Ubisoft Toronto: the story on HearLore

Ubisoft Toronto

In July 2009, Ubisoft made a bold announcement that would reshape the Canadian video game landscape by establishing a new development studio in Toronto. This was not merely another satellite office; it was a strategic move backed by the government of Ontario, which pledged over 10 million Canadian dollars to create up to 800 jobs over a decade. Unlike other Ubisoft studios that began as support teams for larger operations, Ubisoft Toronto was granted immediate authority to lead its own projects from day one. The studio was founded under the leadership of Jade Raymond, a veteran of the industry who transferred from Ubisoft Montreal to spearhead the new venture. By September 2009, Raymond had assembled a core team including producer Alexandre Parizeau and creative director Maxime Béland, who were instrumental in shaping the studio's early identity. The physical home of the studio was a former General Electric building located in the Junction Triangle neighborhood, a location that would become the birthplace of some of the industry's most ambitious titles. By May 2010, the studio had already received more than 2,000 job applications, signaling a massive appetite for opportunity in the region. The studio officially opened its doors in September 2010, marking the beginning of a new era for Canadian game development.

Blacklist and Breakthrough

The studio's debut project, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist, was released in August 2013 to critical acclaim, establishing Ubisoft Toronto as a force to be reckoned with in the action-adventure genre. The game was developed for multiple platforms including PlayStation 3, Wii U, Windows, and Xbox 360, showcasing the studio's technical prowess and creative vision. By March 2012, the studio had grown to 200 employees, and by September 2013, it had expanded to 300 staff members. The success of Blacklist was not just a commercial victory but a validation of the studio's unique approach to game development. Jade Raymond, the studio's founder, left the company shortly after the game's release, and Alexandre Parizeau took over as general manager. The studio continued to evolve, and by July 2015, it was already working on an original intellectual property, which would later be revealed as Starlink: Battle for Atlas. This game, released in 2018, was the studio's first own IP and featured an innovative toys-to-life integration that blended physical toys with digital gameplay. By July 2017, the studio had grown to 600 staff members, reflecting its rapid expansion and growing influence in the industry. The studio's ability to lead its own projects from the start set it apart from other Ubisoft studios, which typically began by supporting larger operations.

Scandal and Restructuring

When was Ubisoft Toronto founded and who led its creation?

Ubisoft Toronto was founded in July 2009 under the leadership of Jade Raymond, who transferred from Ubisoft Montreal to spearhead the new venture. The studio officially opened its doors in September 2010 after receiving over 10 million Canadian dollars from the government of Ontario to create up to 800 jobs over a decade.

What was the first game released by Ubisoft Toronto and when did it launch?

The studio's debut project, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist, was released in August 2013 to critical acclaim. This game was developed for multiple platforms including PlayStation 3, Wii U, Windows, and Xbox 360, establishing Ubisoft Toronto as a force in the action-adventure genre.

Who is the current general manager of Ubisoft Toronto as of 2024?

Darryl Long became the managing director of Ubisoft Toronto in July 2023 after replacing Istvan Tajnay. He previously served as the managing director for Ubisoft Winnipeg and Ubisoft Singapore before taking over the Toronto studio.

What is the purpose of the Ubisoft Toronto NEXT competition?

Ubisoft Toronto NEXT is an annual competition aimed at post-secondary students and recent graduates to win internships by completing relevant submissions. As of the 2025 competition, 95 students have won internships at the studio from institutions such as Sheridan College, University of Toronto, and York University.

Why did Maxime Béland resign from Ubisoft Toronto in 2020?

Maxime Béland resigned from Ubisoft Toronto in late June 2020 following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations raised by over one hundred employees. The accusations were part of a broader wave of scrutiny related to the MeToo movement that swept through the video game industry.