NEWS - Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Ubisoft to Open Singapore Development Studio
The Assassin’s Creed publisher said that it had chosen to open the new studio in Singapore because of the countrys “excellent technological infrastructure, thriving local game development industry and quality of its universities and training institutions”. It also cited the strong support of the Singapore government and its willingness to work closely with industry players as key factors in its decision.Staff at the new studio, which is still under construction, will work with other Ubisoft studios on the development of titles for both portable and home consoles following an initial training period. Eventually Ubisoft’s Singapore studio will house up to 300 staff.
The new studio, to be managed by Olivier de Rotalier, previously Ubisoft’s director of cost control for its international production studios, will increase the publisher’s Asian presence – the company opened its second Chinese studio in Chengdu last September, while Ubisoft Shanghai houses its second largest development team.
"Singapores demonstrated interest and support for the video game industry made it a clear choice for Ubisofts continued international expansion,” said Christine Burgess-Quémard, executive director of Worldwide Studios at Ubisoft.
“Not only is it capable of ensuring the training and continued development of a highly skilled workforce specialized in interactive digital media, its quality of life and level of industrialization makes it uniquely positioned to attract and retain talent from throughout the region."
Source: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/