Ubisoft has today announced plans for opening a new studio in Toronto, Ontario - the first company in this province. This announcement means the creation of 800 new jobs in Toronto over the next decade. The Ontario government has invested $ 263 million while net investment by Ubisoft will be 500 million Canadian dollars. The study will begin work in late 2009.

"Today's announcement marks a key point in Ubisoft's strategy as it involves the continued expansion of our development," said Yves Guillemot, President of Ubisoft. "We are in an excellent position to grow and after extensive analysis we like the power to reach an agreement with the government of Ontario to form a new studio in Toronto. This is a city of cultural and economic epicenter of North America and our expectations are very high. We are very pleased to have the exceptional talent of the local developers, which will help accelerate our growth and will have a profound impact on the gaming industry with their expertise and creativity. "

Ubisoft Toronto led by Yannis Mallat, Director of Ubisoft Montreal, whose proven leadership and vision will greatly assist the growth and success of the new study. Ubisoft will work in Toronto advanced qualifications (AAA) and therefore continue with the creativity that characterizes Ubisoft with the business model that so far has worked so well for the company. In addition, Ubisoft will bring Toronto its essence to the Ubisoft brand to take advantage of the pool of talent in the province of Ontario with high quality training in video Games.

The Toronto study also draw from the film industry located in the city. Collaboration with local veterans of the film industry will improve the production of video Games and extended the strategy of convergence of Ubisoft. Ubisoft Toronto as part of the overall plan of the company to extend their brands to additional platforms and media, including books, comics, short films and other products.

"We are very pleased to be able to maximize the talent of the professionals who have been building up in Ontario throughout these years," said Yannis Mallat. "Toronto provides a high degree of experience both in terms of gaming and film industry and will allow us to have a team of exceptional development that in turn will help us meet our goal of building brands that appeal to all types of public and beyond the world of videogames. "

The study will be the fourth in Ubisoft in Canada, along with those of Montreal, Quebec City and Vancouver, reaching a total of 2300 employees across the country. Today's announcement has been made possible by support from the government of Ontario and its investment in those organizations that create jobs and provide a long-term value to the economy of the province. The Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, was present at the conference today to announce plans for the study and the support of government throughout the process, stating that "in our world you can borrow money, you can copy the technology and can buy natural resources. But to set high wages and high quality of life is needed talent. Investing in Ubisoft, we are building the economy in Ontario today and tomorrow. "