Ubisoft 2013 Annual Report Download - page 24

Management Report
2013
19
1.4.2.3.1 A training policy adapted to the challenges of the sector
In a sector where continuous innovation, staying on top of technological advances and developing
expertise are key, naturally, all forms of training are a top priority. In recent years, the sector has seen
a significant evolution in online gaming. Ubisoft is training its teams to work on online games and
several of our production studios have since specialized in this type of game so that the Company is in
a position to provide gamers with innovative new experiences across the range of online platforms.
Furthermore, the development of several games for a new generation of consoles (Wii U™ from
Nintendo, XBOX One from Microsoft, PS4 from Sony) gives our teams the opportunity to master the
most advanced technologies on the market today. Video gaming is a relatively new business
compared to other entertainment industries, and adapted training courses are provided, for the most
part, within the Group, complementing on-the-job training.
As a true entertainment Company, Ubisoft is also developing its teams in new areas including comic
books, book publishing, toys and figurines of our characters, films and TV series. Links between
Ubisoft and related industries (music, film, television, publishing, etc.) are being developed and
exchanges with experts in these industries are encouraged.
For a number of years now, Ubisoft has endeavored to develop its employees by setting up specific
training courses which are created in-house and focused on technical fields linked to the video game
industry. These courses can be given on-site by the subsidiary or internationally, at the Ubisoft
Academies, which provide high-level training. In 2012/2013, 147 employees benefited from these
courses, which make it possible to develop the key skills of employees in line with operational
requirements. They are also opportunities for employees from different studios to share and discuss
their ideas and experiences.
Training expenditure accounted for 1% of payroll at end-March 2013: 4,134 employees took a course,
i.e. 52.5% of the Group's average headcount.
Ubisoft also encourages personal learning and has an e-learning policy tailored to the specific features
of business lines in the video game industry: 86 e-learning modules are accessible to all Ubisoft
salaries via a Group training portal to ensure their continual development.
Employees who have been with the Group for more than a year receive an annual appraisal, i.e. 77%
of employees in 2012/2013. The annual appraisal is an important moment in the year for each
employee. It is an opportunity to take stock of performance and the skills developed over the past
year, and also makes it possible to prepare the year ahead in terms of targets and an individual
development plan.
The Group currently offers numerous possibilities for advancement within specific fields and other
areas. The professional promotion rate is 14.92% for 2012/2013. Numerous international visits take
place each year. Over the last 12 months, 204 visits took place. These visits develop multicultural
exchanges and contribute to collaborative work.
1.4.2.3.2 Encouraging a collaborative approach within the teams
Collaboration is strongly encouraged at all levels within the Company, giving rise to a broad range of
actions and initiatives. For example, the Ubisoft Developers Conference convenes in Montreal once a
year, bringing together Ubisoft developers from around the world. Presentations, round tables and
workshops are organized to discuss the technological advances made by our production teams. Open
forums and business-specific databases continue to be developed and structured. Their goal is to
facilitate collaboration, organization and the sharing of key information related to teams, projects,
business lines, sites, etc.
The use of technologies or applications that facilitate exchanges, such as instant messaging, web
conferencing and the use of video as a communication medium, is encouraged.