains. First released in 2004.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six
Tactical multiplayer shooters emphasizing teamwork and strategy. A notable title in this series is Rainbow Six Siege.
Watch Dogs
Open-world action games centered on hacking and surveillance themes.
The Division
Online action RPG shooters set in post-pandemic urban environments.
Just Dance
Music and rhythm games featuring motion-controlled dancing.
Rayman
A long-running platform series that stands as one of Ubisoft’s earliest global successes.
Prince of Persia
Although originally created by Jordan Mechner, Ubisoft has developed and published numerous entries in the series since acquiring the rights.
Other Notable IPs
- For Honor
- The Crew
- Ghost Recon
- Splinter Cell
- Rabbids
- Brawlhalla
- Skull and Bones
- Anno
- Heroes of Might and Magic (later entries)
Global Studios
Ubisoft maintains development studios in numerous countries, including Canada, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, India, China, Singapore, and the Philippines. Among its largest facilities are Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Quebec, Ubisoft Toronto, Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Singapore, Ubisoft Bordeaux, and Ubisoft Philippines.1
Ubisoft Philippines
Ubisoft operates a development studio located in Taguig City, Metro Manila. This facility contributes to major franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, For Honor, Skull and Bones, and The Crew. The Philippine studio specializes in art, animation, programming, game design, quality assurance, and co-development.1
Ubisoft Connect
Ubisoft Connect serves as the company’s digital ecosystem, allowing players to purchase games, save progress via the cloud, earn achievements, unlock rewards, connect with friends, and utilize cross-progression in supported titles. It replaced the older Uplay platform.2
Ubisoft+
Ubisoft+ is the company’s subscription service offering access to an extensive catalog of Ubisoft games, including many premium editions and downloadable content (DLC).2
Technology
Ubisoft has developed several proprietary game engines to support advanced graphics, AI, physics, and large open worlds:
- Anvil – Used for Assassin’s Creed
- Snowdrop – Used for The Division and Star Wars Outlaws
- Dunia Engine – Used for Far Cry
Corporate Philosophy
Ubisoft describes its mission as enriching players’ lives by creating original and memorable gaming experiences. The company emphasizes creativity, innovation, accessibility, diversity and inclusion, global collaboration, and long-term franchise development.1
Expansion Beyond Games
Ubisoft has extended many of its franchises into other media formats, including films, television series, novels, comic books, merchandise, and board games. These entertainment initiatives aim to expand the reach of its game worlds beyond interactive media.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Ubisoft has undergone significant organizational changes designed to streamline development and strengthen its major franchises. The company introduced a new internal structure focused on genre-based “Creative Houses” and continues to invest in long-term support for series such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six.3
Quick Facts
- Founded in France in 1986
- One of the world’s largest video game publishers
- More than 17,000 employees worldwide
- Over 50 studios and offices globally
- Creator of Assassin’s Creed
- Publisher of Just Dance
- Developer of Rainbow Six Siege and Far Cry
- Operates Ubisoft Connect and Ubisoft+
- Maintains development studios across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond
Ubisoft remains one of the gaming industry’s most influential publishers, recognized for its large-scale open-world games, enduring franchises, and global development network.





