Paris
Ubisoft Entertainment SA, formerly known as Ubi Soft Entertainment SA, is a French video game publisher with its headquarters located in Saint-Mandé. The company boasts development studios worldwide. Among its notable video game franchises are Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, For Honor, Just Dance, Prince of Persia, Rabbids, Rayman, Tom Clancy's, and Watch Dogs.
The Guillemot family, initially supporting farmers in France and the UK, diversified their business to include computer hardware and software distribution in the 1980s. They founded Guillemot Informatique in 1984, followed by Guillemot Corporation in 1985. Recognizing the potential in video game software, they established Ubi Soft (now Ubisoft) in 1986.
Initially operating from Paris and later Créteil, Ubi Soft focused on game development at a chateau in Brittany. Their early titles included Zombi and Ciné Clap. In 1995, Rayman, developed by Michel Ancel, became a flagship release.
By 1996, Ubisoft expanded globally, establishing studios in Annecy, Shanghai, Montreal, and Milan. They invested in online free-to-play titles and acquired Red Storm Entertainment, gaining access to the Tom Clancy's series.
In 2001, Ubisoft acquired The Learning Company's entertainment division, securing rights to franchises like Myst and Prince of Persia. Assassin's Creed, launched in 2007, marked another significant IP for the company.
In 2015, Vivendi initiated a takeover bid, acquiring shares in Ubisoft. Despite resistance from the Guillemot family, Vivendi's stake reached 25.15% by 2016. In 2018, Ubisoft struck a deal with Vivendi to prevent a takeover, with Tencent acquiring some of Vivendi's shares.
Ubisoft continued focusing on franchises like Assassin's Creed and Tom Clancy's series. However, they faced challenges with weak sales, prompting reorganization to diversify and improve game quality.
As of 2021, Ubisoft remains a major player in the gaming industry, with ongoing development efforts and strategic partnerships.
News
- 2023-10-17 Ubisoft Partners with Make-A-Wish Georgia
- 2023-10-20 Ubisoft Reveals New NA Hub
- 2023-11-08 Gaming Giants Faces Addiction Lawsuit
- 2023-11-09 Ubisoft Partners with GRID
- 2023-11-14 Rainbow Six Siege Skin Marketplace Revealed
- 2023-11-15 Ubisoft Partners with Esports Charts
- 2023-11-21 Ubisoft Leaves X
- 2023-11-24 Assassin’s Creed Starts to Show Ads
- 2023-12-18 Ubisoft to Pull the Plug on The Crew
- 2024-01-29 Rainbow Six Major Details Revealed
- 2024-01-31 Skull and Bones to Lose Money
- 2024-02-14 Six Invitational 2024 Partners Revealed
- 2024-02-14 1SP Agency to Acquire Renaissance PR
- 2024-02-16 Ubisoft workers On Strike
- 2024-02-26 Rainbow Six Siege Events Details Revealed
- 2024-03-19 Rainbow Six Siege Data Portal Launched