Ubisoft 2009 Annual Report Download - page 21

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Recognized for its capacity to innovate as well as create jobs, Ubisoft’s reputation extends far beyond
specialists of the video game industry.
Recognized expertise that is constantly developing
To remain on the cutting edge of innovation, Ubisoft strives to recruit the finest talents in the video game
industry. Its international and strategic presence at 24 production sites enables it to attract experts from the
four corners of the globe.
Ubisoft’s strategy has come to fruition, with the Group establishing itself in recent years as a benchmark in
terms of its capacity to innovate. The specialist site Gamasutra, for example, lists the Montreal studio in third
place in its Top 50 developers of 2009, mainly for the innovative character of its work.
Ubisoft is also continuing to strengthen its position in sectors that are growing rapidly or developing: the
acquisition of the French studio Nadéo, the creator of the game TrackMania® in particular, has reinforced the
Group’s expertise in the field of multiplayer online games.
During the financial year, the Group demonstrated the relevance of the policy of targeted acquisitions that it
has pursued over the last few years. This policy aims to integrate additional specialized expertise into the
expertise the Group already has. The arrival of new talent from the film industry via the Hybride studio led
this year to the creation of short features linked to the global launch of the new installment of Assassin’s
Creed®. This allowed the gaming world to be extended to a new medium and strengthened the impact of this
brand when the video game was launched. In the same way, the expertise of the teams at Ubisoft Massive
enabled the Group to introduce a new, innovative anti-piracy system for its PC games.
A true entertainment company in the wider sense, Ubisoft is also successfully developing the expertise of its
teams in new areas: comic books, book publishing, toys and figurines of our characters. Links between
Ubisoft and related industries (music, film, television, publishing, etc.) are being developed and exchanges
with experts in these industries are encouraged.
Diversified teams
The process of creating a game requires a high level of cooperation among teams, since all technical and
artistic areas of expertise interact with one another from start to finish. Ubisoft always bears in mind the need
to encourage team diversity, ensuring that differing points of view are taken into consideration in the creation
process, thus leading to games of the utmost quality.
The company’s daily life revolves around multiculturalism and open-mindedness:
• There are approximately 50 areas of expertise at Ubisoft, to brand managers, not to mention programmers
and game designers, all of whom are driven by the same passion and shared goals.
• Ubisoft teams are present in 28 countries, which means there are at least that many different nationalities
in the Group.
• As video games continue to primarily appeal to men, Ubisoft teams are composed of 80 % men. However,
it should be noted that women hold 42 % of the business-related positions.
1.1.4.1.2 Supporting individual development
1.1.4.1.2.1 Providing a stimulating and innovative environment
Ubisoft makes it a point to maintain a work environment that reflects corporate values and culture and
promotes expertise, creativity and innovation.
Direct communication that involves every employee in the company’s daily operations
Teams are regularly informed of the Company’s strategy and news through various communication
channels: a Group portal, local intranets, a monthly Group newsletter, internal meetings at all subsidiaries
and team seminars.
An internal survey is carried out on average every two years to consult all employees on the Company’s
major strategic decisions and to get an idea of the level of team satisfaction (78 % participation was reported
in the most recent survey in June 2009). Actions and programs are implemented in response to the results of
the survey, and employees are given regular progress reports.