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Ubisoft game to take risks

The central meeting point in the Ubisoft office is a large open pantry that comes with a game lounge and a ping-pong table.
The central meeting point in the Ubisoft office is a large open pantry that comes with a game lounge and a ping-pong table. ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM
The headquarters of Ubisoft Singapore. ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

Ubisoft is among the few triple-A game developers to have a full studio in Singapore, which is a huge draw for game designers looking for a job in and of itself.

Add to it the chance to work on some of the biggest franchises in gaming, such as Assassin's Creed and Prince Of Persia, and Ubisoft Singapore attracts its fair share of gamers lining up at its gates.

Ubisoft's local arm was also responsible for the multiplayer tactical shooter Ghost Recon Phantoms all the way from development to ongoing operation, making it an entirely made-in-Singapore game.

Its premises in Fusionopolis span two floors. The central meeting point is a large open pantry and recreational space with a game lounge and a ping-pong table.

Every day is casual Friday. Developers, coders and animators wear whatever feels comfortable.

Gamers determined to make a name for themselves find the risk-taking company culture to their liking, as it gives them a chance to show off their creativity.

"What we expect is people to bring new ideas and try new things," said Ubisoft Singapore managing director Olivier de Rotalier. "And that means being ready to take risks, and sometimes to fail."

Employees can share ideas and learn from other Ubisoft employees across the world, such as through Ubisoft Academies and developer conferences held throughout the year.

Senior gameplay designer Fairuz Lokman, 32, says the best part of the job is not the well-stocked pantry or the flexible hours, but the satisfaction of working on a beloved game franchise.

He said: "You get to create a product that's played by millions of gamers around the world. When you see the feedback, the reviews, the happy comments they have, it's the most rewarding part of the job.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 15, 2015, with the headline Ubisoft game to take risks. Subscribe