Companies & Studios

Ubisoft

French gaming giant

The Guillemot family built Ubisoft from a French software distributor into a global publisher behind Assassin's Creed, Rayman, and Far Cry.

pcPlayStationxboxnintendo publisherfrench 1986–present

Overview

Five brothers from Brittany transformed a software distribution company into one of gaming’s largest publishers. Ubisoft’s portfolio spans from the whimsical Rayman to the sprawling Assassin’s Creed franchise. The company pioneered the modern open-world formula and maintains independence despite repeated acquisition attempts.

Fast facts

  • Founded: 1986 by the five Guillemot brothers in Carentoir, France.
  • IPO: Paris Stock Exchange (1996).
  • Studios: dozens worldwide, including Montreal, Paris, Singapore.
  • Major franchises: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six, Watch Dogs, Rayman.
  • Independence: resisted Vivendi takeover attempt (2015-2018).

Franchise evolution

Building blockbuster series:

  • Rayman (1995): Michel Ancel’s platforming mascot.
  • Tom Clancy games: licensed military tactical franchises.
  • Assassin’s Creed (2007): open-world historical action.
  • Far Cry (2004): tropical first-person action (acquired with Crytek).

The Ubisoft formula

Recognisable open-world design:

  • Map towers: climb to reveal activities.
  • Collectibles: extensive item hunting.
  • Side content: missions scattered across huge maps.
  • Criticism: “Ubisoft open-world” became genre shorthand.

See also