SINGAPORE'S nascent video game industry has scored its biggest coup to date, with one of the world's largest computer game companies announcing plans this week to set up a development studio here.
Ubisoft, which has made hit titles such as Assassin's Creed and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, said it will hire 300 game developers for a local branch, a total that would add 50 per cent more game makers to the local pool.
This will make the studio the largest dedicated games developer in the region - a major feather in the cap for Singapore, which began vigorously promoting itself as a gaming hub three years ago.
Previously, this drive had attracted several software firms, but none with initial plans as big as Ubisoft's.
It is among the top five game companies globally in terms of market capitalisation, with a value of over 3 billion euros ($6.2 billion).
Executive director Christine Burgess-Quemard of Ubisoft's worldwide studios said Singapore was an ideal place to set up shop.
'Not only is it capable of ensuring the training and continued development of a highly skilled workforce specialised in interactive digital media, its quality of life and level of industrialisation make it uniquely positioned to attract and retain talent from throughout the region.'
Other major studios are also going on hiring binges here. Lucasfilm Animation Singapore plans to hire 300 people by the end of this year to work on both animated shows and games.
Electronic Arts said it would hire more than 200 game industry professionals by next year.
Economic Development Board assistant managing director Manohar Khiatani said Singapore has placed an emphasis on developing high-tech sectors like gaming.
'We are delighted that Ubisoft, one of the world's leading video game publishers and developers, has chosen Singapore,' he said.
According to industry experts, the amount of manpower Ubisoft is hiring is enough to make two triple A games - the industry's equivalent of a major Hollywood movie - at the same time.
The move is part of the company's push into the growing Asian games industry. It currently has 17 other development studios in the US, Europe and China. A statement issued by the company said the local studio would work on games for handheld systems as well as consoles.
Ubisoft develops and publishes games on all major games platforms, such as the PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii consoles.
The studio will be led by Mr Olivier de Rotalier, Ubisoft's director of cost control for its international production studios.
It will be located at the upcoming Fusionopolis complex off Portsdown Road.
