Last weekend, we had the pleasure of receiving an invitation to the exciting unveiling of Ubisoft’s new office at Bonifacio Global City as a part of their “Laro Tayo” event. We were given an extensive tour of the modern and spacious office, where we got a glimpse of their cutting-edge work environment. Ubisoft is highly regarded in the gaming industry and is best known for creating blockbuster titles such as Assassin’s Creed, For Honor, Just Dance, XDefiant, and Skull and Bones.
Many gamers may not realize that some of their favorite games have programming, art, and modeling created in the Philippines!
Ubisoft’s New Office – Entrance and Main Halls
As you walk through the entrance into the office space, you will find yourself in the splendidly adorned Gallery. Filling the space is an imposing statue of the fabled Assassin, Enzio, which stands as a striking welcome to visitors and staff alike. The area also hosts an impressive display of the nation’s artistic masterpieces and a collection of games created within the country.
Moving into the main hall, you’ll discover a myriad of attractions to capture your interest. The stage is set for various presentations and events. A cluster of arcade machines stands proudly, offering a trip down memory lane with an assortment of retro games, evoking waves of nostalgia. Adorning one wall is a gallery chronicling memorable milestones and events of the company. Creating a lively buzz is the beloved “Computer Shop” area, where employees congregate to engage in immersive gaming sessions or even organize exhilarating esports tournaments.
Ubisoft’s New Office – Work and Meeting Areas
Personally, we think it’s very easy to consider the idea of working at Ubisoft given all that we have seen: well-lit main working areas with expansive windows, creating a vibrant and energizing atmosphere. The open workstations provide ample space for relaxation and other activities, fostering a dynamic work environment. Additionally, the office features numerous meeting rooms and even includes a hidden gaming-themed room concealed behind shelves, reflecting a fun and innovative office design.
Ubisoft’s New Office – The Tour
During our tour, we made four significant stops which provided valuable insights into the game development process:
- Our first stop involved a comprehensive look at level design and the accompanying research for Assassin’s Creed: Mirage. Lead Level Designer, Nic Dela Cruz, and Associate Lead Artist, Jerrol Cadores, meticulously guided us through the entire process, from initial text research to the final design.
- At our second stop, Lead Programmer Dennis Li and Lead Animator Ave Espelita welcomed us and delved into the intricate process of designing game mechanics and the continuous improvements made with each iteration of the game. They also shared fascinating anecdotes about the creation and approval process of specific in-game animations.
- The third stop took us to Skull and Bones, where Project Manager Gerrardo Guangco, 3D Artist Tyler Pinchart, and concept artist Japy Young illuminated the process of creating new ship designs for the game using one of the DLCs as an example. They detailed the conceptualization of ideas, the addition of intricate details, and the final appearance of the end product.
- Our final stop led us to the much-anticipated secret meeting room, where we were granted an exclusive viewing of the trailer for Ubisoft’s newest title: Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. We had the privilege of engaging with Kat Banzali, the Project Coordinator, Lead Character Artist Kenneth Hitosis, and Associate Lead Artist Nissi Gatan, who generously entertained our inquiries about the game.
The tour gave us a fascinating insight into the transformation of AAA game studios from traditional, uninspiring office spaces to vibrant, creative environments. Among these studios, Ubisoft stood out as a shining example, demonstrating that working in the gaming industry can be as enjoyable as playing the games themselves.
Where else has VRSUS gone to? How about one of the best-kept secrets in the San Juan area?
