Ubisoft Toronto has once again stepped into the spotlight to champion independent game developers by announcing the newest installment of the Ubisoft Indie Series presented by the National Bank in Ontario. This annual competition is a beacon for local independent game development studios, offering not only a chance to showcase their talent but also a shot at a generous prize pool totalling $75,000, along with invaluable mentorship and an array of creative, marketing, and financial tools to propel their projects to new heights.
Julien Lavoie, the Director of Corporate Affairs at Ubisoft Toronto, expressed the studio's commitment to fostering the indie game scene in Ontario, stating, "The Indie Series shines a light on the incredible independent video game studios here in Ontario. We're proud to play a role in fostering a vibrant indie game scene in the province; the Indie Series acts as a springboard to showcase the province's talent on a global stage."
The success stories from previous Indie Series competitions underscore the impact of this initiative. Studios like Kitten Cup Studio, Achimostawinan Games, and Vivid Foundry, winners in the past, have released new games this year to high praise from players and reviewers, solidifying the Indie Series as a launchpad for emerging talent.
The competitive aspect of the Indie Series unfolds in a pitch session where a jury, comprised of experts from Ubisoft and National Bank, evaluates entries based on various criteria. These criteria encompass creative vision, narrative, game design, marketing strategy, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) and accessibility within the game and the development team.
Anne Schneerer, Managing Director and Head of Ontario and Western Canada, Creative Industries Group, National Bank, expressed enthusiasm about supporting indie studios, stating, "We're thrilled to play a role in empowering indie studios and supporting them in bringing their creative visions to life through the Indie Series. This program supports fueling innovation, nurturing talent, and ultimately helping to shape the gaming industry's future."
Interested game developers can register for the Ubisoft Indie Series presented by National Bank on the Indie Series website. Studios based in Ontario with 50 or fewer employees are eligible to apply, and the submission deadline is Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 11:59 PM ET.
The Ubisoft Indie Series has a proven track record of nurturing talent and innovation. With 13 Ontario winners and $500,000 in cash prizes awarded to date, the series has become a cornerstone of support for the local gaming ecosystem. Previous winners, such as Rocket Adrift and Thousand Stars Studio, have received more than just financial rewards; they've benefited from meaningful mentorship, production management advice, accessibility consultations, audio and narrative assistance, and marketing feedback.
Ubisoft Toronto doesn't limit its support to the Indie Series alone. The studio actively participates in other entrepreneurial initiatives in the video game industry, including the XP Game Developer Summit, which connects the video game and esports industries, and Indie Superboost. This industry-led effort facilitates candid, in-depth, and authentic conversations on the realities of succeeding as a sustainable indie studio.
For the latest updates on the Indie Series, enthusiasts can follow Ubisoft Toronto on Twitter and LinkedIn. As the competition unfolds, the gaming community eagerly awaits the next breakthrough talent that will emerge from the vibrant indie scene in Ontario.
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